NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission voted Tuesday to begin negotiations with a Wichita developer on a proposal to redevelop the historic Newton depot and surrounding downtown property.
Wichita developer Bruce Rowley, along with Newton native Shawn Penner and Newton resident Greg Gaeddert, presented plans to transform the depot into a mixed-use development featuring a restaurant, brewery and retail space on the first floor, with apartments or short-term lodging on the second floor.
The proposal also includes redevelopment of city-owned property south of the depot at 320 N. Main St. Plans for that site feature a permanent farmers market pavilion, outdoor gathering areas, additional commercial and hotel development, and an elevated pedestrian walkway.
Rowley said restoring the depot would be the first priority, with the goal of attracting additional investment and activity downtown.
“It is an incredibly historic property, and it sits empty in the heart of this city,” Rowley said. “We’ve seen how that can be turned around. So our vision is to focus on that property first.”
Rowley has spent the past decade redeveloping historic buildings in downtown Wichita. His previous projects include converting a 1929 fire station into office and retail space. He is also working to transform an 1888 rooming house and retail building into a boutique hotel.
Rowley said Kansas' recent increase in historic preservation tax credits from 25% to 40% has made projects such as the Newton depot more financially feasible.
The development team expects to pursue a combination of historic tax credits, grants, tax increment financing districts, community improvement districts and other incentives to help fund the project.
The city secured an option in January to purchase the depot for $500,000 or transfer that option to a developer. In July, the city issued a request for proposals combining the depot with the city-owned property at 320 N. Main St.
Commissioners directed city staff to begin negotiations with Rowley's team. Any proposed financial participation or incentives from the city would require further review and consideration by the commission.
Built in 1930, the Newton depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has previously housed restaurants, lodging and office space.
The depot also serves Amtrak's Southwest Chief passenger rail route and is the busiest passenger rail station in Kansas.