Commerce Park, originally referred to as such in early 2000s planning documents, has evolved into what is now known as Central Crossing Commerce Park. This 500-acre industrial park in south Topeka, located east of US-75 (also known as I-335 or Highway 75) near SW 49th Street, serves as a key hub for manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. It is part of the broader Kanza Economic Growth Complex (KEGC), often called the "Topeka Triangle," which includes adjacent sites like Kanza Fire Commerce Park and Forbes Field. The park's development reflects Topeka's strategic push for economic growth through public-private partnerships, incentives, and infrastructure improvements, leveraging its central U.S. location for transportation advantages. Below is a detailed chronological history based on available records, including early planning efforts, key milestones, major companies, and ongoing impacts.Early Planning and Development (2002–2004)Development of the park began in 2002 as part of a concerted effort by GO Topeka (the economic development arm of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce), local government, and private developers to capitalize on Topeka's logistics strengths. The site was identified as a 600-acre (later refined to 500 acres) parcel zoned for light industrial use, positioned near major highways (US-75, I-70, I-335, and I-470) and rail lines served by BNSF Railway.
- 2003 Master Planning: GO Topeka engaged consultants Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers and Gould Evans Goodman to create a Master Land Use Plan. A stakeholder charette involving the Topeka Chamber of Commerce, city and county officials, utility companies, Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) representatives, and private developers identified the need for a new interchange at US-75 and SW 49th Street to serve as the park's "front door." A formal request for a KDOT Break-In-Access Study was submitted on September 5, 2003, signed by key figures including Topeka Mayor Harry Felker III, Shawnee County Commission Chairman Vic Miller, GO Topeka Chairman Kris Robbins, Greater Topeka Chamber Chairman Dean Ferrell, and developer Henry McClure (of McClure Real Estate). The letter highlighted early developments, such as the construction of the Target Distribution Facility on SW 57th Street, and pledged support for the study, which was estimated at $10,000 and partially funded by private contributions, including from Dana K. Anderson.
- Covenants and Restrictions (Late 2003): In December 2003, a memo from Kathy Moellenberndt scheduled a stakeholder meeting to review proposed covenants and restrictions for the park (then called Center Point Commerce Park in some references). This included visual plans for landscaping, signage, and parkways along SW 57th Street to ensure aesthetic and functional standards.
- 2004 Funding and Oversight: The park appeared on Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) agendas, including a request for $1.7 million in federal funding for infrastructure. Henry McClure raised questions about GO Topeka's budget allocations for personnel and operations, emphasizing transparency. By September 2004, the Break-In-Access Study was underway, with results expected in 90–120 days to inform KDOT's potential participation in the interchange.
- Frito-Lay (PepsiCo) Facility: Frito-Lay has had a presence in Topeka since 1956, with its original plant at SE 6th and Kansas Avenue destroyed by the 1966 tornado. The current 600,000-square-foot facility on 188 acres was constructed in 1971 near the Kansas Turnpike and I-470 interchange, predating the park's formal development but later incorporated into Central Crossing. It produces snacks like Lay's and Doritos, employing hundreds. In 2011, it celebrated 40 years in Topeka and became the first existing plant in Kansas to earn LEED Gold certification for sustainability in 2010. A notable 2021 strike by 600 workers highlighted labor issues like mandatory overtime.
- Target Distribution Center (Mid-2000s): One of the park's anchor tenants, Target received 143 acres valued at $1.5 million (funded by sales tax revenues) plus a $1.5 million road and 10-year property tax exemption. The facility was under construction by 2003 and operational soon after, serving regional stores. Incentives were extended to 2017 after employment dipped below 650 during the recession.
- The Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center (2009–2010): Announced in 2009 amid the recession, this $28 million facility opened in 2010, creating over 200 jobs. It distributes products to stores across the Midwest.
- Bimbo Bakeries USA / Allen Foods (2010–2011): Announced in 2010 with a $30 million investment, the 135,000-square-foot bakery facility opened in 2011, producing brands like Oroweat breads and Thomas bagels. It added 52 jobs initially and earned Kansas a Silver Shovel Award for economic development. Incentives included cash and land from JEDO.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: The SW 49th Street interchange, requested in 2003, was eventually built, improving access. The park now features complete utilities (water, sewer, gas, electric), developed entryways, and roads.
- Current Status (as of 2026): Spanning 500 acres with shovel-ready sites available, the park remains a cornerstone of Topeka's economy. It hosts Target, Frito-Lay, Home Depot, and Bimbo Bakeries, contributing to over 1,000 jobs in the area. GO Topeka continues marketing it for mixed-use parcels, with access to a workforce from a 500,000+ population base, nearby universities (e.g., Kansas State, University of Kansas), and state incentives like KansasWorks' $2,000 job training program.
Henry McClure
Time kills deals
785-383-9994
www.henrymcclure.live
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