Sunday, June 28, 2026

Hotel Topeka Taxpayer Costs: A Consolidated Summary of Public Investment and Recovery Efforts

By Henry McClure | MCRE Kansas | June 28, 2026

As a longtime Topeka real estate broker and advocate for transparent economic development, I've closely followed the Hotel Topeka project at City Center (1717 SW Topeka Blvd). The City of Topeka's acquisition and repositioning of this property raises important questions about taxpayer dollars, incentives like CID and TGT, and accountability in local government spending.

Below is a consolidated summary of the key costs based on official city announcements, Topeka Development Corporation (TDC) discussions, council actions, and local reporting. This aims to bring clarity to the numbers amid evolving figures and deal structures.

Consolidated Cost Summary Table

CategoryAmountDate / NotesSource Context
Purchase Price~$7.6 million (winning auction bid); ~$8.57 million (incl. costs in one report)Oct 2023City auction win; appraised ~$3M at time. Funded via city resources/bonds.
Additional Investments / Operations / Improvements~$4.6M–$6.4M+ (bringing totals to reported figures)2023–2025Includes capex, ops support (~$1.2M in 2024; ~$1M additional in periods), legal, interest on temp notes, etc.
Total City/Taxpayer Investment (Cumulative)$12.2 million (official baseline) ~$14 million (later reports) Mentions up to ~$17.7 millionJuly 2025 (official) Dec 2025+Direct public outlay for acquisition, holding, and repositioning. Primary taxpayer subsidy figure.
Sale Structure - Cash from Buyer$1 millionDeal with Endeavor Hotel Group (2025–2026)Down payment / initial recovery.
Balance to Recoup via Dedicated Revenues~$11.2M (from $12.2M baseline; higher with updated totals)Over ~17–20+ yearsVia CID (2% additional sales tax on hotel property) + incremental/special Transient Guest Tax (TGT) from guests. Approved by Council.
Buyer / Private Investment~$6M (rehab) + ~$2M (ops support)Post-saleEndeavor Hotel Group commitment for rebrand/repositioning.
County Contribution (Related)~$6 millionFor Maner Conference Center rehab + long-term managementShawnee County, tied to overall campus deal.
Incentive Package Discussed~$15 million economic development grant + 20-year property tax increment (TIF-like)Bid/offer process (2024–2025)Offered in developer solicitations; may represent total support value (grant equivalent + tax mechanisms). Not always separate in final structure.

Detailed Breakdown and Context

  • 2023 Purchase: The City stepped in at auction to acquire the hotel with the goal of boosting tourism and convention business. While the move was framed around economic impact (projected ~$20 million annual visitor spending if redeveloped), the premium over appraisal has been a point of discussion.
  • Ongoing City Spending: Post-purchase investments covered operations support, capital improvements, and holding costs. By mid-2025, the official total reached $12.2 million, rising to around $14 million by late 2025 in subsequent reports.
  • Current Deal Structure (Endeavor Hotel Group): The property is transitioning to private operation. The buyer provides $1 million cash upfront, with the balance of the City's investment targeted for recovery over 17–20+ years through CID (2% on-site sales tax) and incremental TGT revenues—both tied specifically to hotel guests and spending. This is intended to minimize ongoing burden on general taxpayers.
  • Incentives and Tools: Discussions included a potential $15 million economic development grant and property tax increment financing during the bidding process. A CID was formally approved, and TIF options were evaluated (TIF typically for increments on increased property values and eligible improvements).

Analysis and Taxpayer Implications

This project exemplifies the use of tools like Community Improvement Districts (CID) and Transient Guest Taxes to fund redevelopment while attempting to recoup public dollars from project-generated revenues. Proponents highlight potential jobs, visitor spending, and revitalization benefits. Critics, including those focused on fiscal responsibility, point to the initial outlay, carrying costs, long payback period, and risks if performance falls short of projections (e.g., room nights, RevPAR).

Net takeaway: Taxpayers have fronted approximately $12–14 million+ directly. Recovery mechanisms are in place via dedicated taxes on the hotel itself, but success depends on execution and market conditions. Related county investment in the Maner Conference Center adds to the public commitment.

Full transparency in these deals—through clear reporting, audits, and uniform processes—is essential for building trust and ensuring Shawnee County remains competitive. I encourage residents to review city council packets, TDC minutes, and budget documents for the latest details.

What are your thoughts on this project or similar incentives in Topeka? Share in the comments or contact me at MCRE, LLC. Let's keep pushing for "Shovel-Ready" projects and accountability that put Shawnee County first.

Sources: City of Topeka announcements (topeka.gov), TDC meetings, WIBW, KSNT, and related public records. Figures are consolidated from available reports as of June 2026 and may be updated with final closing or audit data.

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Figures have evolved with updates (e.g., from $12.2M to $14M+), and exact final accounting depends on closing documents, interest costs, and actual revenues.

 Approximately $12.2–14+ million in direct city (taxpayer) investment since the 2023 purchase, structured for partial/long-term recovery via hotel-specific revenues rather than a traditional upfront grant or broad TIF/STAR bond subsidy.

Here is the breakdown of the key numbers based on official city announcements, news reports, council actions, and Topeka Development Corporation (TDC) discussions (primarily 2023–2026):

1. Purchase (2023)

  • City of Topeka won the auction for the existing Hotel Topeka (at 1717 SW Topeka Blvd / City Center) in October 2023.
  • Winning bid: ~$7.6 million (commonly reported; one source cites $8,573,600 including costs/fees). The property had a 2023 appraisal around $3 million, so the city paid a premium.
  • Funded via bonds or city resources; purchase authorized by governing body (7-2 vote) to support tourism, conventions, and economic development after the hotel went to auction.

2. Total City Investment/Spending to Date

  • By July 2025 (official city announcement): $12.2 million total spent on Hotel Topeka (purchase + operations support, capital improvements, legal/fees, interest on temporary notes, etc.).
  • By December 2025: Reports of ~$14 million invested (including improvements and operations).
  • Additional context: ~$1.2 million supplementing operations in 2024 alone; further ~$1 million+ in one reported period. One 2025 reference mentioned $17.7 million spent so far (possibly including projections, interest, or broader accounting). Earlier 2025 council actions added incremental funding (e.g., $291k bringing a running total to ~$11.53 million).
  • These funds came from city resources (general funds, bonding capacity, possibly TGT allocations), representing the core direct taxpayer outlay/subsidy for acquiring and propping up a distressed asset.

3. Sale/Recoupment Structure with Endeavor Hotel Group (2025–2026 Deal)

  • Sale to Wichita-based Endeavor Hotel Group (which plans ~$6M rehab + $2M ops support; rebrand/reposition, possibly as Hilton DoubleTree or similar/Wyndham-related).
  • $1 million cash payment from buyer.
  • Remaining balance of city’s investment (~$11.2 million from the $12.2M baseline, or adjusted higher with later totals) to be recouped over ~17–20+ years via:
    • Community Improvement District (CID): 2% additional retail sales tax on sales at the hotel property (approved by City Council, e.g., 8-2 vote). Dedicated to recouping city costs.
    • Incremental/special Transient Guest Tax (TGT/bed tax): Captured incremental or dedicated TGT revenues from hotel guests (city council actions approved mechanisms; city-wide TGT also adjusted/increased, with portions tied to this). Earlier projections: redeveloped hotel could generate ~$440k+ annual TGT and ~$1M sales tax.
  • Official city framing (July 2025): Taxes collected only from hotel guests/spending; structured so the city recoups its investment as the hotel succeeds under private operation. Projections (e.g., RevPAR models) showed payback in 17 years for ~$9.8M or 19 years for ~$11.3M under strong performance assumptions.
  • Related county commitment: Shawnee County to provide long-term management of Maner Conference Center + invest ~$6 million in its rehab to match hotel upgrades.

This is more of a self-liquidating/public investment recovery via dedicated property revenues than an outright permanent subsidy. General taxpayers bear interim carrying costs (interest, opportunity cost, risk of underperformance/shortfall).

4. Additional Incentives Discussed (~$15 Million Scale)

  • During bid/offer processes (e.g., late 2024–2025), documents and reports referenced the City offering developers a $15 million economic development grant + a 20-year property tax increment (TIF-like mechanism to capture increased property taxes from improvements).
  • TIF discussions occurred in TDC meetings for potentially capturing increments to help reimburse purchase price + improvements (TIF can apply to purchase price and exterior/public improvements under Kansas law; CID handles on-site sales tax). A full TIF district for Hotel Topeka was considered but the executed structure emphasized CID + TGT.
  • The $15M figure likely represented the total contemplated incentive/support package value (grant equivalent + tax increment financing benefits) to attract private investment/rehab, in addition to or encompassing the low effective sale price and recoupment tools. It was not always framed as new cash on top of the $12M+ sunk costs in later official sale announcements.

Summary of Taxpayer Subsidy

  • Direct/public funds committed: ~$12.2–14 million+ (purchase + ongoing costs through 2025–2026). This is the clearest “subsidized” amount—taxpayer dollars used to buy and sustain the hotel.
  • No major pre-2023 TIF/STAR/CID subsidies identified specifically for this hotel’s original development (city acquired an existing asset at auction).
  • Recovery mechanism: Mostly from hotel guests and on-site spending (CID sales tax + TGT increment), not ongoing general taxpayer levies. Full recoupment projected in 17–20+ years if performance targets are met; risk remains with the city/taxpayers.
  • Incentive context: Up to ~$15 million scale in grant/TIF-style support discussed in deal structuring to enable private redevelopment.
  • Broader context: Aimed at tourism/convention economic impact (~$20 million annual visitor spending projected if redeveloped successfully). Critics (including local advocates) highlight the premium purchase price, total outlay, carrying costs, and questions about net return vs. alternatives.

Figures have evolved with updates (e.g., from $12.2M to $14M+), and exact final accounting depends on closing documents, interest costs, and actual revenues. Official sources like topeka.gov and TDC materials provide the baseline; local reporting (WIBW, KSNT, CJOnline) tracks the debate. For the absolute latest post-June 2026 closing details, check city council/TDC minutes or recent financial reports, as the deal was progressing toward a mid-2026 handover.

This aligns with common Topeka economic development tools (CID, TGT increment, limited TIF discussions) but stands out due to the city’s direct ownership and large front-loaded investment in an existing property.

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Friday, June 26, 2026

Wible

Wible Property Development, LLC is a local commercial and residential development firm spearheaded by owner Tyler Wible. The company is actively driving local economic growth in the region, focusing on expanding community infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization. [1, 2]  
Key Projects & Initiatives 

• Southeast Topeka Gas Station: Tyler Wible is heading the development of a new gas station under local ownership to serve the southeast area of the city. 
• General Contracting & Remodeling: The company operates as an active commercial and residential developer, regularly executing localized build projects and property improvements. 
• Market Focus: Wible has a proven 5-year track record of driving residential and commercial real estate projects tailored for medium-to-large rural and growing urban markets. [2, 5]  

To review Tyler Wible's professional background, check his LinkedIn Profile. For information on business reliability and contractor licensing, you can view the Better Business Bureau Profile. 
If you are looking into commercial space, property investments, or residential development in the Topeka area, let me know. I can help provide insights into local zoning requirements or current construction projects. 
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Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

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Monday, June 22, 2026

More like an episode

You just caught The Mandalorian & Grogu in theaters! It's a fun ride that serves as a self-contained cinematic adventure pulling together elements initially scripted for the show's fourth season. [1, 2, 3]  
Fans and critics alike have had plenty to say about the film since its release. While the reception is generally mixed, here are the biggest highlights and discussion points: 

• The Dynamic: Most fans on Reddit agree that the core father-son relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu remains the heart of the story, with Grogu showing a lot more independence and resourcefulness. 
• Cinematic Experience: The movie delivers exactly what you'd expect from a big-budget, standalone Star Wars adventure—from thrilling gunfights to an outstanding score by Ludwig Göransson. 
• Tone: Because it was originally retooled from series scripts, some reviewers note that the pacing and episodic feel resemble a super-sized, high-budget TV episode rather than a galaxy-altering blockbuster. [1, 2]  

What did you think of the movie? I'd love to hear your favorite scene, or we can discuss where you hope to see Din Djarin and Grogu go next! 
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Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

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Saturday, June 20, 2026

Summary of Memorial to James A. McClure (Judge McClure) Full Transcription of the Memorial to James A. McClure

 James Austin McClure (1882–1954) was a prominent Topeka, Kansas, attorney and judge known for his integrity, fairness, legal acumen, and community service.

Early Life and Education

  • Born December 14, 1882, in Clinton, Iowa, to Samuel T. McClure (Presbyterian minister) and Alta Case McClure.
  • Family moved to Topeka in 1890.
  • Attended Topeka public schools and Washburn University (then Washburn College) starting in 1902, combining law and college courses.
  • Worked as a stenographer at Santa Fe Offices while attending law school at night; later served as secretary to Chief Justice William A. Johnston of the Kansas Supreme Court.

Legal Career

  • Admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1909 and began private practice.
  • Served as Assistant County Attorney of Shawnee County (1911–1913).
  • Joined the law firm headed by Judge Monroe (with Lee Monroe, Cyrus M. Monroe, and W. S. Roark).
  • Appointed in 1919 by Governor Henry J. Allen as Judge of the First Division of the District Court of Shawnee County to fill an unexpired term. Elected in 1920 and re-elected in 1924; served nine years on the bench until resigning in 1928.
  • Praised for keen perception of the law, sound judgment, fairness, impartiality, patience, and kindness — especially toward first offenders and the inexperienced. Known for listening attentively and tempering justice with understanding.
  • Resumed private practice in 1928 as a member of Stone, McClure, Webb, Johnson & Oman (later McClure, Webb & Oman), where he became the senior member. Regarded as a “lawyer’s lawyer” who counseled many attorneys.

Public Service and Community Involvement

  • Elected to the Topeka Board of Education (1929), serving 12 years.
  • Instructor at Washburn University School of Law.
  • President of the Topeka Bar Association (1926); member of the American Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, Topeka Bar Association, Masonic bodies, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Alpha Delta, First Presbyterian Church, Kansas Children’s Service League, and Capper Foundation for Crippled Children.
  • Active in political affairs and public service; described as a tireless, thorough, modest, and delightful colleague who never sought personal glory.

Personal Life

  • Married Louise Allison of Topeka in 1915. They had two sons: Dr. James A. McClure and Robert A. McClure (a practicing lawyer in Topeka).
  • Enjoyed a happy marriage until Louise’s death in 1951.
  • At his death on June 8, 1954, he was survived by his sons, five grandchildren, and a sister (Mrs. Victor G. Kropf of Chicago, Illinois).

The memorial was respectfully submitted on May 27, 1955, by a committee chaired by Robert L. Webb (with Marlin S. Casey, T. M. Lillard, Harry W. Colmery, and John E. DuMars).

This document highlights Judge McClure as a dedicated legal figure deeply rooted in Topeka’s institutions and a model of professional integrity. It aligns well with your family heritage interests in the McClure line in Kansas. Let me know if you'd like a cleaned-up full transcription, family tree notes, or anything else!





Full Transcription of the Memorial to James A. McClure

MEMORIAL TO JAMES A. McCLURE

JAMES AUSTIN McCLURE died at Topeka, Kansas, on June 8, 1954. His death resulted in great loss to his associates, to the Topeka Bar Association and to the Bar of the State of Kansas, as well, not only because of his outstanding ability as a lawyer but also because of his high sense of integrity and fairness.

James A. McClure was born at Clinton, Iowa, on December 14, 1882, the son of Samuel T. and Alta Case McClure. His father was a minister of the Presbyterian Church who moved to Topeka in 1890.

Mr. McClure attended the public schools of Topeka and entered Washburn University (then Washburn College) in 1902, combining law and college courses. In 1907, he became a stenographer in the Santa Fe Offices and attended law school at night. Later, he became secretary to William A. Johnston, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kansas, remaining in that position until he finished his law course.

He was admitted to the bar in 1909 when he began the private practice of the law. From 1911 to 1913, he served as Assistant County Attorney of Shawnee County. He then joined the law firm headed by Judge Monroe and consisting of Lee Monroe, Cyrus M. Monroe and W. S. Roark.

Page 2
Memorial

In 1919, Mr. McClure was appointed by Governor Henry J. Allen as Judge of the First Division of the District Court of Shawnee County, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Robert D. Garver. Judge McClure was elected to that office in 1920 and re-elected in 1924. During his nine years on the bench, he distinguished himself not only by his keen perception of the law and his sound judgment but also by his fairness and impartiality, and his patience and kindness. Judge McClure took a great deal of interest in first-offenders and those inexperienced who came before him, and he tried always to temper justice with understanding. He always found time to listen to the complaints and troubles of a juror, a witness, a bailiff and perhaps even a lawyer, and to give them such help as was proper under the circumstances.

Judge McClure resigned the judgeship in 1928 to resume the private practice of law and became a member of the firm of Stone, McClure, Webb, Johnson & Oman. In 1929, he was elected as a member of the Topeka Board of Education in which position he served for twelve years. For a number of years, he was an instructor at Washburn University School of Law.

Judge McClure was a consistent member of one of the major political parties and always maintained an active interest in political affairs. He also maintained an active interest in other public affairs, and for many years prior to his death he

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Memorial

served on the governing bodies of The Kansas Children’s Service League and The Capper Foundation for Crippled Children. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Masonic bodies, The American Bar Association, the Bar Association of the State of Kansas, and the Topeka Bar Association, and served as President of the Topeka Association in 1926. He was also a member of Phi Delta Theta and Phi Alpha Delta.

Judge McClure was a tireless worker, and no suggestion was too small to enlist on his part a thorough investigation before calling the job “done.” He was never satisfied with the meager facts given to him in the first instance but delved and searched for all facts that might bear on his problem. He searched for the law in the same manner. He almost never quit. Until ten years before his death, he seldom closed his office before six o’clock. Despite his close attention to duty, he was a delightful person with whom to work, and he never sought personal glory. He was in fact a very modest person. In his twenty-six years of practice after leaving the bench, he counselled many lawyers who sought his aid, and he could very properly be called a lawyer’s lawyer. He was known to many of his acquaintances as Judge McClure although to most of his friends he was just plain “Jim.”

At the time of his death, he was the senior member of the firm of McClure, Webb & Oman.

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Memorial

In 1915, Judge McClure was married to Louise Allison, of Topeka, and to them were born two sons. Judge and Mrs. McClure enjoyed a happy and congenial life together until Mrs. McClure’s death in 1951. Surviving Judge McClure are his sons, Dr. James A. McClure, of Topeka, and Robert A. McClure, a practicing lawyer of Topeka, five grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Victor G. Kropf, of Chicago, Illinois.

Respectfully submitted this
27th day of May, 1955.

Marlin S. Casey
T. M. Lillard
Harry W. Colmery
John E. DuMars
Robert L. Webb, Chairman

Memorial Committee.

This is a complete, clean transcription of the four-page memorial document. It preserves the original wording, spelling, and structure as closely as possible. Let me know if you would like it formatted as a Word document, PDF, or with any annotations (such as potential family connections



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