These historic Topeka buildings desperately need renovation

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Two historic buildings in the capital city are long overdue for renovation. The question is: what's the holdup?

The old Red Carpet Inn has sat in a state of disrepair for nearly 20 years and the Menninger Tower even longer.

Last purchased via Shawnee County auction in Oct. 2021, a City of Topeka spokesman said the owners of the hotel are still working on securing grants to help fund a revamp.

The owners have not responded to multiple requests for comment. According to the Shawnee County Appraiser, they currently owe $41,285.48 in property taxes for the eyesore off I-70.

As for the Menninger Clock Tower, it was originally built in 1929. The facility changed functions over the years and was most famously home to the Menninger Clinic, which relocated to Houston in 2003. It's been vacant since then.

In April 2023, the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) awarded $637,500.00 to the Kansas City, Missouri based Sunflower Development Group (SDG) to help fund the construction of 'The Menninger Clocktower Apartments' as an affordable housing option for the disabled and elderly.

KSNT 27 News has visited the site multiple times. There are no visible signs of a construction. According to a KDC spokesman, SDG has until March of 2025 to finish the project.

The KDC spokesman also noted they have not transferred any funds to SDG.

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