TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka Councilmember Karen Hiller said that, if possible, the city will attempt to recoup its investment in Hotel Topeka.
On Tuesday night, the City of Topeka voted to approve $72,343.54 for additional operating funds to keep the hotel running. The hotel has cost the city nearly $10 million in total since the city bought it in October 2023.
Hiller said there may be some ways to recoup the city's investment but those deals may look differently depending on the buyer.
"A couple things are important to us, one, that the hotel goes to a good buyer," Hiller said. " You know, the only reason we intervened was to make sure we had a quality hotel in that expo center complex."
Hiller said the city will likely have another report on Hotel Topeka in early 2025.
"If all goes well it's a closing step and on to the next," Hiller said. "People have worked hard. We never expected to own a hotel. Nobody had done it, people, especially Braxton Copely, have worked so hard, we've all learned a lot... Part of what needs to happen is this is a three-legged deal, right?"
Director of Communications & Media Relations Dan Garrett told 27 News Tuesday, Dec. 10 that the City of Topeka has received four offers on Hotel Topeka.
Hiller listed Hotel Topeka, the homeless population, the city manager transition and the police chief search as challenges the council faced in 2024. Hiller said the new police chief starts in mid-January.
"So there are seasoned people who have worked in big markets, have experience, and are looking forward to working in a mid-size market that they can take all that they've learned and done and help us just get our arms totally around what our challenges are here in Topeka and do a great job," Hiller said.
You can watch the full interview above. To read more about the recent developments surrounding Hotel Topeka, click here.
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