1121 Quincy St
Topeka, KS 66612 Monroe

Topeka's iconic water tower. Everyone knows it. Now it's available.

The City of Topeka is offering 1121 SE Quincy Street for sale and redevelopment at $250,000. The parcel totals 43,125 square feet (approximately 0.99 acres) per public record and is zoned D1 — Downtown Core District — permitting a compatible mix of residential, office, civic, and commercial retail/service uses at high density within the core of downtown Topeka. The D1 designation reflects the City's vision for this corridor and provides a developer maximum flexibility without the need for rezoning.
The defining feature of the site is a historic reinforced concrete water tower, circa 1942. Per original 1942 engineering drawings, the structure measures 89.5 feet in outside diameter and 152.5 feet in height, reinforced concrete construction with interior concentric walls. Original 1942 engineering drawings are available upon request. Buyer to verify all dimensions.

Notably, the tower was constructed during World War II, a period when steel and metal resources were heavily rationed for the war effort. As a result, the structure was built primarily from reinforced concrete rather than the steel commonly used for water towers of the era — an uncommon construction method that speaks to both the ingenuity of the time and the exceptional durability of the structure today. The tower's durability is further evidenced by its survival of the infamous June 8, 1966 Topeka tornado — an F5, the highest classification on the Fujita scale and one of the most destructive tornadoes in Kansas history — which demolished much of the surrounding area, leaving the structure standing as a testament to its exceptional construction.

The structure's unique scale and construction present an uncommon opportunity for creative reuse. An indoor recreational use (perhaps indoor rock climbing, to name one), observation tower, event or performance venue, or arts and cultural installation are examples of the kinds of outside-the-box concepts worth considering for a site of this character. These are illustrative examples only and do not reflect the City's specific requirements or preferences beyond its stated redevelopment objectives.

The property benefits from strong downtown proximity fundamentals. State and municipal office buildings in the immediate area support consistent daytime employment activity, while a growing residential presence within the downtown core contributes to evening and extended-hour demand. The property is also conveniently located near the downtown Kansas Avenue retail and entertainment corridor, providing immediate access to dining, retail, and entertainment amenities that further support a broad range of redevelopment concepts. Downtown Topeka is experiencing a notable increase in residential density, reflecting growing confidence in the urban core. The Union at Tower District, a 250-unit residential community located directly across the street, and The Hutch, a separate 192-unit luxury residential development slated to begin construction late 2026, are independent examples of the expanding downtown residential market. Together they represent significant near-term growth in downtown population and long-term service demand that directly benefits this corridor. The property is located within the Downtown TIF District and an NRP At-Risk Area. Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) may be explored depending on buyer's project scope and City approval. Buyers should consult directly with the City of Topeka regarding eligibility and availability of all incentive programs.