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Council endorses sending 200-unit downtown housing RHID application to state review
Summary
The governing body authorized staff to submit a reinvestment housing incentive district application from FNC Development for a proposed ~200-unit market-rate apartment at Sixth and Van Buren, a step toward state review and later local project approvals.
On June 3 the Topeka governing body approved a resolution to forward an application from FNC Development Inc. to the Kansas Department of Commerce seeking creation of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) at Sixth and Van Buren in downtown Topeka.
Rhiannon Freeman, director of planning and development services, told the council the proposed project is "approximately 200 unit apartment complex" expected to be market rate and that the resolution sends the district creation request to the Department of Commerce for review before any local project plan approvals.
Council members noted the developer’s multi‑year engagement with city staff. "These developers have been working with Rhiannon and the city for more than five years," Councilwoman Karen Hiller said, adding that the proposed building aligns with the city’s downtown plans.
The motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Neil Dobler and seconded by Councilman David Banks; the vote was recorded 10–0 in favor. The resolution sends the RHID request to state review; if Commerce approves the district, the developer will return to the city with project plans and specific incentives for council consideration.
The council’s action was limited to the RHID creation request; no project plan, tax incentive package or final building permits were approved at this meeting.
