Here’s another idea for downtown’s “upstairs.”

A rock-climbing wall.

That’s the plan for a 101-year-old, three-story building in Topeka.

Entrepreneur Dave Jackson wants to take over a building that’s scheduled to be torn down and erect a steel-framed structure inside, then put the rock climbing fixtures on the wall.

It turns out small retail businesses can also enjoy a downtown location – upstairs. Agtrax has an office upstairs in downtown Hutchinson. The Historic Rice County Jail in Lyons has an Airbnb downstairs and the top floor is open for parties, escape room events, etc. And, we haven’t forgotten the ambitious dream of an upscale restaurant in one of those upper stories on Main Street in Great Bend.

The Kansas Main Street program is coming to Great Bend next week to talk about its Upstairs Downtown program. While the local focus has been on loft apartments, Upstairs Downtown looks at multiple possibilities for redeveloping upper-floor spaces in small downtown buildings. Now that there is loft project grant money available locally, Great Bend Economic Development is sponsoring the Nov. 8-9 workshop. It is aimed at any banker, general contractor, architect, investor, realtor, etc. who wants to know how to get started and participate in these projects. 

Interested people should register at www.gbedinc.com/upstairsdowntown to reserve a spot at the free workshop.