Topeka, Kan. - Washburn is expanding educational opportunities in the manufacturing field while expanding its footprint in Topeka. Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn, today announced plans for the Manufacturing Institute at Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) in the former Kmart building in North Topeka.
“Washburn Tech is committed to our local manufacturing partners and their growing need for a highly skilled workforce,” said Mazachek. “Our new Manufacturing Institute will allow us to expand existing programs, launch new pathways, repurpose a vacant structure and strengthen our connection to the northern part of the community.”
In response to the state’s growing manufacturing industry, the State of Kansas and private funding are being utilized to provide the added training opportunities at Washburn Tech. Washburn leadership considered several options from building a new structure to buying an existing facility in a strategic part of the city. They identified the former Kmart building at 2240 NW Tyler as the best fit both in size and location.
“Through utilization of an existing structure, Washburn Tech has the ability to refurbish a large portion of the building while still preserving room to grow in the future and continue to respond to the state’s workforce needs,” said Scott Smathers, dean, Washburn Tech. “We believe this is the best option for investing state and donor dollars, as well as the best way to serve students and prepare them for careers that are high-pay and high-demand.”
Kmart closed its doors on NW Tyler in 2016. The property includes a 90,000 square-foot structure that provides ample training space as well as large, paved parking areas. Mazachek said the combination of these cost-saving factors with location played a major role in the decision.
“North Topeka is a thriving sector of our community and conveniently located for many of our adult students as well as students from more than 40 Northeast Kansas high schools,” said Mazachek. “The Manufacturing Institute in North Topeka is an exciting next step in providing the best academic experience for our students while continuing to strengthen the pipeline of workers required to fuel our economy.”
Planning and construction on the new facility is expected to begin in early 2025. Existing Washburn Tech facilities at 5724 SW Huntoon and 2014 SE Washington St. will continue to serve students.
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For further information, contact:Lori Hutchinson
Exec. Dir. of Strategic Marketing & Communications
Office: (785) 670.1711
Email: lori.hutchinson@washburn.edu
