Todd Konkel
Todd and Nicolle Konkel have opened a new business called Topeka Vendors Market in a downtown warehouse building.
The new business is located at 528 SE Adams St. in what was formerly the old Topeka Transfer & Storage Co. warehouse.
“The original red-brick structure was built in 1911 and is solid as a rock,” Todd said. “It has lots of character.”
Sitting just north of the 6th Street viaduct, and about a block east of the Ramada, Topeka Vendors Market features handmade items, antiques, vintage items, furniture, decor, and eclectic collectables.
“It has been so successful that the ground floor of 10,000 square feet is now full and we are opening the lower level on February 1, which will more than double our size,” Todd said.
Over 70 vendors are now part of the Topeka Vendors Market. They include makers, dealers, vendors and pickers. Each vendor can occupy one or more booths of various sizes on the ground floor of the warehouse, or now on the lower level as well.
“We have loading docks, and a big freight elevator if they need help bringing in larger items,” Todd said.
The entryway features a lounge area, a coffee bar, and a display area where they display works from local artists.
The market is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday each week.
More business expansion in same block
The Konkels were inspired by the West Bottoms district in Kansas City, where patrons can find handmade goods, antiques, specialty items and vintage finds, as well as food trucks, live music and more.
“We want it to be something exciting and fun for Topeka,” Nicolle said. “Topeka hasn’t done anything quite like this before.”
As part of the larger project, the Konkels have also purchased the adjacent buildings to the north of the warehouse, including the former Jordan Baking Co., which opened in the early 1920s at the corner of 5th Street and Adams. That building is now being outfitted with office space and a business lounge.
All the inter-connected buildings on the block offer a total of about 100,000 square feet, Todd said.
One of the buildings will feature an indoor food truck plaza.
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Another is being fitted with a commercial kitchen that will service the food trucks, event/wedding space and music venue.
The top two floors of the warehouse could make for great studio apartments.
There is an opportunity for a rooftop deck, and a brewery/distillery is also planned.
“This whole block could be a destination,” Nicolle said. “somewhere where you would find food trucks, live music and street vendors, among other things. There’s a lot of opportunities!”
The Konkels have a vision to redevelop these historic buildings in a way that offers something unique to the Topeka market, and they are well on their way.
By partnering with other small business people, they care creating a win-win situation for all.
For more information about the Topeka Vendors Market or other opportunities in that block, contact them at 785-251-0944 or info@topekavendorsmarket.com. You can also visit the website at Topekavendorsmarket.com, or find them on Facebook.
Todd and Nicolle Konkel with family
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice
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