NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Commission approved an option contract to purchase the historic Newton Depot.
The $20,000, 12-month option grants the City an exclusive right, but not an obligation, to purchase the property at a future date for $500,000.
The depot property has been listed for sale for over a year, with an asking price of $1.5 million. City Business Development Director Zach McHatton said the owner, Crossroads Lumber Company of Hutchinson, is ready to see the property move into new hands.
The option gives the City time for due diligence, including assessing the building’s condition, evaluating costs, and analyzing potential new uses. The City can maintain strategic control over the site without committing to purchasing it.
The City can then package the depot and the former Dillons property at 320 N. Main together to create the Depot District and issue a Request for Proposals from developers for both sites. The City’s option is transferable to any developer the City should choose.
Commissioners said the intention is not for the City to be the long-term owner of the depot but to facilitate its redevelopment for the benefit of the community. They encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming Newton Next Planning and Design Workshops to provide input on what the future of the properties should be.
The depot, built in 1930, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most important civic landmarks in Newton. It has most recently been used primarily for leased office spaces, but in the past has housed restaurants and lodging. Service on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line makes it the busiest passenger rail station in the state.
After a lengthy debate, the Commission approved a plan for the 2026 sale and discharge of fireworks in Newton. For the first time, the schedule includes a distinction between aerial and non-aerial fireworks, similar to the City of Wichita’s regulations.
Fireworks sales will be allowed June 27-July 4. Setting off non-aerial fireworks (such as fountains, smoke balls, and firecrackers) will be allowed from June 27-July 4. Aerial fireworks can be set off only July 2-4.
The Commission will vote on the ordinance at the Jan. 27 meeting.
The City Commission took the first step to designate a Reinvestment Housing Improvement District (RHID) at Logan and SE 14th Connector, just south of the new Fox Ridge development. The project is set to create about 15 multi-family or duplex units and several single-family homes that would offer affordable housing variety to the community.
An RHID fosters development by capturing the newly generated property tax revenue for up to 25 years to help the developer pay for construction of public improvements such as utility lines, streets, etc.
In other action, the City Commission:
- Approved a resolution of support for Skyview Apartments’ application for Low Income Housing Tax Credits to support its planned rehabilitation work.
- Approved a City Connecting Link Improvement Program grant agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for improvements to Main Street from 13th Street to the north city limits. This is a $400,000 grant toward a $1.2 million project.
- Amended Chapter 11 of the City Code for more efficient prosecution of businesses violating environmental and health laws.
- Designated the Newton Kansan as the official newspaper for publication of legal notices for the ensuing year.
- Approved a temporary alcohol permit for Ead’s Winery to sell wine at Prairy on Jan. 15 for Third Thursday.
- Approved a request to close Plum Street on May 2 for the Newton Recreation Commission’s 80th Anniversary Celebration.
- Approved a request to close East 14th Street at Centennial Park on May 2 for the Battle of the Schools Fun Run.
