Inspire! Hutchinson Issue 4

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February

TABLE OF Contents

Meet Me Downtown

by Denice Gilliland

3

Hutch Has Heart

by Laura Meyer-Dick

shared rhythm of conversation and creativity.

Third Thursday has become more than an event — it’s an invitation, for residents to get acquainted with the beauty of their own downtown district and reminded them that art can happen in the streets, among neighbors, and within everyday spaces.

This event inspired our Downtown community. Building owners have restored historic facades, residence begin to take shape and became home to locals, new businesses opened and once-empty corners transformed into gathering spots.

Coffee shops, bakeries, boutiques and creative studios brought new life — each adding its own layer of character and connection.

Public art has become the thread that ties it all together. Murals and sculptures, like the iconic TECH lion at 2 N. Main, or the metal scultpure of a Charro that stands in front of Anchor Inn, now mark downtown as a destination for both locals and visitors. Each piece tells a story — of resilience, creativity and pride.

Hutch For The Holidays

by Denice Gilliland 5

Meet Me DOWNTOWN

Walk through downtown Hutchinson today and you’ll find more color, rhythm and life than before at every corner. Murals brighten brick walls; local musicians fill the air with sound and the aroma of coffee and sweets drifts through open doors.

People gather — not by chance, but by design.

It’s hard to imagine that just a few decades ago, downtown was quiet. In the 1990s, empty storefronts and faded signage told the story of a district that had lost its spark.

Yet out of that quiet came intention. Residents, business owners and city leaders began to reimagine downtown as the community’s heart — a place not only to shop and dine, but to connect, create and belong.

That vision came to life with the grassroots creation of Third Thursday, a monthly celebration of local arts and culture that continues to define Hutchinson’s creative spirit.

What began as a handful of artists and entrepreneurs opening their doors after hours grew into a signature event that draws hundreds using Downtown Hutchinson as the event space each month.

These investments reflect the principles of placemaking: designing spaces for people first. When a downtown feels welcoming, beautiful and alive, people stay longer, spend more and return often. That’s what developers call “sticky spaces” — places that make us pause, engage and connect.

In Hutchinson, those spaces take many forms. For example: A shaded table under string lights, a brightly painted alley, a musician’s corner stage, each one adds a sense of belonging that no development plan alone could create.

Culture isn’t just good for the soul — it’s good for the economy. In Kansas, the arts and culture sector generated $5.47 billion in economic activity in 2023 and supported nearly 50,000 jobs. In a community the size of Hutchinson (~40,000 people), even a modest arts ecosystem could translate into millions of dollars in local spending, dozens of jobs, and meaningful tax-revenue and businessspillover benefits.

Downtown Hutch is living proof. Art and culture build more than experiences; they build community capital.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of

decades of consistent effort and collaboration. Downtown’s success shows what’s possible when a city invests in culture not as an accessory, but as a foundation for connection.

When we say, “Meet me downtown,” we’re saying more than where to go. We’re saying why we go — to experience, to celebrate and to belong.

Downtown Hutch’s story isn’t just a story of renewal, but it’s also one of identity. It reminds us that art and culture aren’t side projects; they’re the heart of who we are. And when we gather in those shared spaces — surrounded by color, sound and community — we’re reminded that the real masterpiece is us, together.

My Downtown Story: The Meyer -Landmark Restoration Project

My father, Nation Meyer, began his career at First National Bank in 1946 and carried a deep love for Downtown Hutchinson throughout his life.

When I was cleaning out his office after he passed in 2020, I discovered box after box filled with projects he had championed to make Downtown more vibrant.

To honor his legacy, First National Bank of Hutchinson’s CEO, Troy Hutton, authorized a donation to the Hutchinson Community Foundation.

Troy told me, “Figure out how your dad would want to be remembered.” Knowing my dad’s devotion to Downtown, it was clear the gift should focus on revitalizing the heart of our city. He also instilled in me the importance of giving back and creating lasting impact—values that continue to guide me today.

develop a master plan for Downtown. Debra Teufel and Aubrey Patterson laughed at me; the donation wasn’t quite enough to reimagine Downtown Hutch.

We sought out expertise in downtown master planning, and the bid came in just over $200,000. I committed to raising half if the city would pledge the rest.

One potential donor told me, “You don’t need a plan—just redo the Landmark and it’ll change Downtown.”

Initially skeptical, I thought the building was too far gone. But curiosity led me to tour it with a realtor friend.

I saw a vision when I walked into the building, even with lots of pigeon poop all over and a plant growing in the front window.

Cool historic housing will help attract young people, spark economic development, and help recruit new businesses to Hutchinson.

This was uncharted territory for me, so my husband and I brought in an experienced developer to help navigate the complexities of historic preservation. I had no idea how intricate the process would be.

I thought it would be as simple as hiring an architect, a grant writer, and a general contractor. It’s been anything but easy—but I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m learning something new every day, and that’s a lifelong goal of mine.

We aim to complete the apartment renovations by July 2026, with retail space following soon after. Despite being more than 100 years old, the building is solid and beautiful.

Once fully occupied, The Landmark will bring more residents downtown, and we hope that will spark further development in the surrounding blocks—classic Economics 101.

My father always placed “community” right alongside “family.” He often reminded me, “The community has given our family so much over four generations—we need to give back.” That’s the spirit behind this project.

Working on The Meyer Landmark and collaborating on the Downtown Master Plan with the City, Chamber, and Community Foundation has deepened my love for our Downtown.

I began brainstorming with the Hutchinson Community Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce.

Inspired by Salina’s success, I suggested Hutchinson

So, we purchased the building and began renovating what is now — The Meyer Landmark, as a tribute to my father.

It was important to me to use as many local subcontractors as possible, and MBC Construction has helped to make that happen.

I can confidently say I’ve inherited my dad’s passion—and I’m already dreaming about what our next project might be.

Hutch Holidays for the

Every winter, Downtown Hutchinson transforms into a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie — soft lights twinkle across Main Street, storefronts shimmer with festive displays, and the smell of fresh-baked sweets drifts through the crisp air. But behind all that small-town magic is a community of dreamers, doers and decorators who make it happen.

Weeks before the first parade float rolls down Main Street, local business owners and volunteers are hard at work stringing lights, setting up photo ops and planning special events that invite residents and visitors to come Downtown, shop and celebrate. It’s not just about tinsel and sparkle — it’s about creating a shared sense of joy and togetherness in a hope to turn Hutchinson into a holiday destination.

At Toy Depot, the holidays begin early.

“Come by and see our Christmas window and decorated interior,” said owner Mark Buckley. “We are always in the holiday spirit. During the holidays, downtown looks magical.”

Toy Depot’s Christmas displays are a favorite for families exploring downtown during the season. From vintage toys to festive decorations, the store’s windows radiate nostalgia and charm.

Just a short walk down Main Street, Splinters-N-Rust owner Janice Richardson is also busy transforming her storefront.

“I always have some new holiday decorations for Main Street,” Richardson said. “I’ll be adding to my big photo ops [in front of our store] again this year. Keeping with the Rudolf theme, Yukon Cornelius will be making his debut along with the Bumble from last year, Frosty and friends — Rudolph and Hermey, the dentist.”

Richardson’s larger-than-life photo ops have become a beloved downtown attraction, drawing families for smiles and pictures.

“Downtown always feels magical during the holidays,” she said. “Storefronts come to life with lights and décor, and larger-than-life photo ops of nostalgic characters are fun for all ages.”

A block away, Lit Studio is adding a creative twist to the holiday scene.

“For the holiday season, we will be transforming our storefront into a pastel winter wonderland,” said owner Kylee Smith. “We will make it as sparkly and shiny as possible.”

“I feel like downtown transforms into a cozy winter vibe with all of the soft lights and Christmas décor in the store windows,” she said. “It’s like driving through a Hallmark movie! My favorite thing about the holiday season is the togetherness of families and friends.”

That spirit of togetherness extends beyond decorations and displays.

During the holidays, shopping local helps sustain the small businesses that make Hutchinson’s downtown special year-round.

From sponsoring youth sports teams to donating to fundraisers and local causes, these same businesses give back to the community in countless ways. Supporting them during the busiest season of the year is one of the simplest — and most meaningful ways residents can return that generosity.

This year, the holiday spirit will shine brighter than ever with

the addition of a 30-foot Christmas tree in DCI Park, a new centerpiece for gatherings and festive photo ops. The tree will join long-standing favorites like the Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade, a nighttime spectacle of illuminated floats and community pride.

From the pastel sparkle of Lit Studio to the nostalgic charm of Splinters-N-Rust and the timeless wonder of Toy Depot, each storefront tells a story of creativity, collaboration and care. Their efforts weave together to make downtown Hutchinson glow with warmth — proving once again that the true magic of the holidays comes not just from lights and ornaments, but from the people who make our community shine.

So bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and support those small buisnesses who make our community shine all year long.