Excitement and Growth in NOTO

Staci Ogle, Program and Communications Coordinator in NOTO, answers our questions about the district, exciting changes, and the vision moving forward.

TK: What is happening in NOTO?  

STACI OGLE: NOTO is on the cusp of some exciting changes and the buzz it's creating is exhilarating. Through the last few months we've been building a park that is scheduled to be finished over the next few weeks, renovating the Art Center Courtyard, making plans to give a face-lift to the parking lot next to Veterans Park, developing breezeway park, implementing a rotating public arts sculpture program, and creating more outside public art, as well as developing plans for renovations to the basement of the NOTO Art Center. To say we're going in a hundred directions would be an understatement! The increased excitement has brought new businesses to the district and expanded it outside of the historical two blocks. We've also gained new traffic both locally and out of town, and developed a night-life in NOTO. We've had a lot of interest in the future changes, and folks asking how they can get involved.

TK: Who is behind the exciting changes?

STACI OGLE: It really is a district effort and a Topeka movement. We listened to the voices of the businesses and community, and we realize that the time is NOW. Topeka is really embracing the change that our city has longed for, and many have come out to offer support for NOTO in multiple ways. Not only have we been blessed with the continued support from our key stakeholders, others have also been generous in their giving. We are close to the end of our $2.1 million capital campaign, and our board has outdone themselves with fundraising efforts - only a few hundred thousand to raise! It really has been humbling to see the generosity that has flooded in, and to realize that we have this amazing large group of supporters who are on the sidelines keeping us focused and grounded, and cheering us on

TK: What is the vision for NOTO? 

STACI OGLE: The vision for NOTO has always been to focus on enhancing the quality of life for the region by encouraging and facilitating the growth of the district. As we look ahead to the new year t, we will be closing in on a decade of NOTO! A decade of positive changes to Topeka and a testament that hard work and dedication to dreams really can make for an incredible addictive transformation. Together we've given North Topeka a face-lift, and a self-esteem boost. We've created a community of creative minded individuals and small business owners who take great pride in growing Topeka, and continue to keep the mission of NOTO alive. When I think about where we've come, and where we can grow from here, the possibilities are limitless and I don't see us slowing down anytime soon.

TK: How can people help and get involved?

STACI OGLE: There's so many ways to get involved in NOTO. Outside of the shopping, special events, First Friday Art Walks and the multitude of art classes, we always have volunteer opportunities available. We also encourage the community to support the district’s efforts by signing up to become a Friend of NOTO. It really is less than a latte a month and you can support the district and get some special perks throughout the year to go with it. You can sign up to be a Friend of NOTO through our website www.explorenoto.com. For volunteer information email info@notoartsdistrict.org.