Local Business Spotlight: The Toy Store

This past weekend, My mom and Grandma had purchased a wooden dollhouse for my niece for her birthday that came equipped with everything except the dollhouse people.  My mission was clear, I needed to find wooden dollhouse people to give to my niece for her birthday that would compliment this awesome dollhouse that she would also be receiving.  A friend suggested that I begin my search at The Toy Store on 21st Street. 

I had never been in this store (again very sad considering I have lived in Topeka all my life).  Walking in felt strange because I remember this store as Hastings and used to frequent the store to rent VHS tapes when I was younger.  I was greeted immediately upon walking in by a nice young lady and she was able to direct me upstairs when I asked about some dollhouse people.  To my delight, I was able to purcase an entire wooden dollhouse family (grandparents, parents, and siblings) for $20.  I was amazed at the selection and price in the store and will definitely be returning for future toy purchases. 

It is so great that Topeka has one of only two independently owned specialty toy stores in the world.  The Toy Store has been open since 1976 and has stores in both Topeka and Lawrence.  You can also shop online.  The Toy Store is a perfect combination of family owned business and global capabilities.

Topeka Transit: To raise the mill levy?

Tomorrow night, May 12, 2009, our City Council along with our Mayor will have a very tough decision to make.  They have to decide whether or not to vote to add a charter ordinance which will increase the mill levy cap for Topeka Transit.  It essentially is a two-mill increase which would raise the property tax on a $100,000 house by $23 a year (CJOnline: Council to vote on TMTA Proposal).  There is no denying that Transit is essential to the economic development of our city.  There needs to be easy access to public transportation for its residents to get to and from their jobs and for tourists who want to easily navigate the cities attractions.

TransformTopeka has in the past asked guest bloggers to post an argument for each side of these type of important issues, but due to the time constraints (the charter ordinance will be voted on tomorrow night), we felt it best to just present as much information about the issue and allow for comments to argue both sides.  I have a very strong opinion on this issue, but will try and keep my opinion to myself as I share the information about the issue. Read the rest of this entry »

Thank You Kansas Festival

This past weekend there was a festival in the parking lots of Discovery Furniture and RoomMakers (just off Huntoon and Wanamaker) called Thank You Kansas.  It was Thursday and Friday evening (4/9/09 and 4/10/09) and all day Saturday (4/11/09).  The festival had two purposes: (1) Connect those who are willing to lend a helping hand to those that need a helping hand… whether you are an individual, group, business, or charity. (2) To Provide an opportunity for Kansans to say “Thank You Kansas!” in their own way.  No idea or contribution is too small or grand. Read the rest of this entry »

MTAA has it figured out.

Former Air Force base brings tenants to industrial park

By Michael Hooper

The Capital-Journal
Published Monday, June 16, 2008

Forbes Field, a virtual ghost town after the U.S. Air Force left in the 1970s, has evolved into a growing community of hundreds of people working in numerous other enterprises.

About 200 employees of Electronic Data Systems Corp. will move from White Lakes Center to a building owned by Chuck Lucius at Forbes Field in late summer. Lucius’ 25-employee company, Independent Brokerage, is moving this summer to 3740 S.W. Burlingame Road.

Read the rest of this entry »

  • Aaron
  • June 16th, 2008
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