511 Commercial Street, Emporia, KS 66801 - Lyon County

Emporia, Kansas was founded in 1857, and over the course of the following 20 years, the downtown was created with thriving 2 and 3-story buildings lining the streets growing to currently 18 blocks. In 1874, this stunning building was built at 511 Commercial Street and was the home to Newman’s Dry Goods, creating the start of the department store empire. The building over the course of its life went from the home of the longtime Newman’s to Madelyn’s to Sears. In 1991, the Emporia Main Street program was established in an effort to foster downtown revitalization and has achieved this with tremendous success. This building could qualify for numerous state and federal grant programs with historic tax credit opportunities for revitalization.

The building boasts 39,000 square feet of usable space that in the past has been facilitated as retail, office, and dry storage. There are entrances on both the east and west sides. The east Commercial Street entrance offers endless window frontage with display cases throughout. There is diagonal front parking. Inside on the main level, take notice and appreciate the original features from hardwood floors, eclectic lighting, woodworking, and tin ceilings throughout. This open space has been the main level retail area. There is a main-level bathroom just off of the back staircase along with a walk-in vault. Overhead heat and air ductwork throughout. There is an overhead roll-up door on the west side allowing easy access for larger equipment and inventory. Upstairs on the first landing, several office spaces sit to the west of the balcony that overlooks the main level floor. Continue up the next flight of stairs to the upper level. Here was once another retail level with additional offices and restroom blocks. The 2 elevator shafts are still in place and could be put back to use. Down to the basement, take notice of the endless space with so many options for use. With laid-up limestone rock walls, the foundation is as strong as can be. The concrete flooring throughout is in ideal condition as well. The basement walls have been overlaid with original tin. There are 2 additional restroom units on the basement level along with a utility room and boiler room. The roof was replaced in 2000 with HVAC updated in 2017. Ample parking space in the rear city parking lot.

With all of the endless options from office, retail, and event center, to an athletic training facility, to a night club, and more, this historical commercial building is just the beginning of a thriving future and is one to tour in person to appreciate all it has to offer!

Property Features

-Historic commercial building built in 1874

-39,000 sq. ft. space

-3 levels along with rooftop access

-Retail and office space currently

-5 restroom units throughout

-HVAC updated in 2017

-Roof replaced in 2000

-Updated electrical panels

-Original tin ceilings, maple hardwood floors, & woodwork throughout

-Endless window frontage

-Large front entrance space

-2 elevator shafts

-Front and rear stair cases

-Front diagonal parking with large rear city parking lot

-Approximate 2024 tax: $6,342.04