From Santa Fe being torn up and rebuilt to buildings being removed and new ones taking their places, the look of downtown Salina has been rapidly changing over the past months.
The flurry of activity is part of a major downtown revitalization program that includes both private and governmental entities. And while some people continue to complain about the initiatives, many others are excited about the future possibilities for downtown Salina.
Following are many of the enhancements planned, according to Salina 2020, the master developer for downtown Salina’s revitalization.
The Alley is an indoor entertainment facility featuring state-of-the-art bowling lanes, black light bowling, laser tag, Hologate virtual reality experiences, a family-friendly arcade, AJ’s Sports Grill, and a bowling pro shop. It is scheduled to open in summer 2019.
The American Classics Auto Museum is a world-class automotive history museum that will include educational components with a variety of exhibits, teaching visitors how motors operate, how to change a tire, the history of the automobile and more. Its expected opening is in 2020.
The Barolo Grille is a steak, sushi, and seafood restaurant featuring fine cuisine, small plates, an extensive wine menu, and well-appointed atmosphere. It is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton® five-story hotel will feature Starbucks® and YaYa’s Euro Bistro, a Mediterranean PB&J Restaurant Inc. concept. The hotel is scheduled to open in late summer 2019.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a traditional, casual dining restaurant specializing in Chicago-style pizzas, taproom classics, and craft beer. It is scheduled to open in December 2018.
The Salina Fieldhouse is a 68,500-square-foot indoor sports facility that hosts tournaments, league play, practices, camps and clinics. According to a report from the Salina Parks and Recreation Department, more than 41,000 participants and 49,000 spectators walked through the doors in between tournaments, rentals, and programming during the first year of operation, which concluded in July. The Salina Fieldhouse was made possible through the cooperation of a public-private partnership including the Salina Regional Health Center.
The licensed Starbucks® café will be housed within the new Homewood Suites by Hilton® hotel and will be accessible from both the street and inside the hotel. It will feature indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Its target opening date is late 2019.
The Stiefel Theatre, which was built in 1931, is undergoing major renovations, including a tower light sculpture, stage and sound improvements, and renovations to the dressing rooms, public restrooms, and second floor bar.
YaYa’s Euro Bistro is inspired by a combination of Italian, French, and Greek cuisines. Mediterranean Euro bites share the menu with oak fired pizzas, rich, creative pastas, and an array of the freshest seafood dishes and innovative entrees. The restaurant will be located within the Homewood Suites by Hilton® hotel. It is scheduled to open in late 2019.
Another project designed to, in part, enhance areas along the east side of downtown Salina is the Smoky Hill River Renewal project. The first phase of the project will primarily focus on restoring the flow of water within the Smoky Hill River channel through the city, according to information from the City of Salina. Future phases include construction of a number of amenities to the river area, including canoe and kayak launches, a wilderness trail, maintenance and boathouse facilities, a boardwalk, river overlooks and beacons, step pools, and canoe slides.
According to information from the city, “the river’s downtown reaches will be more urban in character and will tie in with Santa Fe Avenue Streetscape improvements. Design will then transition to a more natural or native aesthetic away from the downtown core.”