The Downtown Larned Podcast
The Downtown Larned Podcast aims to cultivate vision for the future of Downtown Larned, Kansas. Challenged with both deteriorating buildings and population, this community is set for change. However, without intention, downtown will undoubtedly see change for the worse. On this podcast, we will interview community members to get a better understanding of downtown’s past and present, so that we can work towards a thriving future. ”Change is Inevitable. Growth is optional” - John C. Maxwell
Episodes
In 1996, the Spinas purchased a downtown building for their photography studio. Fast forward 27 years, and they now call that building home. This week, we sit down with Charles Spina to find out what it is like to live in downtown Larned. Tune in to hear more about the renovation process, and Charles’ 10 year city council experience.
This week we interview Katherine Roth with Off Broadway Boutique. Katherine is a full time entrepreneur, full time employee, and a full time mom. With both a physical and online presence, Katherine’s business contributes to our downtown in a vital way. Tune in to hear about the current challenges with commercial real estate in the shopping center of our town.
The Tabler family owned and operated a furniture store in downtown Larned for over fifty years. With first hand experience, Buddy compares today’s entrepreneurial environment to that of the past. In this episode, we discuss practical ways to spark local entrepreneurship for the future of our community.
On April 25, 2023, downtown Larned was awarded a $750,000 grant on behalf of the Kansas Department of Commerce. With a minimum match of $250,000 from the city, our downtown has the opportunity to see a million dollar improvement by 2025. Tune in to learn more about the grant award and what it means for the (near) future of downtown.
What would you like to leave behind for future generations? Make your mark by completing the surve...
This week we had the pleasure of hosting Mrs. Erway’s 4th grade students on the podcast. How does a 4th grader view Downtown? Are they proud of where they are from? Are our students excited to move back to Larned? These kids gladly provide their unfiltered opinions for the community to hear. If we are shooting for a brighter future, it would only make sense to aim from our youth’s point of view.
Since we deprived you of an episode last week, we have decided to release one of our favorite recordings to date. Tune in this week to hear both Carlton Burt and Heather Helvie discuss the biggest project in town - The tri-level restoration of 414 Broadway. It is a project that is bursting with character as several balconies already beginning to take shape. With such a big project coming together, we take time to discuss the origin...
Every downtown has its staple businesses, and Office Products Incorporated is just that for downtown Larned. No matter the economic outlook, you can always count on Office Products Incorporated (OPI) to service your office supplies needs. This week, we interview Duane Fogo, a 24 year employee of OPI, to get his insight into our downtown and OPI’s history. From underground car dealerships, to multiple loft apartments, ...
After graduating from Larned High, Megan found her calling as CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. In the last two years, Great Bend has accelerated their efforts towards the improvement of their downtown. With various organizations and governments working together, downtown Great Bend is seeing incredible success. Murals, facade programs, and downtown events have quickly changed their downtown’s culture. Why would an average...
Tayleen Van Norden, the owner of Scraps Coffee Shop, shares her business beginnings in this week’s episode. After moving to Larned over 15 years ago, Tayleen saw potential in Larned and formed a business around her passions. This week, we learn more about her evolving business, and uncover pieces of her vision for downtown Larned.
Key points:
- Benchmark ourselves against other successful communities.
- Establish traditions and hig...
Are we making it easy for entrepreneurs to start businesses in downtown Larned? With so many vacant buildings, one would assume that downtown building availability is at an all-time high! Unfortunately, vacant buildings don’t necessarily equate to available buildings. This week, Christina Frick shares the challenges she faced when trying to open her veterinary clinic in Downtown Larned. We also discuss the “PRIDE” organization, and...
When measuring a town’s health, paint is the thermometer. Though it may sound ridiculous, fading paint equates to a fading town. This week, artist Melanie Ryan discusses the possibilities of Larned’s walls. After conducting several successful projects in Great Bend, she is looking to artistically give back to her hometown of Larned. Tune in to hear how other communities have successfully reestablished art culture in their downtowns...
This week, we discuss the history of some of the oldest buildings in downtown Larned. Today, these three buildings house the respected “My Favorite Furnishings” furniture store, but what were their original purposes? Migration and depressions have led these buildings to host many businesses throughout the years. Learn more about the Jewish Dry goods store, Harness Shop, Post office, original Dillions location in this episode.
This week, Jim Vratil gives us a contractor's perspective of downtown. With his family being in the construction business for several generations, Jim has had the opportunity to be in or on every downtown building in Larned. Learn about the past renovations that he's completed, and some of the challenges we face for future projects. We have no doubt that Jim's soft heart for Larned will show you why our future is bright.
In this week’s episode, learn more on the City Council’s decisions with the future of our downtown. In the Febuary 6th2023 meeting, Landon was able to approach the council in support of continued investment to our downtown. This episode will recap the new “Downtown Concept” that would dramatically enhance the appearance of our downtown. In addition, the Council came to a decision in whether or not to support a new development in th...
In this episode, Carol Jenkner and Seth McFarland take us back to 1879 during the construction of 414 and 416 Broadway. It seems fitting to start with the histories behind these specific buildings, as one of them is currently taking on a major restoration. In this episode, you will gain appreciation for the history that is being salvaged brick by brick with the south Broadway project. Tune in to hear more about Larned’s multi-gene...
Join us this week as we talk with Chris and Jamie Froetschner with Carr Auction and Real Estate. From the history of their multigenerational business to the future of our downtown, this episode is packed with content. Catch up on the local real estate market, and get the back story behind the soon to be “Humble Pie” restaurant in downtown Larned.
This week, we talk with Larned's chief executive officer. Big titles bring big expectations, responsibilities, and dreams. Tune in this week as City Manager, Brad Eilts , walks us through his expectations, responsibilities, and dreams with downtown Larned.
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