Since 1988, West Ridge Mall has been an integral part of Topeka’s retail scene. More than a shopping destination, it was a gathering place, a space for shared experiences, and, in some cases, the backdrop to a love story. Now, thanks to the vision and investment of Advisors Excel (AE), the mall is poised for a remarkable revival - a transformation that will not only impact its tenants and patrons but the entire Topeka community.
A Love Story in the Heart of West Ridge
For AE employee Kelsey Smith, West Ridge Mall holds a special place in her heart. It was there, on September 16, 2001, just days after the tragedy of 9/11, that she met her future husband, Chris. Searching for a distraction from the heavy news cycle, Kelsey decided on retail therapy, a routine she often indulged in as a newcomer to Topeka. She also held a part-time job at the Kirkland’s in the mall at the time.
“I didn’t know a lot of people in town,” she recalls, “I often spent time at the mall because it was a vibrant place at that time. It was a good way to make friends and meet people.”
As she stood beneath the palm trees by the escalators that day, watching Beverly Bernardi Post dancers perform a patriotic tribute, she struck up a conversation with Chris, a local part-time radio DJ covered in Q103 stickers, who was there raising money for disaster relief.
Their serendipitous meeting led to an impromptu three-hour conversation in the food court. It was the first spark of a connection that would later bring them back to the mall on their wedding day in 2005 for a photo under the very spot where they first met. On September 16, 2013 – exactly 12 years after she met Chris – Kelsey started work for AE. Now, Kelsey prepares to return to West Ridge Mall in a professional capacity, as AE transforms the space into a world-class headquarters—an unexpected full-circle moment for her.
The Vision for West Ridge Mall’s Future
The decision for AE to invest in the mall was both a financial and community-driven initiative. Co-founder Cody Foster saw an opportunity to not only secure a sustainable headquarters for AE, but also revitalize a cornerstone of Topeka’s commercial landscape.
“When you look at the cost of new construction, buying and revitalizing West Ridge Mall was a financially sound decision,” Foster explains. “But beyond that, we saw a chance to help save the mall, attract new retail, and create a space the community can take pride in again.”
Foster recalls the mall’s former vibrancy and recognizes its potential to return as a prime retail and entertainment hub for Northeast Kansas. With a population of over 500,000 in the greater region, West Ridge Mall has the capacity to become a major draw, not just for shopping but for dining, events, and social gatherings. AE’s investment aligns with national trends that indicate a resurgence in brick-and-mortar shopping, particularly among younger consumers who crave interactive, in-person retail experiences.
A Commitment to Topeka’s Growth & Economy
For AE, Topeka has been – and always will be - home.
“We’re never leaving Topeka,” Foster says. “Our long-term goal is to have a life-changing impact on this community, and West Ridge Mall fits perfectly into that vision.”
A thriving mall doesn’t just benefit its occupants; it has a ripple effect across the entire city.
“West Ridge Mall should be the #1 driver of sales tax revenue in Topeka,” Foster notes. By increasing traffic to the mall, AE’s investment will contribute to higher sales tax revenue, benefiting public services, infrastructure, and overall economic health.
This investment sends a strong message that Topeka is a city worth believing in. Foster likens it to an investment strategy: “In the investing world, you want to buy low and sell high. I’ve felt for years that Topeka was a ‘buy low’ opportunity with immense potential. The momentum we’ve seen—record-breaking housing markets, increased university enrollment, and major corporate investments—only confirms that belief.”
The Community’s Mall
For Kelsey, the transformation of West Ridge Mall is particularly meaningful. Having experienced its heyday firsthand, she’s eager to see it reclaim its role as a vibrant hub.
“When I heard AE was moving in, I thought, ‘What a full-circle moment,’” she shares. “I know people have been negative about the mall in recent years, but this change is going to be incredible for the community.”
She’s especially excited about the renewed focus on small businesses and interactive experiences. “I’m a big supporter of small businesses, and I love the idea of creating a space that’s welcoming, lively, and full of energy again. I can’t wait to see it come to life.”
A Future to Look Forward To
The vision for West Ridge Mall is becoming clearer: a dynamic, engaging space where people can shop, dine, gather, and create new memories. AE’s commitment to this project underscores a belief in Topeka’s potential, reinforcing that investing in the community is not just good business—it’s a catalyst for long-term growth and prosperity.
For residents like Kelsey and Chris, West Ridge Mall has always been more than just a mall. Now, thanks to AE’s investment, it will once again be a place where connections are made, stories unfold, and Topeka’s future is shaped—one revitalized storefront at a time.
Renderings provided by Hufft Projects of Kansas City
AE Co-founder Cody Foster says they saw an opportunity to repurpose the mall, breathing life into a structure that has been underutilized in recent years. The goal is to create a premier gathering and shopping destination, complete with top-tier retail, entertainment, and dining options. They are also dedicated to supporting the remaining tenants, providing short-term strategies to increase foot traffic while long-term revitalization efforts take shape.