Presbyterian Manor celebrates remodel with ribbon-cutting

Topeka Presbyterian Manor celebrated its “grand re-opening” with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 27.

Curtis Sneden, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, joined members of the Presbyterian Manor leadership team for the event, which was broadcast live on the Greater Topeka Partnership Facebook page.

The ribbon-cutting took place in the library, which has been renovated “from floor to ceiling.” It’s just one aspect of the $1.6 million renovation, which includes a new assisted living dining room and a greater level of privacy for health care residents.

“Topeka Presbyterian Manor has been here since the early 1960s, and I find that personally meaningful in my work here because there’s a great heritage of those we’ve served,” said Heather Pilkinton, Presbyterian Manor executive director.  

Environmental Services Director Sterling Emerson supervised the project, which was executed by Harbin Construction.

“It’s been a challenging year full of all sorts of unforetold and unforeseen events, but it was a joy to come in each day and see the progress,” Sterling said. “This is a shining moment in a year of clouds.”

Heather wielded a giant pair of scissors for the ribbon-cutting, and Curtis presented her with a framed, “renovated” certificate of membership.

“It’s a way of reaffirming our partnership,” said Curtis, who noted that many residents and staff members have only recently been able to see the change in person.

Heather said she has enjoyed hearing happy chatter in the hallways again.

“Seeing this renovation and the highlights we’ve been able to make to this whole building has been really fun,” she said.

The Greater Topeka Partnership serves as the umbrella agency for eight distinct efforts that includes the Greater Topeka Chamber, GO Topeka, Momentum 2022, Downtown Topeka Inc., Visit Topeka Inc., Forge Young Professionals and Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development.

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