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A historic building at 424 S. Kansas Ave is entering a new chapter. Having served Topeka for nearly a century, the former post office is being reimagined for the future by local developer Ken Schmanke, who is redeveloping it into Four 2 Four, a mixed-use development designed to bring new life—and new residents—into downtown.

For Schmanke, founder and president of K1 Realty LLC, the project represents more than a renovation. It’s about preserving history, creating opportunity, and investing in the future of the community he and his family call home.

From Real Estate Advisor to Community Builder

Schmanke’s journey in commercial real estate began in 1988. Early in his career, he focused on helping property owners find the highest and best use for their buildings and helping businesses locate the right space for growth.

But over time, his vision expanded.

“In 2016, my focus evolved from being a trusted advisor, leasing and sales agent, and property manager toward building my own portfolio of commercial real estate investments,” Schmanke said.

After years as a solo entrepreneur, he realized that bigger, more impactful projects required collaboration. In 2020, he built the K1 Team: Paula Eller, his son-in-law Patrick Ellrich, and daughter Grace Ellrich; a group of professionals who share his passion for revitalizing properties and serving the community.

Today, the K1 Ventures Portfolio includes several notable properties, including Burlingame South Business Center, Townsite Tower, Townsite Plaza, and now Four 2 Four.

For Schmanke, choosing which projects to pursue begins with understanding the local market.

“Understanding not just the surface, but the underlying fabric of the Topeka commercial real estate market is critical to determining projects that our team is uniquely qualified to add value,” he said. “The K1 Team is excited to do our part to accelerate the vibrant future of Downtown Topeka.”

Breathing New Life into a Historic Building

When Schmanke first stepped inside the former post office building, his reaction was immediate.

“Incredible opportunity—and a tremendous amount of work,” he recalls.

Constructed in 1932, the building had large portions that sat vacant for decades, including the entire second and third floors. While the United States Postal Service maintained operations on part of the property, the rest of the building was approaching a point where deterioration could have become irreversible.

“The point of no return was approaching,” Schmanke said. “This project had become more than most other potential investors were willing to risk.”

But Schmanke and his team saw potential.

The building also carries deep historical significance. At various points in its past, it served not only as a post office but also as a federal courthouse connected to important legal history, including cases tied to Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark decision that helped end racial segregation in American public schools.

That legacy made the redevelopment even more meaningful.

“The historical significance of 424 South Kansas Avenue makes it imperative that this project moves forward with respect and reverence for its past,” Schmanke said.

Peeling Back the Layers of History

Redeveloping a historic structure often means uncovering surprises along the way. In the case of Four 2 Four, the team has literally been peeling back layers.

Over the decades, various renovations covered much of the building’s original architecture. Drop ceilings installed in the 1950s reduced ceiling heights from 16 feet to just nine feet in some areas. Multiple layers of flooring concealed original hardwood surfaces.

Today, those original elements are being restored.

“We are opening the ceilings back to their original height and removing layers of floor covering to expose the beautiful wood floors underneath,” Schmanke said.

The redevelopment team is working closely with preservation experts to ensure the building’s character remains intact. Corridors and the historic courtroom are being preserved wherever possible—not only because of historic registry requirements but because, as Schmanke says, “it’s the right thing to do.”

Honoring the building’s historic integrity while creating modern, livable spaces has been a tricky balance for the K1 Team.

“We are working closely with the Historical Society to make sure that we honor the past while also providing modern conveniences within each apartment,” Schmanke explains.

To help tell the building’s story, Four 2 Four will also include exhibits highlighting its past, allowing future residents and visitors to appreciate its role in the city’s history.

Creating a Place to Call Home

While the building’s history is central to the project, Four 2 Four is also focused on the future.

The development will include office space alongside 27 new apartments on the second and third floors. Two additional residential units on the first floor are already home to members of the K1 team.

Schmanke hopes residents will feel something special when they move in.

“We hope they say, ‘It’s good to be home,’” he said. “We are designing unique apartments that combine both form and function for tenants to live comfortably in style. We hope our tenants love their apartment and are proud to invite their friends.”

The apartments are designed to serve a range of residents—from younger professionals starting out to individuals seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle without the responsibilities of maintaining a large home. Larger third-floor units are intended for tenants who want more spacious living while remaining in the center of downtown activity.

As downtown residential demand grows, Schmanke believes developments like Four 2 Four play a vital role in creating a more vibrant city core.

“More residents will create a more feasible environment for retailers, restaurants, bars and gathering places,” he said. “That adds value for everyone investing in downtown.”

A Family Effort

Four 2 Four is also a family-driven project.

Schmanke’s son-in-law, Patrick Ellrich, plays a key role in the development. Ellrich, who joined the K1 team in 2020 and married Schmanke’s daughter Grace in 2022, is a co-owner of the Four 2 Four property and oversees much of its day-to-day operations.

Working side by side, the two collaborate on design decisions, operational strategy, and long-term planning.

Ellrich is also helping modernize operations behind the scenes by automating workflows and systems that allow the team to focus more on customer service and development.

Schmanke says working with family—and with the broader K1 team—has strengthened the company’s mission.

“I consider all of our K1 team members family,” he said. “We love, respect and trust each other, and we work hard to support one another.”

Grace Ellrich also contributes to the project as the team’s marketing and social media director, sharing progress updates and helping the community follow along as the redevelopment unfolds. (Follow along on Instagram @four2four.apts.)

Partnership That Supports Local Growth

Projects of this scale require strong partnerships, including financial support from institutions that understand the local community.

Schmanke recognizes Envista Credit Union for playing an important role in helping bring the vision to life.

“The entire Envista team has been a joy to work with,” he said. “They ask hard but fair questions that require our K1 Team to make sure our financial house is sound and in order. We view and appreciate Envista as a true partner.”

Working with a local financial institution also creates alignment around community priorities.

“Many of our decisions are based on the needs of the community,” Schmanke said. “The Envista team is better able to understand our financial needs and challenges because we share the same community perspective.”

Building the Future of Downtown

Schmanke believes Topeka is on the verge of a new chapter of growth, especially in its downtown core.

“I’ve seen periods of stagnation and improvement over the years,” he said. “But I believe downtown Topeka is on the verge of explosive growth opportunities.”

By restoring historic buildings and adding new residential spaces, projects like Four 2 Four help build the foundation for that future.

For Schmanke, success isn’t measured only when the building is complete.

“If our tenants are happy, our partners are happy, our team members are happy, and the community is happy with our work,” he said, “then I am happy.”

Ultimately, the purpose behind every project remains rooted in service.

“Our mission is to ‘transform commercial real estate into special places that add value and enrich lives in the markets we know, with and for people we love, trust and respect for the purpose of serving others and serving God.” Schmanke said that sums up his mission as a developer.

And with Four 2 Four, a historic building—and an important piece of downtown Topeka’s story—is once again ready to serve the community in a new way.

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