Manhattan / Riley County 
​Preservation Alliance
Facebook
  • Home
    • Community Involvement
    • U. P. Depot Rental
    • M/RCPA Grant Funding
  • About Us
    • Membership & Dues
    • Corporate Preservation Members
  • Newsletters
    • 2023-21 Newsletters
    • 2020-2017 Newsletters
    • 2016-13 Newsletters
    • 2012-09 Newsletters
    • 2008-07 Newsletters
    • 2006-05 Newsletters
    • 2004-03 Newsletters
    • 2001 Newsletters
  • Preservation Awards
  • Contact
  • Peace Memorial Auditorium
  • Historic Summit 2014
  • Hidden Gems
  • Projects
    • Gallery
  • Manhattan's 11 Most Endangered
  • Gallery
  • Resources

Peace Memorial Auditorium

In 2013, Manhattan's City Commission discussed plans to dismantle the city's World War II memorial.  As the result of advocacy efforts, the memorial is no longer in danger of being converted to offices and basketball courts.  The M/RCPA has uploaded several documents about Peace Memorial Auditorium to provide more information about the memorial and the renovation plans.   Some of the documents are large and will open slowly.

Picture
This document provides information about the history and planning of Peace Memorial Auditorium by using historical documents.  It helps to explain the mindset and motivations of Manhattan residents at the time the auditorium was planned.  Click the plaque image to view larger.
Please be patient -- this is a large file and will open slowly.

Peace Memorial Auditorium

Picture
If you'd like to read more about the planning and development of the Peace Memorial Auditorium, read the document prepared by the city in 1955 that was intended to be a "careful recording of the efforts."  From the document, "The World War had recently ended, and the public was memorial conscious . . . "

Planning the Auditorium & City Offices

​"Living" Type of War Memorial Has Edge in Nation-Wide Survey of Plans
The Kansas City Times, Sept. 12, 1945
Peace Memorial Auditorium is a "living memorial."  The 1945 article explains the philosophy of "living memorials" and the desire to create useful memorials.
​45 organizations favored constructing a memorial building in 1946
List of 45 organizations
Living Type of War Memorial

Picture
101 Gold Star Honor Roll
"Gold Star" refers to a service member who was killed in combat operations.

​"A Two-Way Opportunity," Manhattan Mercury-Chronicle editorial, Oct. 30, 1946
"The 101 who did not come back, whose bodies lie in rest over the world, are still with us spiritually.  Granite shafts or temples of memory have their place, but these 101, we believe, would want something more than that . . . "  Click the button to read the full editorial that encouraged voters to support the ballot initiative to construct a memorial auditorium.
Mercury-Chronicle editorial

Photos

Picture
Signs are popping up around Manhattan!


Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

News Articles

Picture

Jan. 2015:
The City Commission gave consensus approval for city staff to work with the project architect and the Friends of Peace Memorial Auditorium to develop costs, scope of work, and a timeline for renovations.  See news article below.

Concert to raise funds to restore Manhattan auditorium
News story from the Topeka Capital-Journal, May 4, 2014
by Jan Biles
Picture
Concert to raise funds

Picture

Picture
Holiday Music Spectacular First Step in Memorial Stage Renovation
by Corbin McGuire, K-State Collegian
Dec. 12, 2013

First Step in Memorial Stage Renovation
Picture
K-State Music Fraternity Honors WWII Veterans Memorial
News story from WIBW, Dec. 12, 2013


​Manhattan Concert to Raise Funds to Restore  WW II Memorial's Stage
News story from Topeka Capital-Journal
by Jan Biles, Nov. 28, 2013
Concert to Raise Funds
Picture

The plans surrounding Peace Memorial Auditorium were discussed Sept. 3, 2013, at City Commission. The motion to continue with the architect and to complete final design plans as previously approved FAILED, with a 2-3 vote. Motion to direct the architect to study alternative options CARRIED by a 3-2 vote. There will be more discussions and numbers to crunch and the future still uncertain, but this was an important vote that will at least open up discussions.

​City to rule on stage
Manhattan Mercury article, Oct. 14, 2013
City to rule on stage
​Stage fighting
Manhattan Mercury article, Sept. 4, 2013
Stage fighting

​Decision due on auditorium
Manhattan Mercury article, Sept. 1, 2013
Decision due on auditorium

Picture
Full-page advertisement in the 
Manhattan Mercury, Aug. 25
(Click image to view larger.)


Manhattan commissioners expected to decide Sept. 3 on
​auditorium renovation

​Topeka Capital-Journal article, Aug. 10, 2013

By Jan Biles
jan.biles@cjonline.com
The Manhattan City Commission likely will decide at its Sept. 3 meeting whether it will move forward on a $2.9 million project to renovate Peace Memorial Auditorium or follow the suggestion of the city’s Historic Resources Board to explore alternatives to the project, deputy city manager Jason Hilgers said . . . 
Manhattan commissioners to decide Sept. 3

Commission to reconsider plan for Peace auditorium
​Manhattan Mercury article, Aug. 7, 2013
Commission to reconsider plan
​Plans for Peace Memorial Auditorium
M/RCPA newsletter, August 2013
Aug. 2013 Newsletter

Auditorium conversion has at least one backer
​Manhattan Mercury article, July 26, 2013
Auditorium Conversion

Review of stage is backed
​Historic board asks city to rethink renovation plans
Manhattan Mercury article, July 23, 2013
Review of Stage is Backed

Veterans group voices concern over renovation of Manhattan auditorium
​Topeka Capital-Journal article, July 20, 2013

A Topeka-based World War II veterans group has sent a letter to Manhattan officials expressing its concern with a $2.9 million project to renovate Peace Memorial Auditorium, built in the mid-1950s as a living memorial to the 2,610 Riley County veterans who served and the 101 Riley County soldiers who died in WWII. . . 
Veterans Group Voices Concern

Picture
Renovation of living memorial raises ire of some Manhattan residents
Plan replaces Peace Memorial Auditorium stage, seating with athletic courts
Posted: July 14, 2013 - 2:21pm
By Jan Biles


Renovation Raises Ire

Letters to the Editor

Opinion:  Aud. renovations should be city's priority
Opinion:  Enjoy concert & support Peace Mem. Aud.
Opinion: Preserve memorial or build another
Opinion: Stage is Peace Auditorium's heart
Opinion: Can we restore memorial to use as intended?
Opinion: 'Repurposing' auditorium doesn't disrespect
Opinion: Two stages tell tale of tragedy, hope
Opinion: WW II vets say preserve auditorium
Opinion:  Preserve Peace Memorial Auditorium
Opinion: Restore Auditorium to Original Splendor
Opinion: Dismantling auditorium ought to be rethought
Opinion: Honor Auditorium's Purpose
Opinion: Community Heritage at Stake
Opinion: Urge City to Reconsider
Opinion: It's Not Just Another Auditorium
Opinion: Save Our Historic Auditorium
Opinion: City Auditorium is being renovated

Information about the City's plans

April 8, 2014 auditorium assessment, office expansion
Rendering of the plans
Picture

​Last updated: 10 Mar  2023

  • © 1994-2023 Manhattan/Riley County Preservation Alliance. All rights reserved.