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Posted on Thu, May. 08, 2008

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Contest rates state by design

The Kansas Sampler Foundation wants your help in choosing the 8 Wonders of Kansas architecture.

BY BECCY TANNER

The Wichita Eagle

The finalists in a statewide architectural wonders contest claim to be the biggest, longest and fanciest structures in Kansas. But you can be the judge of that. The Kansas Sampler Foundation is asking people to choose from among 24 nominees in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture contest.

A foundation committee selected the nominees last month. Among them are churches, bridges, barns and mansions -- all representing an eclectic mix of Kansas' architectural history and taste.

More than 3,600 people have voted so far. People have until midnight June 15 to choose their favorite structures. The winners will be announced July 1.

"I can feel the buzz around the state and know that Kansans -- and those beyond our state border -- are learning about places they've never heard of and also voting with pride for the places they have long admired," said Marci Penner, director of the foundation.

Penner says the 8 Wonders of Kansas contests are a way to encourage Kansans to think about the best of their state. Overall wonders were selected earlier this year.

The 24 architectural finalists include the John Mack Bridge in Wichita -- and Carthalite, the specialized concrete that decorates several Wichita structures, including the Minisa Bridge on West 13th Street.

But some notable Wichita structures were left out. Among them: the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in College Hill and North High School.

"There were so many fantastic structures that didn't make the list," Penner said. "We tried to find ones that were totally unique in some fashion, or iconic to Kansas."

North High was considered but lost as an architectural finalist to Topeka High School.

"It was the biggest controversy on our committee," Penner said. North features "glazed terra-cotta, which is not unique, but is so beautiful." Instead, the school will be among the nominees for the 8 Art Wonders of Kansas contest, which starts July 1.

"We had to compromise, so we put it in art. It has to be somewhere because it is so beautiful."

And why Topeka's high school?

It was built in 1931 by people who wanted the very best environment for their children, said Joan Barker, administrative secretary for Topeka High School's Historical Society and alumni office.

"It is similar to North High on its exterior but inside it is unique," she said. "It has four fireplaces, seven areas of stained-glass windows, chandeliers all over the place. There is not a high school like it anywhere."

Reach Beccy Tanner at 316-268-6336 or btanner@wichitaeagle.com.