'All about community': 1980's popstar celebrates revival of West Ridge Mall

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) brought 1980's popstar Tiffany to perform during their annual meeting at West Ridge Mall.

The event has taken place at Evergy Plaza the last several years, but GTP's CEO Matt Pivarnik, said this year's meeting called for something extra special.

"We're celebrating the current and the future redevelopment and revitalization of West Ridge Mall," Pivarnik said, "which is going to help the west side and Wanamaker. And really this is an example of what can be done in every corner of the community."

Tiffany's performance was meant to create excitement and highlight the bright future, but GTP also wanted to pay tribute to the mall's past.

The popstar told 27 News she got her start in music at the age of 14 doing a mall concert tour because she was too young to perform in clubs. She says even before that, the mall hangout culture helped shaped the person she is.

"I love malls," Tiffany said, "and I loved to go to malls even before I got the mall tour. The revival of malls are so necessary. It's all about community."

Pivarnik says in addition to the changes coming to West Ridge, GTP is working on many ways to improve the Topeka community. He says they need input from locals on projects like the construction at the Pope-Quincy viaduct.

You can find contact the Greater Topeka Partnership at their website here.

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