New Horizons: Same Skyline -- 2026

A modernized FreeState is ready for the future

After months of construction, temporary offices, moving boxes and behind-the-scenes work, FreeState Electric Cooperative is back at its newly renovated Topeka headquarters.

On Oct. 5, the cooperative reopened its doors on Auburn Road. The reopening was an important step toward building more modern facilities and positioning FreeState for continued growth, opportunity and the changing needs of not only the members, but the employees.

While members will notice a fresh look and a newer entrance, the project has always been about much more than appearances.

“We knew our facilities needed to evolve along with the cooperative,” said FreeState CEO Chris Parr. “This project gave us an opportunity to look at how we work today, what our employees and members need from us, and how we can prepare FreeState for what comes next.”

Building for What Comes Next

FreeState’s facilities in McLouth and Topeka have served the cooperative well for decades. But as technology, security needs, workforce demands and the electric industry have changed, the cooperative’s buildings needed to change with them.

Rather than construct an entirely new building, FreeState chose to invest in existing facilities and work within the current footprint. The approach allowed the cooperative to use the space it already owned more effectively while creating an environment designed for modern workflows, improved safety and long-term flexibility.

Over the past year, local contractors have transformed the Topeka location. Updates will begin in McLouth in the spring.

Warehouse space was reconfigured to make storing, loading and distributing materials more efficient. Administrative workspaces were redesigned to better accommodate teams and collaboration. Technology, security and accessibility improvements were incorporated throughout the building, and previously underused areas were repurposed to support cooperative operations.

The renovation also created a multipurpose space that can accommodate board meetings, employee training, and other cooperative activities. The result is a headquarters that better reflects how FreeState operates today while creating the capacity to adapt tomorrow.

“This is really about making sure FreeState is ready for growth and opportunity,” Parr said. “We want our facilities, technology and processes to support our employees so they can continue providing the level of service our members expect.”

More Than an Office Renovation

Modernization at FreeState extends beyond new walls, workspaces or furniture.

It means looking at the cooperative as a whole and finding ways to operate more efficiently, use technology more effectively, strengthen safety and security and make thoughtful investments that provide long-term value.

The renovated headquarters brings administrative employees together in one location, helping improve communication and collaboration across departments. At the same time, the McLouth facility is transitioning into an operations-focused center, providing field employees additional space for equipment, materials and the work necessary to serve members throughout the eastern side of FreeState’s territory.

FreeState’s district line and right-of-way crews remain where they are so crews can continue responding quickly when members need them.

The combination allows each facility to serve a more defined purpose.

For members, many of the changes may happen behind the scenes, but they ultimately support the same goal: making FreeState more efficient, resilient and prepared to serve a growing and changing membership.

Getting Here Took a Team

For the past 10 months, employees adapted to temporary workspaces and new routines while the cooperative worked with local partners, including Kendall Construction and Topeka-based HTK Architects, to take the project from plans on paper to a functioning headquarters.

As the office may change, one thing remains constant. FreeState continues to look ahead for opportunities to improve how the cooperative operates.

The renovated headquarters provides a foundation for that future.

The skyline may look familiar from the outside, but inside, FreeState is building a more modern cooperative. One prepared for however the energy industry evolves so that we can continue to serve our members.