From forgotten to foundational: revitalizing the Marlatt Homestead's land-grant heritage.

Abstract

The Marlatt Homestead, a historically significant site in Manhattan, Kansas, represents the early foundations of Kansas State University (KSU) and the broader land-grant mission that shaped American higher education. Established in 1856 by Washington Marlatt, this homestead is one of the last remaining physical links to the university’s origins. However, decades of neglect and its current use as a storage facility for K-State Athletic Facilities threaten its preservation. This project investigates how a 3D representation—combining physical and digital modeling—can serve as an interpretive tool to engage visitors, reinforce historical storytelling, and support the site’s ecological restoration. Through historical research, GIS mapping, site analysis, and stakeholder engagement, this study explores strategies for integrating interpretive design, ecological remediation, and adaptive reuse into the homestead’s revitalization. A key focus is placed on aligning the project with Kansas State University’s Next-Gen K-State Strategic Plan, ensuring its long-term sustainability. Design proposals include restoring key structures such as the barn, smokehouse, and chicken coop, reconstructing historical elements like the stacked-stone boundary wall and windmill, and implementing green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) to address ongoing drainage issues. Findings highlight the importance of public awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and campus integration in advocating for the homestead’s protection. By developing a self-sustaining educational landscape, this project seeks to transform the site into a gateway to campus, offering a space for historical education, community engagement, and ecological research. Ultimately, this study provides a model for historic landscape preservation, demonstrating how adaptive reuse and interpretive design can ensure that significant cultural sites remain relevant and accessible for future generations.