Project Downtown: Advancing the Vision
Table of Contents
WESTAR/ WDDC DESIGN INTERNSHIP
Gretchen Gravenstein

For the second year, Westar Energy has generously funded the WDDC Design Internship. For the summer 2013, Ms. Gretchen Gravenstein, a Masters in Landscape Architecture candidate from Kansas State will join the staff at the WDDC. Gretchen is currently assisting with Downtown development concepts, both current and proposed that will elevate the conversations we are having regarding future development projects.  "We are so fortunate that Westar Energy places such a high priority on education and student engagement. Having these talented interns in our City for the summer is a win for everyone," stated Jeff Fluhr, President of the WDDC. 

BUSINESSES ON THE MOVE
The following are new business to the Downtown district and have either moved or announced since April 2013

Shelter Salon
Espresso To Go Go
Empire Energy
The Law Office of Jennifer L. Stultz LLC
Shear Voltage
Justin McClure Creative
Loony Bin
IFG Office Furniture
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Allied Environmental Consultants
Sunshine Spa
Taste & See
Cow & Sow 
PROJECT DOWNTOWN
2012 Project Downtown Annual Report

Project Downtown is providing the framework to develop a nationally recognized Downtown and region. Project Downtown: The Master Plan for Wichita continues to serve as an effective instrument in guiding strategic public investment and cultivating private development. Growth in key markets such as residential and hospitality are serving as catalysts in related retail and service markets. 

 

View the 2012 Project Downtown Annual Report

2013 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
2013 Downtown Development Guide

Find all the information you need about doing business in Downtown Wichita, including economic programs, Downtown statistics, and current markets.


WDDC BOARD MEMBER IN THE NEWS
Bill LivingstonThis past spring, Kansas State's College of Architecture, Planning & Design honored WDDC Board member Bill Livingston as its 2013 Alumni Fellow. The Alumni Fellows are chosen based on their high levels of professional accomplishment and distinguished service in their respective careers.  Mr. Livingston is co-founder and chairman of GLMV Architecture Inc., a local award-winning national firm based in Wichita, KS. 
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Activate Wichita

Activate Wichita is an innovative new way to garner input from the community. Whether it's local arts, the environment, employment, you can log on and voice your opinion and local leaders will respond. Together communities come up with solutions and vote on the best course of action. Join the online conversation about the future of the Greater Wichita metropolitan area today! Activate Wichita is made possible through a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Wichita Community Foundation. 

 

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PROSPERITY FOR SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS
South Central Kansas Prosperity

South Central Kansas Prosperity "Think Tomorrow Today" is embarking on a two-year process to develop a plan for prosperity for South Central Kansas that encompasses Butler, Harvey, Reno, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. The plan will serve as a guide as we work together to accomplish our mutual regional goals.

 

The effort will focus on six key areas:

- Workforce & Business Development

- Built Environment

- Transportation

- Water

- Natural Resources

- Healthy Community Design 

 

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K-State Illustrates Visionary Urban Site Plans
KSU with David Dixon
KSU students engage with David Dixon, Principal of Goody Clancy (Project Downtown consultant group)
First and Waco KSU Catalyst Site Rendering
KSU student design team catalyst site concept at First & Waco
KSU Open HouseThrough a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and support from local design firms, the WDDC was able to sponsor an urban design studio class from Kansas State University for the Spring Semester 2013. Nine visionary urban site plans, that build upon the urban design guidelines proposed in Project Downtown: The Master Plan for Wichita, along with a scale model of Downtown Wichita were presented at an open house on May 8 (as shown on right).
The proposals illustrate a vibrant Downtown where people can live in a city with unique identifiable districts, new regional destinations, a range of urban living opportunities, iconic landmarks, compelling civic space, and new economic opportunities. The Kansas State design studio was a collaboration with the WDDC staff, City of Wichita staff and local design professionals. Learn More

 

A special thank you to the local Wichita firms who helped make the K-State landscape architecture class possible: LawKingdon Architecture, WDM Architects, Professional Engineering Consultants, Ruggles & Bohm, GLMV Architecture, Schafer, Johnson, Cox, Frey Architecture, Prairie Gateway Chapter ASLA

 

(Available as a whole document or in sections)

 

In the News

"Architecture students' vision for downtown inspirational"

Wichita Business Journal  

 

2012 Downtown Economic Report
2012 Downtown Economic Report

The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation is pleased to provide the 2012 Downtown Economic Report. This document is designed to be a resource for those who own, develop, market, or invest in real estate. Key information in the report includes: Downtown Values & Investment, Downtown's Population, Housing Market, Employment, Office Market, Hospitality and the Arts & Culture industry. Since 2010, approximately $39 Million has been invested by the public sector and over $194 Million has been invested by the private sector*. The WDDC will continue to refine and develop the content of this document on an annual basis. View the 2012 Downtown Economic Report

 

*This figure includes investment in INTRUST Bank Arena. For full investment numbers from 2003-2012 please visit pages 5-6 of the 2012 Downtown Economic Report

Kansas Leadership Center
Kansas Leadership Center
Project cost - $9 Million
Under Construction/ Nearing Completion
KLC at Block One

Finishing touches are being made to the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) at Block One, adjacent to the Kansas Health Foundation building at 309 E. Douglas. The new 36,000-square-foot building is the first new construction along the core of Douglas Ave in 38 years and will be LEED-certified. Features include: a town hall meeting space with seating for 200, KLC staff offices, and classrooms. The new building will open later this summer. Learn More

The LUX
The LUX
Project Cost - $20 Million
Commercial Opening/ Residential Under Construction

The LUX is the redevelopment of the 170,000 sq. ft. former Kansas Gas & Electric Building at 120 E. First Street. The project will be a mixed-use development offering office, residential and luxury terraces overlooking the City's skyline. See the renderings

 

The commercial component of the LUX will open in August with two tenants, Defense Contract Audit Agency and Defense Contract Management. Two venue spaces will also be available for booking starting on September 1. Be on the lookout for an exciting announcement about the residential units. Learn More

Urban Sustainability Accelerator Program (USA)
Portland State University logo

Wichita is one of six cities selected to participate in Portland State's inaugural Urban Sustainability Accelerator (USA) program. This program helps cities collaborate on sustainability projects in a way that helps move them through the conceptual, planning, policy and completion stages. Each of the six teams will receive assistance with common themes including urban redevelopment and infill, green infrastructure investments, historic preservation and promoting transportation choices from spring 2013 through July 2014.

 

Recently the WDDC was awarded an $18,000 grant from the Kansas Health Foundation's Recognition Grants program. This funding will help support the City of Wichita's participation in Portland State University's Urban Sustainability Accelerator Program.

Mayoral Support for Passenger Rail in Wichita
Amtrak Service Gap
Pete Meitzner
On May 10 at a news conference at Union Station in Downtown Wichita, a signed letter by the Mayors of Wichita, Kansas City and Oklahoma City was presented stating support for passenger rail service from Oklahoma City through Wichita into Kansas City. This extension of train service would close the 185-mile service gap and connect the Amtrak's Heartland Flyer line to its Southwest Chief train line. Wichita Vice Mayor Pete Meitzner (shown in photo in above right) has been spearheading the City's effort on passenger rail service for more than a year, working with Kansas Department of Transportation. Learn More

In the News
Airbus Expansion
Airbus Expansion

Airbus Americas Engineering has expanded again in Old Town, moving into it's third building. Originally at 213 N. Mead, Airbus expanded two years ago across the street to 238 N. Mead, adding approximately 150 jobs. The new 10,000 sq. ft. space is adjacent to the original facility and shares the 213 N. Mead address. The interior of the new space has been refurbished to match Airbus' other offices and offers more space for current employees and room for future growth. Airbus currently employs approximately 400 people in engineering and support functions focused on airframe design and analysis for wing structures on Airbus aircraft.

The Arnold Group Renovates Headquarters
The Arnold Group
Project Cost - Approx. $500,000
Completed
The Arnold Group is a human resource solutions company headquartered at 530 S. Topeka in Downtown Wichita. The company has grown from a temp agency to include consulting, training and professional placement services and they employ 13 full-time workers and over 2,000 temporary workers. After nearly five months, renovations to their existing property are complete.  Interior updates include a high-tech conference room, new private offices as well as exterior fa�ade improvements.
Wichita Downtown Development Corporation
507 East Douglas
Wichita, KS 67202
316.264.6005

Project Downtown
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