Over 100 community members attended a public open house last month to see the final design solution for revitalizing the Douglas Ave Underpass, a key connector in Downtown Wichita. During the open house, architects, artists, lighting consultants and engineers from the design team were available to answer questions and provide project details. The design team was led by the local firm LK Architecture.

Demographics are changing. Community wants and needs are changing. How do we ensure that Wichita attracts and retains talented professionals, provides unique opportunities for its citizens, and is recognized as a place others want to live?

Join us for the final keynote in the Fuel the Fire Speaker Series featuring Brad Segal, who will discuss national trends affecting Wichita. This event is free and open to the public and will take place from 5:00-6:00pm at The LUX (120 E. 1st St. N.)

Brad Segal's Fuel the Fire keynote is sponsored by Laham Development, GLMV Architecture, Cargill, Hite Fanning & Honeyman L.L.P., and the Law Offices of Morris Laing Evans Brock & Kennedy, Chtd.

View the building. Enjoy the food. See what the buzz is all about! The LUX, a mixed-use redevelopment project in the former KG&E building at 1st and Market, will be hosting an Open House for the public on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The 1950's character of The LUX, paired with the goal of LEED Certification and a multitude of amenities, creates a unique sense of community and place in Downtown Wichita. Attend the Open House to view the residential and commercial space available for rent.

The Sedgwick County Commission recently voted to purchase the former IRS building at 271 W. 3rd Street for $15 million. The building will be renovated to house the Main Tag Office, the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department, the Metropolitan Area Planning Department, the County Appraisers Office, Environmental Resources, and Sheriff's Offices of Professional Standards Unit. The estimated renovation costs are approximately $6.3 million with an additional $1.3 million for furnishings. The projected completion date for construction is June 2015.

The vacant lot at the corner of 1st and Waco has been transformed into 36 new residential units, Corner 365. This new apartment complex is comprised of two buildings and has units ranging from 700 to 1,000 SF. All units include washer and dryer, private parking garage secure access and water, trash and sewer paid. An urban courtyard was recently completed and includes multiple grills, an outdoor fireplace and ample greenspace for entertaining guests or relaxing. 

In 2013, the Kansas Health Foundation expanded their current Douglas Avenue offices to include additional meeting rooms and headquarter space for the Kansas Leadership Center. This development project spurred the first new building along the core of Douglas Avenue in 38 years. The Opus Group, designers of the Kansas Leadership Center & Kansas Health Foundation Conference Center recently received two awards for their design: the Design Build Institute of America Honor Award for an Institutional Facility and an Overall Design in Excellence. 

The next phase of the $30 million Orpheum Theatre renovation is expected to start in early 2015. This phase will refurbish the theatre lobby by repairing plaster molding, walls and ceilings; replacing lighting and doors; and refurbishing the trim and signage around exits. This is the final restoration project that can be completed with the Orpheum still open to the public.  After the lobby renovation, the next phase will be a $10 million restoration of the auditorium, which will require the theatre to be closed for one year. To date, over $4 million has already been spent on restorations for the historic venue. 

The TIF District for Union Station has been created. The first phase of the mixed-use $54 million project could begin by the end of the year. Occidental Management's project proposal is a pay-as-you-go TIF, eliminating risk for the City. The development will connect Old Town to INTRUST Bank Arena, Commerce Arts District and will increase the vibrancy of Douglas Avenue. Project Downtown: The Master Plan for Wichita identified the development as a catalyst site.

The Exchange Place project, led by developer John McWilliams, is prepared to move forward. The $66 million development will revitalize the Exchange and Bitting buildings located on corners of Douglas and Market. The 11-story Bitting building will house 66 residential units and ground floor commercial space. The nine-story Exchange Place building will have 139 residential units. A new five-story adjoining building will bring 25 units in addition to a new 290 stall parking garage. Other proposed amenities include a rooftop reflection pool, hot tubs and cabanas for it's residents.