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Project Downtown The Master Plan for Wichita was implemented in 2010. Since then the plan itself its implementation and the WDDC have been the recipients of a multitude of awards and recognitions. These awards signify the strength of the plan and Wichitas commitment to building a more vibrant Downtown for the region. 2014 International Downtown Association PINNACLE AWARD Evolving to Maximize Development Public Relations Society of America CLARUS AWARD 2013 State of Downtown Report 2013 Kansas Chapter of the American Planning Association NEW HORIZONS AWARD 2011 International Downtown Association PINNACLE AWARD A Downtown by Partnerships Kansas Chapter of the American Planning Association PIONEER AWARD 2010 Prior to Project Downtown International Downtown Association MERIT AWARD Tallgrass Film Festival International Downtown Association MERIT AWARD Where to Park 36 W D D C C O M M U N I T Y E N H A N C E M E N T Douglas Avenue Underpass The WDDC received a 75000 grant from the John S. James L. Knight Foundation to derive design concepts for the Douglas Avenue Underpass. The design team was led by LK Architecture along with other local artists and design professionals. A series of public input workshops were held in addition to online surveys that were utilized to garner feedback for the design from the community. The final designs revealed in August 2014 addressed lighting pigeon mitigation and the inclusion of art and technology in the space. The design provides a necessary vision that would revitalize this historic structure from its current state into an inviting gateway into Downtown. These plans are currently being used to help secure funds to implement the project. Pop-Up Urban Park In 2014 the WDDC applied for and received a grant from the John S. James L. Knight Foundation to transform the literal hole on Douglas Avenue into a temporary pop-up urban park. The goal of the project is two-fold 1 to fill in the existing hole and introduce temporary site amenities which will improve the aesthetics of the area and streetscape and 2 to activate the park with programmed activities and services. Introducing food trucks during the lunch hour will be a primary driver of activity to the site. The anticipated increased activity and proposed aesthetic improvements will add vibrancy to the area and optimistically change the communitys perceptions about the site and future development potential. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2015. Fuel the Fire Speaker Series In an effort to further engage the community the WDDC in partnership with the Wichita Community Foundation and the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce produced the Fuel the Fire Speaker Series. The series focused on the ever changing demographics and community trends as they relate to the recruitment and retention of a talented workforce. The conversation was timely for Wichita and featured keynote addresses from Carol Coletta VP of Community and National Initiatives for the Knight Foundation James Chung President of Reach Advisors and Brad Segal President of Progressive Urban Management Associates. Each spoke about national trends and various initiatives cities are undertaking to remain competitive for the future. All stressed the importance of working together as a region and the further investment in our community to increase the talent opportunity and quality of place for our citizens. A W A R D S 22 Annual Downtown Clean Up The WDDC hosted its annual Downtown Clean Up event in partnership with the City of Wichita Public Works and Parks Recreation Departments. Over 120 volunteers assisted with various tasks and trash pick up all of which help beautify Downtown. This event would not be possible without the efforts of those who give back to their community. Community Event Funding The WDDC also sponsors multiple Downtown events and initiatives. In 2014 the WDDC provided 9750.00 in sponsorships. In addition WDDC staff assisted the Komen Race for the Cure event with its anticipated move to Downtown. The Race celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the move and was a welcome new event to the district. It is imperative that we all continue to work together to move our City to the next level. Working with the WDDC in coordination with the City to increase parking and improve traffic circulation in the Commerce Street Arts District has allowed us the opportunity to see Project Downtown in action and how it drives strategic development choices. David Farha Managing Partner of The Finn Lofts