"Wichita OKs tax-exempt bonds to advance affordable housing project downtown" 10/15/24

The owner of an 11-story downtown building secured a key approval Tuesday to move forward with a refreshed project. Read more>>

"Open Streets ICT returns to Douglas Ave" 10/13/24

The final Open Streets ICT of 2024 took over Douglas Avenue on Sunday. Read more>>

"Wichita breaks ground on multimodal facility" 10/11/24

It’s a place to park and then walk, ride a bike or a scooter, and meet up with friends before going to the stadium or other amenities in downtown Wichita. Read more>>

"Wichita’s weekend packed with return of annual events: Open Streets, Lebanese dinner, more" 10/11/24

Open Streets, the big annual street party that shuts down 4.1 miles of Douglas to traffic and fills it with bikers, walkers, skateboarders, live music, dancing, street vendors and food, returns for its fall installment on Sunday. Read more>>

"Wichita to break ground on multimodal facility" 10/11/24

Wichita will break ground on a new transportation hub in downtown on Friday at 9 a.m. Read more>>

"Content creator opens bookstore dedicated to Black authors in downtown Wichita" 10/8/24

An educator-turned-entrepreneur is opening a bookstore dedicated to authors of color in downtown Wichita. Read more>>

"U.K.-based technology company expands into Wichita, picks downtown" 10/7/24

A U.K.-based technology company is headed to Wichita. Bloc Digital, a technology and software company, has secured a lease for a 3,400 square-foot office inside the Epic Center at 301 N. Main. Read more>>

"Two Wichita business fixtures make ‘very significant’ move to new downtown space" 9/11/24

Steve Martens of NAI Martens, who represented Law Co. and LK Architecture in the deal, said there is so much activity near the building, particularly with the Wichita Biomedical Campus coming in and everything that it is attracting. Read more>>

"‘Go Chiefs’: Fans show up for NFL season opener watch party at Naftzger Park" 9/5/24

For those who could not make the trip to Arrowhead, Festive ICT held a big public watch party at Naftzger Park in downtown Wichita. Read more>>

"Downtown Wichita hires Syracuse economic development veteran as next executive director" 5/16/24

Downtown Wichita has its next executive director. The affiliate of the Greater Wichita Partnership announced the hiring of Heather Schroeder — who has most recently served as deputy director and director of economic development for the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. in New York — to the position. Read more>>

"Wichita Market Continues to Show Signs of Substantial Growth" 5/16/24

Wichita has seen significant growth in the commercial real estate market for two years in a row. There have been sizable investments in downtown, new industrial campuses, medical offices and higher education institutions. These projects are spurring strong momentum in downtown Wichita. Read more>>

"How Buffalo Brew Coffee Co. landed in this prominent downtown space" 4/9/24

Buffalo Brew Coffee Co. has landed in one of downtown Wichita's most prominent developments. Read more>>

"Downtown Vitality Index: How Downtown Wichita’s comeback compares" 3/31/24

Wichita ranks among the strongest when it comes to downtown recovery after the pandemic. Read more>>

"Carry A. Nation and her hatchet soon will overlook a new downtown Wichita bar" 3/18/24

Along with the stores and vendors coming to Eaton Place this spring, there’s going to be a new bar called Bubbles. Read More>>

"Wichita developers acquire 3 prominent downtown buildings with ideas for new uses" 3/5/24

"We've always wanted to contribute to the downtown area because we believe in the downtown area, and that's really the heart of our city." Read more>>

"KeyCentrix joins growing trend of businesses migrating downtown" 2/16/24

Over the last decade, Wichita has seen people migrating downtown to the city’s core. Businesses are doing the same. Cargill moved into its new $60 million headquarters in 2018. IMA left Rock Road for downtown in 2020. Now, KeyCentrix has found a home at Douglas and Emporia. Read more>>

"Making a statement: Design for WSU and KU biomedical campus goes big" 1/19/24

There are now renderings of what the first phase of the downtown Wichita Biomedical Campus will look like, and those involved say it’s a game-changer aesthetically. Read more>>

"The National has a new coworking space to go with its Class A apartments in downtown Wichita" 1/18/24

Following the launch of its luxury apartments in 2023, one of downtown Wichita's most high-profile projects has hit another milestone. Read more>>

"New public art to be installed in downtown Wichita" 1/2/24

New public art will installed on South Commerce Street and South Saint Francis Avenue between East Waterman Street and Kellogg Drive. Read more >>

"A 'purpose built' home: Keycentrix moves into its new downtown headquarters" 12/18/23

A little over a year after laying out a vision to transform one of downtown Wichita's historic — but long-vacant — buildings, Keycentrix is now settled into its new headquarters. Read more >>

"K-State architecture students create potential future plans for downtown Wichita" 11/30/23

Downtown Wichita hosted an engaging public open house for students from the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design on Nov. 30. Read more >>

"Call it a comeback: Wichita tops Midwest peers in downtown recovery report" 10/26/23

The recovery in the city's core ranked ninth among U.S. metros — and No. 1 in the Midwest region. Read more >>

"From Vacant to reimagined: HiTone Lofts approaches launch in Old Town" 10/11/23

A new-to-Wichita developer's conversion of a historic Old Town building into apartments is about to go live. Read more>>

"A look at where Wichita's Exploration Place is headed with playscape vision" 9/26/23

Exploration Place's planned multimillion-dollar outdoor expansion is one of the most eagerly anticipated developments in downtown Wichita. Read more >>

"Well-known Wichita chef will open his first solo restaurant this fall in downtown Wichita" 9/16/23

Chef Josh Rathbun is opening a new dinner restaurant called Lotte in the space at Fidelity Bank’s RISE Car Park, Market and English, that First Mile Cantine vacated in April. read more >>

"Who is dressing the bronze sculptures in downtown Wichita? And who is undressing them?" Wichita Eagle 9/18/23

Wichita crochet artist Tamara Gonzales is using brightly colored yarn to "dress up" a collection of bronze sculptures installed along Douglas in downtown Wichita. Some trees are also getting the crochet treatment. read more >>

"Sneak peek: The National, a downtown Wichita mixed-use project, is coming to life" 9/15/23

Renderings are turning into real life at a long-vacant downtown Wichita building being transformed into luxury apartments and coworking space. read more >>

"What to do this weekend: Bike the Open Streets; Enjoy Autumn & Art; Choose a Latin fest" Downtown Wichita 9/14/23

It’s like all the Wichita organizations picked the same weekend for their big events. Good luck deciding this weekend between Open Streets, Autumn & Art, Kansas Railfest and a couple of Hispanic Heritage Month events, which are all going on at the same time. Here’s a rundown of the many big events scheduled outdoors in Wichita this weekend: read more >>

"NEW DAWN FOR DOWNTOWN: THE PIECES ARE IN PLACE FOR MAJOR REVITALIZATION, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN" 9/8/23

In just a few years, a $300-million biomedical campus is expected to rise in place of nondescript parking lots near Broadway and William streets and a neighboring city transit center destined for replacement. read more >>

"Wichita’s downtown ballpark to host first concert since Riverfront Stadium opened" Wichita Eagle 9/6/23

For the first time since construction of Riverfront Stadium was completed in 2020, the downtown ballpark will host a concert. Tribute bands for Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam will be taking the stage on Sunday, Oct. 8 for a “90’s Rock at the Park” experience, the Wichita Wind Surge announced on Wednesday morning. read more >>

"City Council vote begins new chapter in much-anticipated ballpark project" Wichita Eagle 8/15/23

The new agreement for mixed-use commercial development with the Overland Park-based EPC Real Estate still includes plans for an eight-story, 155-room hotel from the New York City-based Dream Hotel Group. read more >>

"A rooftop terrace and outdoor seating are options for this new Delano development" Wichita Eagle 8/11/23

A buyer has purchased two prominent Delano properties along West Douglas and plans to redevelop them. read more >>

"City names site for new WSU-KU Wichita Biomedical Center: ‘This is going to be big’" Wichita Eagle 7/28/23

On Tuesday, the Wichita City Council will consider a last-minute agenda item that’s a memorandum of understanding between the city, the University of Kansas Medical Center and Wichita State University for the new Wichita Biomedical Center in downtown. read more >>

"Here’s what $25 million in planned upgrades would bring to Exploration Place, riverfront" Wichita Eagle 7/19/23

Big changes could be coming to Exploration Place in the next three years, including an amphitheater and an outdoor playscape and education center, as well as indoor renovations at the science museum. read more >>

"New dessert, daiquiri bar is planned for Delano; Owners will start with a west-side pop up"

Crews are working on the building on West Douglas in Delano that once housed a dance studio. Soon, it will be home to a new daiquiri and dessert bar. read more >>

"What to do this weekend, next week: Automobilia, concerts by Parker McCollum, Bela Fleck" Wichita Eagle 7/6/23

Parker McCollum will headline a show on Saturday at Intrust Bank Arena. read more >>

"Less than a year after starting, Wichita’s parkrun draws tourists as well as locals" Wichita Eagle 7/4/23

Exploration Place parkrun is a free, weekly 5K that is open to walkers, runners, volunteers, spectators and even leashed dogs accompanied by their owners. It starts at 8 a.m. outside Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd. read more >>

"Fireworks, parades, games: Here’s how to celebrate Fourth of July in, around Wichita" Wichita Eagle 6/29/23

This long Fourth of July weekend, Wichitans will have more ways to celebrate than just fireworks. With parades, concerts, pool parties and more, there is no shortage of events and activities to mark the holiday. read more >>

"Wichita interior remodeler makes move to historic downtown location" Wichita Business Journal 6/13/23

Wendy Mayes, who has worked in interior remodeling and design for around 30 years, is moving Wendy Mayes Design to 519 E. Douglas at Eaton Place. read more >>

"Ten Minutes With ... John Michael, NICHE culinary school" Wichita Business Journal 6/16/23

John Michael has had a 30-year career in restaurants and hospitality at over 20 establishments across the globe — yet he's poised to build a legacy in Wichita, Kan. read more >>

"Wichita’s first Asian Night Market so unexpectedly crowded, it’s moved to baseball stadium" Wichita Eagle 5/24/23

Last year’s Asian Night Market drew unexpectedly big crowds so organizers decided to move this year’s to a larger venue. read more >>

"New Koch-tied 'Learning Lab' headed to downtown Wichita's Union Station" Wichita Business Journal 5/4/23

An education collaborative with ties to Koch Industries will soon have a high-profile home in downtown Wichita. read more >>

"Report: Wichita one of most in-demand Midwest markets for apartment seekers" Wichita Business Journal 5/2/23

The National, a downtown mixed-use development with luxury apartments, coworking space and more, is one of several high-profile projects throughout Wichita set to deliver new rental units in 2023. read more >>

"Hopping Gnome’s big new tap room is likely to be one of the summer’s busiest hangouts" Wichita Eagle 4/24/23

The Hopping Gnome will close its old taproom on Douglas on April 30, and open up in the new one around the corner on Victor on May 2. read more >>

"Riverfest returns to Wichita in June. Snag your button at these locations for a discount" Wichita Eagle 4/18/23

Adam Anderson designed this year’s River Festival logo and button. The artwork was unveiled during an event at Emprise Bank Monday. This year will mark the 51st year of the Wichita River Festival. read more >>

"Wichita Riverfest rolls out its list of 2023 musical performers" Wichita Eagle 4/18/23

The Wichita Riverfest staff is ready to share the musical lineup for the 2023 festival, which will fill downtown Wichita with food, fun and music from June 2 to 10. read more >>

"Fast-growing Wichita creative agency moves to new downtown space" Wichita Business Journal 4/17/23

Justin McClure Creative is growing in clients, capabilities and team members. Now, the Wichita-based creative agency has a new headquarters at 420 S. Commerce that founder Justin McClure says fits the company's upward trajectory. read more >>

"ArenaPointe has new tenants, one of which is going to start the party before moving in" Wichita Eagle 4/17/23

Chris Carlson is moving the Wichita office of the national Galloway & Co. architecture firm to the ArenaPointe building at the southeast corner of Emporia and Waterman. read more >>

"Trendy downtown business adds coffee, now aspires to be one of Wichita’s busiest shops" Wichita Eagle 4/13/23

Grow, the plant shop and bar in downtown Wichita, has just added coffee to its list of offerings, and the owner hopes people will now flock to the shop in the morning. read more >>

"Downtown Wichita adding steak restaurant offering upscale feel without upscale prices" Wichita Eagle 4/13/23

Dave Jewett is opening in the former District Taqueria called Forge ICT at 917 E. Douglas. read more >>

"A new restaurant in Wichita’s Old Town Square celebrates its grand opening on Wednesday" Wichita Eagle 4/11/23

Old Town Square has a new dining option that will please fans of Japanese and Korean fare. read more >>

"Downtown Wichita gets new coworking space with small business focus" Wichita Business Journal 4/10/23

Brant Dumford and Anna Kate Tillison have teamed to launch the Colony, a new co-working space at 659 N. Market in downtown Wichita. read more >>

"Renovation of 10-story downtown Wichita building approaches first phase completion" Wichita Business Journal 4/5/23

The transformation of a long-vacant piece of downtown Wichita's skyline is making notable progress — and is on track to have residents moving in within a few months. read more >>

"Change in direction: Converting downtown Wichita's one-way streets to two way" Wichita Business Journal 3/28/23

A new master plan approved by the city in February recommends converting several downtown Wichita streets from one way to two way, including Topeka, Main, English and Market. read more >>

"New downtown Wichita venue — with a boxcar-turned-Airbnb — is ready to make splash [PHOTOS]" Wichita Business Journal 3/28/23

The Hudson St. Francis project has been several years in the making. It recently hosted a grand opening and is starting to book events. read more >>

"Cargill donates $500K for new Kansas African American Museum location" Wichita Businiess Journal 3/1/23

Cargill's North American protein business, headquartered in Wichita, has donated $500,000 to support the relocation of the Kansas African American Museum. read more >>

"Greater Wichita Partnership hires former KSN anchor Emily Younger" Wichita Business Journal 3/6/23

Former KSN-TV anchor Emily Younger has left television to start a new role as the new public relations manager at the Greater Wichita Partnership, the region's economic development organization. read more >>

"This downtown Wichita park will replace rest of grass with artificial turf, add 3 trees" Wichita Eagle 3/2/23

City crews will begin replacing the remaining grass in downtown Wichita’s Naftzger Park with artificial turf next week. read more >>

"See details of a new $400M riverbank proposal that saves Century II, former library" Wichita Eagle 3/1/23

A new plan unveiled Tuesday to the Wichita City Council calls for investing $55 million in the iconic blue-domed Century II building. Other downtown buildings are also in the plan. read more >>

"Downtown Wichita building demolished for new $6M child-care center" Wichita Business Journal 2/24/23

Plans for a new downtown child-care center took a major step forward this week with the demolition of a building to clear the site for construction to start likely early next year. read more >>

"RENEWING THE LEGACY: Renovated downtown park refocuses Chester Lewis' influence on Wichita" Wichita Business Journal 2/17/23

Newton-based artist and art therapist Ellamonique Baccus was commissioned to create artwork for the redesigned Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square in downtown Wichita. Baccus did extensive research on the life of Chester Lewis to create artwork depicting his civil rights work. read more>>

"Wichita City Council to vote on downtown street plan that calls for some major changes" Wichita Eagle 2/6/23

The Wichita City Council will vote Tuesday on a concept plan for redesigning downtown streets that calls for converting several one-way roads to two-way and reducing the number of lanes on other two-way streets. read more >>

"The business leaders on Wichita's new homeless task force" Wichita Business Journal 2/1/23

A new task force aimed at addressing the number of people experiencing homelessness in downtown Wichita met for the first time earlier this month, and now we know who is involved. read more >>

"A little bit of sunshine: Wichita Riverfest reveals artwork for 2023 button, poster" Wichita Eagle 1/23/22

A rower on the river, a runner crossing the finish line and a guitar flowing into fireworks in the sky all are part of the poster design. read more >>

"Pickrell Drilling gets comfortable in new HQ within popular Wichita neighborhood" Wichita Business Journal 1/18/23

Pickrell CEO and board chair Trent Sebits said an office near the city's core fits the company's history and the passions of his grandfather, Carl Sebits — who co-founded Pickrell Drilling with Lloyd Pickrell and Cecil Burton in 1948. read more >>

"Orangetheory Fitness coming to Intrust Bank Arena's doorstep in downtown Wichita" Wichita Business Journal 1/13/23

Orangetheory Fitness' third Wichita location is set to open downtown this spring. read more >>

"Former District Taqueria space quickly lands new tenant" Wichita Eagle 12/20/22

David Jewett said he plans to open "Forge," a "casual steak joint" with an emphasis on craft cocktails, in February at 917 E. Douglas, the former home of District Taqueria. read more >>

ICT Summit: Getting on the same page to build a vision for downtown Wichita 9/22/23

The ICT Summit, taking place at WSU Tech's National Institute of Culinary and Hospitality Education, explored the three phases of downtown: the past, the present, and a strategic vision for the future. Read more >>

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