WICHITA, Kan. - 2/4/2014 - The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation was recently awarded $75,000 from the Knight Foundation Fund of the Wichita Community Foundation in order to derive design concepts that will revitalize the historic Douglas Avenue underpass from its current status into an inviting Downtown gateway. This grant has allowed the WDDC to hire LawKingdon Architecture to lead the design team to help in the first phase of the project.

The overall "vision" is to transform the underpass from the eyesore and barrier that it is in its current state, to an inviting gateway into our Downtown that not only serves as a landmark of distinction but also a public space for the community to engage and interact through technology, social media and the arts. The first input meeting to garner ideas and perspectives from the general public is set for Thursday, February 13, from 5:30 - 7:00pm at the WDDC Design & Innovation Center (505 E. Douglas Ave).

“This initiative will be catalytic in Downtown’s development. The envisioned urban space will provide the opportunity to connect multiple districts in our Downtown and also engage and educate the public in an innovative and meaningful way,” said WDDC President Jeff Fluhr.

About Wichita Downtown Development Corporation
The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) was launched in 2002 to revitalize and enhance the center city. WDDC is a private 501c3, not-for-profit corporation that works closely with the private sector and local government to stimulate new investment and interest in Downtown Wichita. By strengthening Downtown Wichita, we are creating a vibrant economic region. For more information, call 316.264.6005 or visit http://www.downtownwichita.org.

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