General News in the 316

[SubGod22]

Here's something that'll get mixed reviews.

KSN - Grammy winning rock band Creed coming to Wichita next summer

Creed is extending its sold-out The Summer of ’99 Tour with 23 additional dates, including Wichita.

The band will be at Intrust Bank Arena on July 29 with special guests Daughtry and Mammoth WVH.

Tickets for the tour will be available for presale starting Friday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. local time.

For more information about the events, log onto Intrust Bank Arena’s website.

[SubGod22]

I am very curious to see what they come up with.

KSN - Future of downtown Wichita being planned

The future of downtown Wichita is already being planned. The planning and design firm Sasaki is partnering with Downtown Wichita to develop an action plan for 2035.

The executive director of Downtown Wichita says the firm is helping guide them in transforming the city’s core and focusing on attracting development. Housing is a key part of that growth.

“We have a lot of vacant space in our downtown. We have a lot of infill development coming in. What should that infill development look like? What are the architectural standards that we want to set in our community? So that we make sure that we have designs that are compatible in the urban setting,” Heather Schroeder said.

I don't have a feel for downtown and how many vacant lots exist, but you hear about it often. The positive side of that is that means there's a lot of development potential. I may have to check if the downtown Wichita site has a map that might show where these lots may be located. We definitely need more housing down there and I would think there'd be great potential in some decently significant apartment structures.

My oldest niece lives in KC and her current place is decent size and also offers co-working space to be rented for those that work from home. She pays extra for that as she needed to be around people more and not just cooped up in her apartment all day. I think there is a place like that that recently opened in Wichita but I could see a large structure benefiting from something like that.

But beyond apartments, I wonder what they'll come up with.

[Veritas]

I am very curious to see what they come up with.

KSN - Future of downtown Wichita being planned



I don't have a feel for downtown and how many vacant lots exist, but you hear about it often. The positive side of that is that means there's a lot of development potential. I may have to check if the downtown Wichita site has a map that might show where these lots may be located. We definitely need more housing down there and I would think there'd be great potential in some decently significant apartment structures.

My oldest niece lives in KC and her current place is decent size and also offers co-working space to be rented for those that work from home. She pays extra for that as she needed to be around people more and not just cooped up in her apartment all day. I think there is a place like that that recently opened in Wichita but I could see a large structure benefiting from something like that.

But beyond apartments, I wonder what they'll come up with.

Not sure if these “plans” are worth the public confidence. The Riverfront Legacy plan died a quiet death with no one attending the funeral. These leaders can’t make up their minds about a parking plan downtown. Not sure what positive impact a comprehensive downtown plan will have.

I guess it’s nice to have, but until the Riverfront Legacy master plan is addressed either as an official “go or no go” I will look on with skepticism at whatever plan they’re working on.

Private developers will drive growth triggered by the Biomedical campus. The city leaders will take what they can get regardless of a master plan unless it involves tearing down an existing perceived treasure, such as the Crown Uptown theater in College Hill or the two brutalist designed buildings downtown.

[SubGod22]

Speaking of downtown housing.

WBJ - Incentive package approved for downtown project bringing more housing to biomed area

Plans for a new apartment project — targeted toward students and on the doorstep of the Wichita Biomedical Campus — remain on track following a Tuesday City Council vote.

The Council unanimously approved Arena South Management's request for multiple city incentives that will be utilized for the revitalization of the four-story 333 E. English building, just south of the biomedical campus Phase 1 site, into a mixed-use development.

Called The Arnold, the property will have 42 apartment units and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. City staff said that construction is set to begin in March and wrap a year later.

The vote establishes a community improvement district and adopts a tax increment financing project plan for the effort. Arena South, led by Alan Banta and Bruce Rowley, said incentives would help make the $6.9 million project a reality.

As part of the incentive package, the Council also approved a request for a letter of intent on industrial revenue bonds that include a sales tax exemption on eligible materials, but no property tax exemption.

[SubGod22]

There were some tourism grants given out recently in the amount of around $400K total. Not a massive amount, but put out there to try and help boost some things. Two of those fell in the metro area.

WBJ - Mark Arts and an Andover mini golf course awarded tourism development grants

Two attractions in the Wichita area have new funding to grow their business.

Wichita's Mark Arts and a new mini-golf course coming to Andover are among the 13 attractions across the state to receive an Attraction Development Grant, a state program aimed at supporting tourist attractions, the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Mark Arts and Mega Pines were awarded $50,000 each — the highest amount awarded — in a funding round that saw a total of $401,000 spread across multiple counties.

After understanding the purpose of the grant, Mark Arts CEO Katy Dorrah said the northeast Wichita arts center was the "ideal candidate."

"We have really become an artistic hub for our community and our region, for artists and art enthusiasts," she said. "It is an incredible honor for Mark Arts to receive this grant ... It highlights the good work we are doing to inspire artists throughout our region."

Dorrah said that despite the center averaging 50,000 visitors annually, it had "room to be improved" with its 17-acre grounds.

We've talked about Mega Pines previously, it's the mini-golf course going in north of 54 in Andover that will have holes based on National Parks like Yosemite, Glacier Bay, Grand Canyon, Death Valley and others. Food and drink options from local food trucks. Apparently most mini-golf courses are concrete based and fall apart fairly quickly with our weather. Mega Pines will be different and it's more expensive to establish ($300K) and the $50K they're getting will help towards that. They're planning to open the course in May.

They have apparently been open for a paintballesque game since November.

I do have to give the owner props for taking this risk. Her and her husband are both teachers and have no investment partners so it really has been all on them to asses how much debt they can afford to take on to get this business moving.

With the closing of All Star on the east side due to the land being sold for development, I really hope Mega Pines finds success.

[SubGod22]

Did anyone go last year? I love the concept behind this and really hope in continues to succeed and grow.

WBJ - Kansas Global Holiday Market heads to different downtown venue

The second Kansas Global Holiday Market returns to downtown Wichita on Saturday, moving this year from Riverfront Stadium to Naftzger Park.

Based on European Christmas markets with shopping, regional foods and holiday lights, the event began last year with the goal of showcasing the diversity of business and talent across Wichita and the state.

It will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and there is no admission fee.

"This year's free event will showcase the diverse global representation we have in Wichita and Kansas in a fun, accessible way via cuisine, entertainment and cultural gifts," said Laura Lombard, director of the international division of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

More than 40 countries will be represented at the event, including artisanal goods from around the world. Among food and drink choices will be Caribbean dishes, Japanese boba tea and German spice wine. Alcoholic beverages will be served.

Performances representing many countries and continents will be held throughout the day, including cultural demonstrations, holiday music, dances, demonstrations and storytelling.

They have a website

[SubGod22]

Web Wire - Downtown Wichita Selects Sasaki as Project Partner for Downtown Action Plan

Sasaki has been selected by Downtown Wichita to develop a 10-year roadmap to support the ongoing revitalization of the city’s heart of cultural and commercial activity.

Project Downtown 2035: The Downtown Action Plan builds upon a previous master plan drafted in 2010 that laid a strong foundation for public and private sector investment, guiding $1.7 billion in completed investment to date with an additional $760 million planned for future developments. Sasaki will work in partnership with Downtown Wichita to develop a plan for sustaining the city’s rapid growth and urban identity through three key approaches–strengthening neighborhood ties, uplifting cultural assets, and outlining strategic recommendations for urban infill.

“Downtown Wichita has experienced transformative public and private investments in recent years, driving growth in residential, office, hospitality, and biomedical sectors. Our team is excited to build on this momentum, leveraging past and future investments to shape an authentic urban experience in downtown Wichita,” said Sasaki Associate Principal Siqi Zhu. “We are committed to fostering meaningful relationships with the places we plan for and look forward to collaborating with the Wichita community to create a vision that supports the city’s continued growth and downtown development for years to come.”

Sasaki’s expertise comprises planning and urban design, architecture, technology, and data science, reflecting the team’s uniquely integrated and collaborative nature. For the Downtown Action Plan, Sasaki has rounded out the team’s expertise with a team of national experts in downtown walkability, real estate finance, community engagement and public spaces.

The announcement of Sasaki follows a rigorous selection process, beginning with a Request for Proposal (RFP) in September. Seventeen national and global firms, including, but not limited to, firms located in New York, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, responded to the RFP. Four finalist teams were invited to present their approach in person in Wichita in November.

The selection committee, including representatives from private industry, nonprofits, and local government, chose Sasaki’s team based on its proven track record of project execution. Sasaki’s planning efforts have yielded physical transformations in downtowns across America. In recent years, the firms comprising Sasaki’s team for the Downtown Action Plan have collaborated on downtown planning projects in Akron, Chattanooga, Evansville, Detroit, Kansas City, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Raleigh.

“This is another step forward in ensuring progress and future success in Wichita,” said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu. “By investing in our downtown, we are not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents but also creating a destination that will attract visitors and businesses for years to come.”

[SubGod22]

Interesting development in Andover.

Eagle - 'Lack of decent food' in Andover inspires longtime restaurateurs to put off retirement

After years of working in the bar and restaurant industry in Wichita, longtime business partners David Allan and Charlie Badeen had sold almost all of their restaurants and were planning to slow down and retire.

Then, Allan said, a culinary problem in Andover that needed solving was brought to their attention.

“There’s a lack of decent food out here,” he said. “That’s a lot of the big complaints from people I know who live out here: There’s not enough options.”

So Allan and Badeen — who own Rain Bistro & Lounge in downtown Wichita and recently sold Dudley’s Irish Pub at 8550 W. 21st St. — agreed to join forces on one more project.

Victory Sports Bar, which Allan describes as a family-oriented, neighborhood bar and grill, should open sometime in early to mid-January at 418 N. Andover Road. The space, the former home of a physical therapy office, is in the same building as a Sherwin-Williams Paint Store.

What I find interesting about this is that they're essentially putting in a new sports bar across from a well established sports bar in Spauldings. I'm sure there are a lack of available structures available to use, but that part through me off.

Also, from those I know in Andover, another sports bar isn't what they've been begging for. A lot of people talk about having a lack of options in regards to a more traditional sit down restaurant and more variety. Victory isn't really adding to the variety that is craved in Andover, but we'll see how it works out. They've had success in Wichita with different places.

[ShockTalk]

Interesting development in Andover.

Eagle - 'Lack of decent food' in Andover inspires longtime restaurateurs to put off retirement



What I find interesting about this is that they're essentially putting in a new sports bar across from a well established sports bar in Spauldings. I'm sure there are a lack of available structures available to use, but that part through me off.

Also, from those I know in Andover, another sports bar isn't what they've been begging for. A lot of people talk about having a lack of options in regards to a more traditional sit down restaurant and more variety. Victory isn't really adding to the variety that is craved in Andover, but we'll see how it works out. They've had success in Wichita with different places.

I believe one could count Applebee's as a family/sports bar as well.

[SubGod22]

I believe one could count Applebee's as a family/sports bar as well.

One could. That place is nearly empty each time I drive by. I don't drive by it that often though.

[SubGod22]

North junction update.

The new exit, to open next week, along northbound 235, just west of 135 will hopefully ease congestion and connect to 96 as Exit 16A.

Exit 16B will continue to take you to southbound 135.

Exit 16C will direct you to northbound 135.

Still to be done is replacing the loop ramp from westbound 96 to southbound 135 with a two-lane flyover connecting to southbound 135. This coincides with widening southbound 135 south of 96.

Also, we will eventually have a two-lane ramp from westbound 96 to northbound 135.

Those should also help alleviate the congestion on 96.

Trust the process.