We’re very pleased to announce with the City of Wichita that the downtown consultant will be Goody Clancy. The Steering Committee’s decision followed a Selection Committee recommendation based on a review of citizen input from the community presentations and additional interviews with each finalist team. The City Council is scheduled to consider the contract on Oct.13. As we begin the process with Goody Clancy, we hope you’ll join us in giving feedback and input. Keep checking here on our blog, our website (www.downtownwichita.org) and other social media outlets for information! Thanks to everyone who came out to the presentations, and we hope to see you, and all citizens of this great city and surrounding areas at future events.
by jmalone [ September 25 - 2009 ]
by jmalone [ September 11 - 2009 ]
The presentations by the four finalists, the winner of which will develop a downtown plan, are just under 2 weeks away and we need your help! As we all get ready to watch four major firms give their presentations, it’s time to start thinking of questions to ask these firms. What are you looking for in a firm? We are gathering a pool of questions to help the Downtown Steering Committee development questions they will ask following the consultant presentations. Leave your questions in the comments below, then come on September 22nd and 23rd to Wichita Scottish Rite beginning at 5:30 pm to watch the presentations.
by jmalone [ July 29 - 2009 ]
The Downtown Steering Committee announced the four finalists who will submit proposals for the Downtown Master Plan. The finalists include: Chan Krieger Sieniewicz, Crandall Arambula, Goody Clancy, and Looney Ricks Kiss. The proposals for the plan will include public presentations in late September. These presentations are a chance for the public to come and see the companies that want to help plan downtown. Will you be coming to watch the finalists? What are you looking forward to about the presentations?
by akeefer [ May 05 - 2009 ]
The Wichita City Council unanimously approved $175,000.00 to match the seed money that WDDC approved last month. The City also approved the utilization of a FTA Transportation Grant for the plan’s transportation component. With the commitment of these funds, a Downtown Development Strategy is no longer a dream, but a reality. What is your vision for downtown?
by akeefer [ May 04 - 2009 ]
Sushi? Music? Art Galleries? What’s the number one reason you visit downtown Wichita? With Wichita RiverFest kicking off this week, thousands of people will flock to activities and concerts along the river. So, other than the festival, what do you recommend?
by akeefer [ April 24 - 2009 ]
Michael Garvey, President of Builder’s Incorporated, today announced a commitment of $10,000 toward funding of a downtown comprehensive strategic plan. The gift comes the same day the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation pledged $175,000 toward a plan to be funded in partnership with businesses and local governments.
Builder’s Incorporated is a full-service residential and commercial real estate company that has served Wichita for more than 60 years. One of its largest investments is the downtown Garvey Center located from 200 to 300 West Douglas in the heart of Downtown Wichita.
Over the past 12 years Builders Incorporated has renovated the 26 story former Holiday Inn into 141 apartments, now known as 250 Douglas Place. Through using Builders Incorporated’s own resources, 250 Douglas Place has become one of the largest apartment complexes in downtown Wichita.
In addition to these apartments the Garvey Center also features 300,000 square feet of office space over two city blocks.
“As a stakeholder in downtown, a resident of downtown and a believer in Wichita, I think it is important to move forward responsibly with a blueprint for downtown” Garvey said. “Builders Incorporated is focused on the future and is pleased to be a part of the continuing change happening in Wichita. We felt that having committed many millions of dollars as one of the largest private investors in downtown, it was important to be the first from the private sector to step forward, a group that must be part of this process.”
Mayor Carl Brewer said, “Michael’s gift to advance the future of downtown Wichita and his quick action demonstrate his leadership and commitment. Michael is a great example of a young professional and business owner dedicated to having a vision and a strategy and making sure the community is part of that effort. He is continuing the legacy of a family that has given much to Wichita.”
by akeefer [ April 24 - 2009 ]
The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) Board of Directors today unanimously voted to commit $175,000 to a downtown comprehensive strategy as seed capital to forge partnerships and secure additional funding through the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County and the private sector.
“In the past two months, hundreds of people have attended meetings about downtown,” said Larry Weber WDDC Chairman. “The response to Mayor Brewer’s downtown message has been positive, and people have been overwhelmingly in favor of a comprehensive strategy.”
A recent document from WDDC showed that Wichita has seen success from previous downtown plans, including the last comprehensive plan from 20 years ago. One theme heard from the public input to date is that Wichita needs an overall comprehensive strategy to connect the numerous downtown assets. The document also highlighted case studies of what it takes to create successful downtown revitalization over time.
According to Jeff Fluhr, WDDC President, other communities with comprehensive strategies have seen the results of detailed efforts. “One of the most important benefits is that when there is sufficient detail in a comprehensive strategy, it provides developers and businesses the predictability, knowledge and therefore the comfort level needed to make millions of dollars in private investment,” Fluhr said.
Fluhr added, “A comprehensive strategy is a blueprint for our future. It benefits the public and private sector when making decisions. Our goal is to be strategic with public sector investment so we, as a community, maximize private sector investment.”
WDDC board and staff said they will meet with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County to discuss the efforts and partnership. In addition to the pledge made today, WDDC is also pursuing private sector funding from individual businesses.
“We are at a turning point in downtown with momentum and a foundation to build upon,” Weber said. “This is where our partnership as a community comes together. This partnership is how we all get on the same page and ensure we make the best decisions for the next 20 years from both the public and the private organizations. The integral component to the success of this effort is the community’s participation in casting the vision for our downtown.”
WDDC’s mission is to drive development in downtown Wichita. According to case studies, downtown revitalization benefits communities through new and retained jobs, increased private investment, increased property tax revenue, increased tourism revenue and improved perceptions.
The WDDC has established a website where the community may provide their input on the vision for downtown. The site is www.momentum-ict.com
The WDDC is a non-profit organization focused on stimulating interest and investment in Downtown. The organization is governed by its Board of Directors consisting of property and business owners from the Downtown area. The Board represents more than 1,400 businesses in the center city and directs and manages the WDDC’s efforts to revitalize the Downtown area.
For more information on the WDDC or its Board of Directors, contact us at 316.264.6005 or online at www.downtownwichita.org
