What’s coming: A look at development on the river
In the past couple of years at least $137.5 million in projects have been announced for the Delano area along the Arkansas River. As larger developments continue to expand closer to the edges of the city, such as the areas surrounding Greenwich Place and New Market Square, the Wichita City Council is looking to revitalize the core.
Developments have taken place or been announced for other portions of the downtown market, like The Douglas Luxury Apartments, College Hill’s new Uptown Landing and plans for the lot across from Intrust Bank Arena, but in this blog we will give you a look at the projects underway or slated for just west of the river.
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and various Delano improvements
The city council approved the designation of $29.5 million towards the renovation of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and the revitalization of the surrounding Delano area. The plans include renovating the stadium to be a combination baseball park and soccer field. The council hopes these changes will enable the stadium to host more concerts and festivals as well, allowing it to be of more use year-round. The rest of the budget is set aside for improvements to the area such as the creation of a greenway walking and bike path around Delano businesses. Another portion of the budget will go to improve parking in the district.
EPC Real Estate Delano Site
EPC Real Estate LLC, out of Kansas City, is finalizing its plans for $40 million in development in the Delano District. The projects, set to be along McLean between Douglas and Second Street, will include a mixed-use development with 200 apartment units and 5,000 square feet of commercial space and an 85 to 100 room hotel. The hotel will carry one of the Marriott flags, but a decision has not been made as to which one. The company does not expect construction to begin until the fourth quarter of 2018.
UPDATE: December 12, 2017: City Hall is poised to approve a publicly subsidized plan to build 180 downtown apartments adjacent to the Advanced Learning Library in a project labeled critical to development of a new baseball stadium and revitalization of the Delano area. http://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article189234734.html#emlnl=Business_Newsletter
Advanced Learning Library
The construction at 223 S. Main St. is the city’s new Advanced Learning Library, estimated to cost about $33 million. The new building is to replace the central library in front of Century II, which is more than 50 years old. Unlike the old location, the new library will have the ability to integrate modern technology – which will allow for exciting new learning opportunities and easier organization. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2018.
River Vista Apartments
The River Vista Apartments at 199 McLean Blvd., right next to the river by First Street, are expected to be completed in March next year. The new multifamily development will boast river views, an amphitheater and a boat dock. The 204-unit project will neighbor established riverfront properties such as the Drury Plaza Hotel to the east and the Exploration Place to the north.
Overall, the next year or two should prove interesting for downtown Wichita
