Wichita Recap April 2024

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WICHITA RECAP

Dave Murfin, Rick Worner, and Rodney Steven II, have expanded the Derby tourism and entertainment district project to $160 million. With STAR bonds approved, the Derby Destination Development group plans to make it the largest tourism site in south-central Kansas. The project, located at 63rd Street South and Rock Road, will feature a lagoon and beach, apartments, hotel, bar, climbing wall, zipline, beach volleyball, waterfront restaurants, water slides, and more. Construction is expected to begin in the summer after approval from the city of Derby. The development group aims to boost tourism and benefit Derby residents with high-end amenities and direct economic impact.

Construction has kicked off for the new Paris Baguette location in west Wichita, with an expected opening in October. This 3,500 square foot cafe will be larger than its east-side counterpart and will feature a drivethrough, offering convenience alongside the full Paris Baguette experience. The cafe will anchor a strip center, with an additional 2,000 square feet available for lease Derbybased Confederated Builders Inc. is overseeing construction, continuing their partnership with the franchisees. With the success of their east Wichita location, they are eager to replicate it on the west side and in Derby, bringing the beloved Paris Baguette experience to more communities.

Utopia Modern Salon Suites, owned by Kristin Kienzle, is expanding beyond Wichita with a new west-side location expected to open in September. Located within Occidental Management's Tyler Pointe Shopping Center, the 2,900 square foot space will offer 14 suites, catering to the demand for larger salon spaces. Kienzle plans to open pre-leasing for the west location on May 1, maintaining the upscale look and amenities of her existing locations. Additionally, Kienzle has ventured into franchising, aiming to expand Utopia Modern Salon Suites nationwide. Kienzle sees potential for growth across the Midwest and beyond.

Construction is set to commence at TapNPaddles, a 35,000 square-foot pickleball venue in northeast Wichita. The facility, part of the District 96 development, will feature 12 indoor courts, an event space, and a fullservice bar and restaurant. Owner Mike Ventling aims for a September or October soft opening, focusing on providing a high-quality player experience adhering to USA Pickleball standards. Greening Construction Inc. is the general contractor, with design assistance from Tomas Hoyos. The project aligns with the growth in District 96, contributing to the area's vibrant atmosphere and meeting the region's demand for pickleball facilities.

WICHITA RECAP

Aspen Funds, a real estate investment firm based in Overland Park with connections to Wichita, has secured funding for a new speculative buildings project in Bel Aire's Sunflower Commerce Park. The project involves constructing five spec buildings covering over 20 acres, intended for industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, and office purposes. Bel Aire approved $105 million in industrial revenue bonds for the development, offering property tax abatements The first 215,000 squarefoot building is set to begin construction in late summer, aiming to create 140 jobs initially.

A significant building transformation is underway in Wichita's North End, as locally based nonprofit Empower has initiated a project to repurpose the former Basham's building into a multiuse facility known as Empower Nomar Center. The renovation aims to create a commercial incubation kitchen, a multi-purpose classroom, and office space for Empower This Phase 1 project, costing $3.5 million, is part of a larger $12.1-million endeavor spanning multiple buildings on the southwest corner of 21st Street and Market. These transformation efforts align with the broader vision of Vamos Nomar initiative, aimed at revitalizing the North End into a vibrant cultural district.

Construction is set to begin next week on Wichita's first Love's Travel Stops location at the northwest corner of I-135 and 21st Street. The store, expected to open by the end of the year, will offer a range of services including a convenience store, gas pumps, restaurant, RV overnight parking, dog exercise area, electric vehicle charging, and semi-truck repair and wash. Love's expansion into Kansas aligns with its strategy to serve highly trafficked highway corridors. The development represents a milestone for the ICT21 Industrial District, a former oil refinery site undergoing transformation, and fulfills a vision set forth by developers over a decade ago.

A state-run psychiatric hospital planned for the OneRise Health Campus in southwest Wichita is set to have over 100 beds and receive additional funding sooner than expected. Originally planned for the northwest portion of the property, the hospital's location has shifted to the southwestern edge. This change aligns with the correctional component of the facility, necessitating a zoning shift from general commercial to limited industrial Despite concerns raised about the facility's location and security, project leaders aim to destigmatize mental health care. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with the hospital opening in late 2026.