Wichita Recap February 2024

WICHITA RECAP

Builders Inc. is set to construct a 7,000 sq-ft strip center at 1530 S. Oliver, just north of Harry Street, only half a mile south of their Parklane retail center in southeast Wichita. The new center, expected to complete construction in August, aims to enhance the trade area's appeal, possibly accommodating multiple tenants or a single tenant for the entire space With a $1,602,500 valuation, the ground-up build will feature an endcap with a drive-through, 50 parking stalls, and is part of ongoing retail development efforts in highgrowth areas, alongside projects like Paul Suellentrop's strip mall in east Wichita.

Jenn Thach, owner of Day Off Nail & Lash Studio, plans to relocate her business from downtown's Shops at Gallery Alley to 225 Sycamore in Wichita's Delano District. The move, scheduled for this summer, involves a significant expansion to a 2,725 sq-ft ground-floor space, offering private suites for beauty industry professionals and facilitating the growth of Thach's nail and lash business. Graycon Building Group and MJC Architecture are handling construction, and Thach anticipates employing 8-10 team members. The move is seen as a positive addition to the Delano neighborhood, benefiting from the luxury apartment residents above.

Western Hydro, part of Headwater Companies LLC, is set to open its second Kansas location in Wichita, moving into a 27,430 sq-ft space at 818 E. Orme St. by April 1. The expansion aims to capture more of the local market, with plans to add four employees initially and grow to 20 in five to seven years. The company provides water equipment and supplies for contractors, offering drilling supplies, water pumps, well service equipment, and water treatment solutions. The Wichita location will serve customers across Pratt, eastern Kansas, and south to Oklahoma City, strategically chosen for its central location near Kellogg and I-135.

The Sedgwick County Election Office in Wichita is set to move to a larger facility on the city's northeast side. County Commissioners approved the $4.5 million purchase of a 46,600 sqft property at 3639 N. Comotara St., currently occupied by Walton's Inc. The move aims to consolidate the election office's warehouse and offices, improving efficiency and security The election commissioner plans to occupy the new space by November 2025. The total projected cost for the new office and warehouse is $5.8 million. Some commissioners expressed concerns about the price and location, with one dissenting vote.

WICHITA RECAP

Diamond Baseball Holdings, the owner of Wichita Wind Surge, has acquired two Riverfront Stadiumadjacent properties in Wichita, including a 2-acre parking lot and a 0.17-acre parcel near the ballpark entrance. The purchase from Wichita Riverfront LP accounts for two of the four acres the city sold to the development group for $1 per acre when the Wind Surge moved to Wichita from New Orleans. While Diamond Baseball Holdings has not disclosed its plans, this acquisition coincides with increased development around the stadium. EPC Real Estate Group is set to begin a $110-million mixed-use project to the east, including a hotel and apartments.

The historic Rose Building in downtown Wichita, located two blocks from the planned $300-million biomedical center, is being listed for sale at $1.7 million. The five-story building, constructed in 1911, offers 33,190 sq ft of space and is within walking distance of the future biomedical campus. The current owner, Rosa De León, a realtor and business owner, cites the challenges of property management as the reason for selling. The building, with around 60% occupancy, presents potential for various uses such as offices, apartments, or mixed-use, and its historic charm includes marble floors, wood finishes, and an elegant lobby.

Meat-processing equipment company Walton's Inc. is set to build a new 100,000 sq-ft headquarters in Bel Aire's Sunflower Commerce Park, doubling its current footprint. Sedgwick County approved the purchase of Walton's current Wichita property for the Election Office. The Bel Aire move, targeted for May 2025, consolidates office, warehouse, and retail space, offering flexibility for future expansion The family-owned business, experiencing 22 years of growth, plans to discuss potential incentives with Bel Aire for the $11 million project.

Gentry Private Wealth, a wealth management firm, is set to move from its downtown Wichita office to a larger space in Wilson Estates Office Park in May. The firm is relocating to a 3,000 sq-ft space within a building at 8415 E. 21st St., previously occupied by Simmons Bank. The move is driven by the firm's growth, with the team expanding from five to nine members in the last 18 months. The new location offers more conference rooms, additional offices, and an improved kitchen/lounge area. Despite leaving downtown, Gentry values the walkability and amenities in the northeast Wichita neighborhood.