W I C H I T A
WICHITA RECAP
Union Mill Apartments Thrive
Union Mill, a 301-unit luxury apartment complex in east Wichita, has reached 82% occupancy and aims for 95% this fall Initially designed as a 55-and-over community, it pivoted to an active adult demographic due to slower leasing. The complex offers diverse floor plans and high-end amenities, including a heated pool, pickleball courts, and various community events that appeal to all ages. Monthly rents range from $785 for studios to $2,000 for three-bedroom units TLC Properties emphasizes flexibility with short-term leases and fully furnished options, successfully attracting a mix of long-term and short-term residents.
Aegis Group Expands Headquarters
Aegis Group is set to move to a new headquarters at 1330 E. 1st St. in Wichita by October 1. The management, consulting, and insurance brokerage firm has rapidly grown since its 2016 founding, now employing 31 team members and serving clients in 46 states. The new 21,800-square-foot space will house a 3,000-square-foot lounge for events and client interactions Aegis, recently ranked among the 5,000 fastest-growing companies by Inc. magazine, aims to reach 100 employees within the next 12 to 24 months, continuing its expansion through organic growth and potential acquisitions.
WICHITA RECAP
Landmark Square Project Delayed
A planned transformation of the historic Landmark Square building in downtown Wichita into a 74-unit lowincome residential community has been postponed to 2025 due to a failed tax credit application. Developer Sam Edelson cited a "technical item" that led him to withdraw his full application for 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The project aims to provide affordable housing, with 16% of units targeted at 30% of area median income. Edelson plans to partner with a local Kansas expert for the next application cycle and remains optimistic about securing the necessary funding and moving forward.
New Design Center Opens
Emma Schlittenhardt, owner of Hardt Interior Design, has launched the Bocote Design + Build Center in east Wichita, a 2,000-squarefoot retail space offering homebuilding and interior finishing products. Located at the Waterfront near 13th and Webb Road, the center features cabinets, countertops, flooring, and plumbing fixtures for residential and commercial projects. Schlittenhardt aims to create a one-stop shop for customers, reducing the need to visit multiple stores.
Despite a slowdown in new-home construction, she sees growth in remodeling projects. The center will also provide internship opportunities for design students, fostering entrepreneurship in the community.
WICHITA RECAP
Goddard Welcomes Casey's Store
Goddard will soon see its first Casey's General Store, approved by the City Council for infrastructure improvements at the corner of 183rd Street and Kellogg. The city will fund $211,030 for these upgrades The 4,562-square-foot convenience store will feature 10 fuel stalls on about 1.2 acres, with construction bids expected in January and completion planned for late spring. This development taps into the growing commercial activity along the U.S. 54 corridor and addresses a key market gap, contributing to Goddard's ongoing growth and development.
WSU Tech Expands Automotive Programs
WSU Tech has completed a $3 million renovation of its automotive center at the City Center Campus to meet rising industry demand The upgraded facilities include the Walser Automotive Service Lab, Kenworth Heavy Truck Lab, and a 72-person lecture hall, allowing for 48 more students. Funded in part by the Kansas Board of Regents, the project enhances partnerships with Walser Automotive Group and WKI Kenworth, providing hands-on training and job opportunities to support Wichita's expanding automotive sector.
WICHITA RECAP
WICHITA RECAP
Riverview Building Back on Market
The seven-story Riverview Building in downtown Wichita is back on the market, priced at $3,975,000, following the departure of its anchor tenants, The Law Co. and LK Architecture, to the nearby Ruffin Building. A previous sale contract fell through when lease extensions weren’t secured. Owned since 2015 by Riverview Building LLC, the property features 79,254 square feet and 330 parking spaces. With help from InSite Real Estate Group, owner Tony Utter aims to attract new tenants and potentially rebrand the building, emphasizing its appealing location and stunning views.
Country Club Revenue Surge
Country clubs in south-central Kansas have seen a surge in revenue postpandemic, but asset values show mixed results. Wichita Country Club, the area's largest by assets, reported a revenue increase from $7.1 million in 2021 to $9.6 million in 2022, yet its assets decreased slightly to $17.4 million In contrast, Hutchinson's Prairie Dunes Country Club's assets rose from $11.5 million to $12.8 million during the same period. Experts note that successful clubs typically reinvest in their facilities, raising asset values, while a lack of proper capital maintenance plans can hinder longterm growth.
