Press Releases

1/14/2020 - East bank of the arkansas river takes on new life with Riverfront Legacy Master Plan designs

With designs focused on maximum use of green space, activation of the river and a new performing arts center and convention center, the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan is one that defines a bold vision for the future, according to those involved in its development.

“This plan allows us to create a new vision along the Arkansas River – one that is catalytic, attractive to talent and ultimately will be accessible to people throughout the midwest,” said Jon Rolph, Co-chair of the Greater Wichita Partnership, one of the partners on the Coalition who commissioned the master plan.

Details of the plan

Details of the plan will be presented at a public meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, at Newman University Dugan Library and Campus Center, 3100 McCormick St. Plans are based on recommendations made by the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Coalition at its meeting in December.

Todd Voth, global director, and Amber Luther, planner and associate, from Populous global design firm, and Lucinda Sanders, CEO and partner at the internationally renowned Olin Studio, will present the recommended designs. A panel representing coalition members will respond to written questions from the community moderated by Derrick Nielsen, president and CEO of High Touch Technologies.

The plan includes 17 major capital projects, including:

• New performing arts
• New convention center to meet the changing needs of the convention industry and to generate income
• 12 acres of green space, including a new park along the riverfront
• Funding for programming and maintenance of parks
• New mixed-use components to drive economic growth
• New pedestrian bridge to connect the site to the new ballpark

“We heard clearly from the community about the importance of open green space and activation of the river and this plan reflects that,” Luther said. “This space allows for 12 acres, creating a civic green in front of a new performing arts center and adjacent to a new convention center, as well as an enhanced waterfront and new parks at the south side of the property.”

The original purpose outlined by the eight organizations in the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Coalition was to create a comprehensive vision and master plan for future development on the east bank of the Arkansas River, with a focus on the area south of Douglas Avenue to US-54/Kellogg and east to Main Street.

The plan would consider all elements together, including a performing arts center, convention center, Century II, the former library, pedestrian bridge and open riverfront gathering space, as well as connecting elements from Kellogg to Douglas, west bank development, downtown and area neighborhoods.

How would it happen?

The recommended designs also include costs and recommended financing options for revitalizing the 55+ acres along the river. It is estimated the plan would take $1 to $1.2 billion in investments from public, private and philanthropic sources over 10 to 15 years, with most of that recouped in economic impact within the first 10 years.

A cost breakdown by project type is provided in the above chart.

A key component of the master plan recommendations is the order that the projects would be phased in.

In the first three to five years, the projects would include:

1.     Riverfront Park Phase 1
2.     Sustainable Infrastructure Planning
3.     Mixed-use on Waterman and Main St.
4.     Demo Library
5.     New Performing Arts Center
6.     Mixed-use on Douglas and Main St.
7.     New Hyatt Garage
8.     Start Design of Convention Center
9.     Complete Streets Phase 1
10. Public Open Space Programming Planning
(Short-term project cost total = $265 - $300M)

In the mid-term, or five to 10 years, the projects would include:

1.     Demo Old Hyatt Garage
2.     New Convention Center & Public Plaza
3.     Demo Century II and Support Buildings
4.     Complete Streets Phase 2
5.     New Century Park and Parking
6.     Mixed-use on Douglas
7.     Enhanced Riverfront Phase 2
(Mid-term project cost total = $690 - $750M)

And, in the long-term, or 10+ years, the projects would include:

1.     Pedestrian Bridge
2.     Complete Streets Phase 3
3.     Re-route Waterman
4.     New South Park and Parking
5.     New Mixed-use on new Riverfront Parcels
6.     New Mixed-use on Gander Mountain Site
7. Hyatt Expansion
8.     Enhanced Riverfront Phase 3
9.     New South Park Mixed-use Development
(Long-term project cost total = $175 - $250M)

Specifics related to how to pay for these projects include a recommendation of a mix of private investments, including philanthropic dollars and sponsorships, as well as public options, including bonds, grants, tax-increment financing and a sales tax. The design team recommends about 50 percent of the public investments to be from a city or county sales tax.

Other financing recommendations included:

• Private philanthropy
• Corporate donations/sponsorships
• Visitor taxes (hotel, rental car, etc.)
• STAR Bonds
• Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District
• Community Improvement District (CID)
• Land lease payments from private development
• State and/or federal grants (EDA, DOT Build)
• City or County GO bonding (if needed)

“These recommendations are based on guiding principles provided by the Riverfront Legacy coalition, input from the community and market research and studies that have been conducted since 2013,” said Shelly Prichard, president and CEO of the Wichita Community Foundation, another member of the Coalition. “The recommended plans and how we get there are well-researched and provide a road map that can get us to a new place in Wichita – one that takes advantage of one of the most valuable assets we have, the Arkansas River.”

Rolph, from the Partnership, added: “Wichita is at a crossroads, and we need to take advantage of a new plan, a new vision and a renewed sense of adding value to a key part of our downtown that can benefit the entire community. We look forward to taking the steps necessary to move this plan forward.”

The Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Coalition will work with the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Commission, District and Citizen Advisory Boards and the Wichita City Council and Sedgwick County Commission as the master plan moves forward.

Organizations in the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition are the City of Wichita, Downtown Wichita, Greater Wichita Partnership, Sedgwick County, Visit Wichita, Wichita Community Foundation and Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce/W – a community of young professionals/Wichita Educational Foundation, working together through the regional vision and action plan Project Wichita.

1/13/2020 - Design Team to present final recommendations for east bank of the river on January 14

Discover how community input, data and research come together at the next Riverfront Legacy Master Plan public open house on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Newman University Dugan Library and Campus Center, 3100 McCormick St., Wichita. The Design Team will present their final recommendations for the master plan site, including final renderings and designs, a cost breakdown of the plan and funding strategies.

A parking map is available to download.

WHAT: Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Public Open House
WHEN: 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2020
WHERE: Newman University Dugan Library and Campus Center, 3100 McCormick St.

12/18/19 - Coalition moves forward with bold design recommendations for riverfront master plan

Members of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Coalition have asked global architectural design firm Populous and the rest of the design team to bring back a bold design for the community to see at its next public meeting, 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at Newman University Dugan-Gorges Conference Center, 3100 McCormick St., Wichita.

The coalition made the recommendation at its December meeting, after four and a half months of engaging with the community, facilitating technical input, reviewing previous studies, and sharing opportunities and challenges related to the 55+ acre site along the Arkansas River, from Douglas to Kellogg and to Main on the east.

“We can’t be hesitant or timid about what comes out of this process,” said Shelly Prichard, President and CEO of the Wichita Community Foundation, one of the eight organizations that make up the Coalition. “The ability of our community to attract and retain talent and to build a thriving community is too important.”

Relating it to the master plan of development for Downtown Wichita, Jason Gregory – Executive Vice President of Downtown Wichita, said, “That master plan has spurred nearly $1 billion in investments during the past 10 years to the downtown area – that is the value of having an intentional master plan that challenges us to achieve more.” Downtown Wichita is also a member of the coalition.

Members of the coalition took into consideration the community engagement input, which identified green space and activation of the river as critical components for any design. More than 5,000 comments were collected from online questionnaires, public open houses, presentations and social media from the July 31 kickoff of the planning process through the middle of December.

In addition, the coalition reviewed the market analysis, which showed that the master plan site can support a mix of uses, including shops, restaurants, a grocery store, non-convention hotel and commercial and residential properties.

The group also reviewed findings from previous studies that showed that Century II, the 50-year-old building at the north side of the riverfront master plan site, is no longer fit for its original purposes of housing performing arts and conventions. Based on the review by RCLCO, the real estate advisory firm that is part of the design team, Century II – because of its size and deferred maintenance costs – would not likely be able to draw developer interest to use the building for mixed use or other purposes.

In addition, economic impacts are estimated to double over a 10-year period with new facilities, from $360 million with minimal renovations of Century II, compared with a yield of $915 to $921 million in economic impact over a 10-year period with new facilities.

According to coalition leaders, the decision came down to balance what the community says it wants – activation of new parks and green space and the river, while also building a performing arts center and convention center. “It needs to be fiscally responsible, and contribute to the economic vitality of our community,” said Gary Plummer, President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The studies that provided the most opportunity included those found in what are called Scenarios 1A and 1B, with some elements of the grand open green space of Scenario 2 that connected the north and south ends of the space. These two designs provided a maximized amount of mixed-use development, which could support the public spaces of the design. The scenarios can be seen at riverfrontlegacywichita.org/design-scenarios.

“The work that has been done to engage the community, as well as the way the design team has taken that input and brought us concepts that reflect the bold vision and plan is just what we needed for this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Jon Rolph, President and CEO of Thrive Restaurant Group and co-chair of the Greater Wichita Partnership, also a member of the coalition. Rolph co-chaired this week’s coalition meeting.

“Now we turn our attention to the detailed designs, perspectives and financial information that will be reviewed at the meeting in January.”

12/16/19 - Coalition Expected to Give direction to design team at meeting today

Final design to be presented after the first of the year

Today, members of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Coalition are listening to final presentations about community engagement and estimated economic impact of various design scenarios before giving final direction to the design team working on the master plan.

The meeting is hosted by Downtown Wichita and starts at 4 p.m. at the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Amber Luther from global architectural firm Populous will join the meeting via Zoom. The public is invited to attend. A Q&A will be provided after the meeting ends.

Highlights from today’s discussion include:

- Community engagement:

More than 5,000 public comments from a variety of sources, from the website to social media, open house feedback and the “Make Wichita Win” community engagement campaign
Themes most often heard: Green space/parks/open spaces, river activation, amenities such as restaurants, shops, bars, etc.
See December 13, 2019 press release for additional details

- Economic impact

Previous studies have shown that the performing arts and convention industry need new facilities to maximize return on investments.
Economic impacts are estimated to double over a 10-year period with new facilities, from $360 million with minimal renovations of Century II, compared with a yield $915 to $921 million in economic impact over a 10-year period with new facilities.
Market-based analysis shows the 55+ acres that make up the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan area can support retail establishments like restaurants, a grocery store, shopping, as well as office buildings, a non-conference hotel and residential spaces – all which connect to other plans in downtown and Delano.
It would be difficult to successfully market those facilities in a renovated Century II.

A final recommended vision and master plan design for the area, along the Arkansas River from Douglas Avenue to Kellogg and east to Main Street, will be presented to the public from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at Newman University Dugan-Gorges Conference Center, 3100 McCormick St., Wichita.

12/13/19 - Public weighs in on east bank scenarios and overall vision

Community engagement process yields multiple themes

At its public meeting at 4 p.m. on Monday at the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition will provide a review of public input gathered over the last four-and-a-half months.

The coalition, made up of eight organizations, has had more than 5,000 responses to the vision, components and scenarios through opportunities to provide input for the 55+ acre east bank site including:

Comments on website – July 31 – December 9
Social media comments – July 31 – December 9
Online questionnaire – November 14 – December 9
40 individual community meetings (examples District Advisory Boards, community and civic groups) – August – December
Four public meetings
- July 31 – Process kick-off and vision
- September 23 and 24 – Urban Explorations
- October 17 – Open House to review research and data
- November 14 – Open House to review scenarios
Four Coalition meetings – monthly from Coalition members and open to public
Make Wichita Win (through the Knight Foundation Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation)
- Online questionnaire
- Shipping container on the site, and multiple events

Wichita State University Public Policy and Management Center analyzed the online questionnaire related to scenarios, in addition to Populous providing themes of multiple engagement activities.

Among the 5,000 responses and public comments, themes most often and consistently heard were:

Green space, parks, open spaces
River activation, access and connection
Amenities such as restaurants, shops, bars, etc.

More information will be provided at Monday’s coalition meeting about input to the various scenarios.

According to Misty Bruckner, Director of WSU PPMC, “The vast majority of themes were about green space and the river, including connection and access to it, along with the overall design and building placement.”

In addition to hearing and discussing the results of the public input, the coalition will also be hearing market and economic data based on the studies from the past eight years and a 2019 market analysis.

11/14/19 - Parks, common areas highlight design concepts for Riverfront Legacy Master Plan

Three design concepts with significant green spaces for public gatherings will be presented to people attending tonight’s public open house for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. The meeting is from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concepts, as well as two alternatives, are a culmination of five months of reviewing previous studies done of the area, along the Arkansas River to Main Street and between Douglas Avenue and Kellogg, as well as public input and market-driven analyses of what could be supported in the area.

The goal of the master planning process is to create a comprehensive vision and master plan for future development on the east bank of the Arkansas River.

“The market-driven aspect of these concepts allowed us to propose the parks and civic commons that are public assets designed to serve the entire community,” said Amber Luther, planner and associate for Populous global design firm. “We were pleased to hear from the community that green space, as well as activation of the river, are priorities, as those are common themes from what other successful communities are doing, and fits in nicely with the history of the site.”

All of the concepts, which combined the work of Populous and Olin Studio, as well as market analysis from RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, include a pedestrian bridge that connects to the west bank of the river, as well as new performing arts and convention centers. These two priorities came out of previous studies showing market demand has outpaced what can be found in Century II, which has been used for decades for performing arts organizations such as Music Theater Wichita and Wichita Symphony, as well as convention space.

All concepts allow uninterrupted operations for performing arts organizations.

“It’s exciting to see the concepts include a new convention center, which would generate approximately $50 million in economic impact annually,” said Susie Santo, President & CEO of Visit Wichita. “The green space, as well as the recommendations for mixed use – which could include restaurants and retails shops, would create an attractive convention district for meeting attendees to enjoy.

The concepts also provide plenty of parking, though some parking will be in places not normally expected, including underground options. One scenario offers an option for repurposing Century II, with an alternative that gives an open-air nod to the 50-year-old structure.

The designs at the open house will be shown with Key Performance Indicators, which compare design elements with planning principles created specifically for Wichita. Preliminary costs for the design concepts range from $970 million to $1.5 billion.

“We appreciate all that the design team has put into these concepts, but for young professionals, we’re just excited to see the energy that these concepts bring to downtown,” said Darryl Kelly, a board member for W/a community of young professionals, another member of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition. “Any of these concepts would be attractive for young talent being recruited to the area.”

The next step in the master plan process is to get public input on the concepts at tonight’s open house, as well as during community meetings over the next few weeks, and online at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org. A final plan will be presented to the community in January 2020.

Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson said he is excited to see the community’s reaction to the revitalized ideas for the riverfront. “This has the ability to serve my children, and even my children’s children, well into the future. I’m looking forward to getting this out in the community so we can all start thinking about the bold vision in front of us.”

Anyone unable to attend the open house is encouraged to provide comments anytime at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org or call the Greater Wichita Partnership at 316-500-6650 during regular business hours.

10/31/19 - Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Open House on Nov. 14 to introduce preliminary design concepts

The community is invited to an open house where preliminary design concepts for the 55-plus acres of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan area will be introduced. This is the fourth public open house for the community planning process and it is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, 400 W. Waterman St.

The purpose for this open house is to review preliminary design concepts, much like the one below, which shows the site as it is now. Estimated costs for each concept also will be included.

A presentation from Populous, the global design firm leading the process with Olin Design and RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, will start promptly at 6:30 p.m., followed by an opportunity for attendees to share their opinions about the various features of the designs.

The design concepts are based on community input, research from previous studies about performing arts and convention centers, and market analysis of the site that shows how the space could be activated in ways that ensure the long-range sustainability of the public assets that serve the whole community.

The concepts also will be presented alongside a list of Planning Principles established for the Riverfront Legacy project. The principles came from best practices, as well as input from the community and members of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Coalition.

After the open house, the public is invited to share thoughts on the proposed design scenarios for a month, through multiple ways. During this time, members of the coalition will take the design concepts to community meetings across the city for several weeks for input. Responses from the open house, the community meetings, and an online questionnaire will be shared with the design team by mid-December and a final report will be presented to the community for feedback in January 2020.

The plan will consider all elements together, including a performing arts center, convention center, Century II, the former library, WaterWalk area, pedestrian bridge and open riverfront gathering space, as well as connecting elements from Kellogg to Douglas, west bank development, and downtown and area neighborhoods.

Anyone unable to attend the open house will be able to provide comments about the design concepts at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org between November 14 and December 16, or call the Greater Wichita Partnership at 316-500-6650 during regular business hours.

10/3/19 - Studies, market analysis, data to highlight october open house for riverfront legacy master plan process

The third open house for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan process will be 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, at the Century II Exhibition Hall, 225 W. Douglas. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The open house will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation by the design team working on the master plan. Findings from the review of previous studies, as well as updated market-based analysis on development opportunities and realities of the site will be presented.

Speakers will include:

Todd Voth, global director, Populous global design firm
Amber Luther, planner and associate, Populous global design firm
Erin Talkington, principal and director of consulting, RCLCO Real Estate Advisors

After the presentation, attendees are welcome to make comments and ask the panel questions. The data presented, and feedback from the community, will set the stage for concept developments for the site, which are scheduled to be presented at another open house on November 14.

The goal of the master planning process is to create a comprehensive vision and master plan for future development on the east bank of the Arkansas River, with a focus on the area south of Douglas Avenue to US-54/Kellogg and east to Main Street. The plan will consider all elements together, including a performing arts center, convention center, Century II, the former library, WaterWalk area, pedestrian bridge and open riverfront gathering space, as well as connecting elements from Kellogg to Douglas, west bank development, and downtown and area neighborhoods.

Anyone unable to attend the open house is encouraged to provide comments and their vision for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan area anytime at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org or call the Greater Wichita Partnership at 316-500-6650 during regular business hours.

9/30/19 - Do-It-Yourself Urban Exploration audio tour released for Riverfront Legacy Master Plan

What: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Urban Exploration audio tour

Why: As an additional engagement opportunity in the Riverfront Legacy Master Planning process, a new DIY Urban Exploration audio tour has been released. This audio walking tour provides listeners a first-hand look at features located within the master plan site, which is south of Douglas Avenue to US-54/Kellogg and from the east bank of the Arkansas River to Main Street. This audio tour was developed for community members who were unable to attend the in-person walking tours, which occurred on Sept. 24 and 25.

Both English and Spanish versions of the audio walking tour are available.

How:

Listen to the English audio tour at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org/diy-urban-exploration
Listen to the Spanish audio tour at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org/diy-urban-exploration-espanol

The public is also encouraged to provide comments and their vision for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan area anytime at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org/contact.

9/23/19 - Urban Explorations start tomorrow for Riverfront Legacy Master Plan

The second round of in-person community engagement activities for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan start tomorrow, with the first of four Urban Explorations. The walking tours will provide a first-hand look at features within the master plan site, which is south of Douglas Avenue to US-54/Kellogg and from the east bank of the Arkansas River to Main Street.

RSVPs are required and can be made online at bit.ly/UrbanExplorations.

Tours 1 and 2: 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 24.

• Meet at the east connecting lobby at The Jester statue between Bob Brown Expo Hall and Century II, 225 W. Douglas near the box office. Public parking is available on the east side of the buildings. Handicapped parking available on the west side of Century II.

Tours 3 and 4: Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 a.m. and noon

• Meet in the Riverview Ballroom in the Hyatt Regency, 400 West Waterman. Surface parking is available just south and east of the main entrance of the hotel.

Tours are scheduled to last about an hour and will include walking about a half-mile and climbing up and going down stairs. People who have difficulty with mobility can indicate that on the RSVP and accommodations will be arranged. In addition, Spanish-language translators will be available.

Speakers include:

- Amber Luther, planner, Populous global design firm

- Angela Cassette, development director, Music Theatre Wichita

- Brian Smith, senior landscape architect, Populous global design firm

- Jeff Fluhr, president, Greater Wichita Partnership

- Susie Santo, president and CEO, Visit Wichita

The public is also encouraged to provide comments and their vision for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan area anytime at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org, or call the Greater Wichita Partnership at 316-500-6650 during regular business hours.

9/5/19 - Urban Explorations scheduled for September as part of Riverfront Legacy Master Plan process

Public invited to learn about the space, share ideas

Have you ever wanted to walk a mile in the shoes of an urban planner? What about a landscape architect? Do you want to know more about convention space or performing arts facilities along the river in Wichita?

If the answer is yes to any of these, then the upcoming Urban Explorations – or walking tours – that are part of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan engagement process will allow you to do just that.

The Urban Explorations are the second round of in-person community engagement activities for the public and are part of the master planning process. The walking tours will provide a first-hand look at features within the master plan site, which is south of Douglas Avenue to US-54/Kellogg and from the east bank of the Arkansas River to Main Street.

The first tour starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, with members of the design team and the local coalition leading the process providing information about activation of the river, green space, as well as convention and performing arts spaces.

The tour will repeat one more time on Tuesday, September 24 and twice on Wednesday, September 25. Details are below. RSVPs are required and can be made online at bit.ly/UrbanExplorations.

Tuesday, September 24 at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Meet at the east connecting lobby at The Jester statue between Bob Brown Expo Hall and Century II, 225 W. Douglas near the box office. Public parking is available on the east side of the buildings. Handicapped parking is available on the west side of Century II.

Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 a.m. and noon

Meet in the Riverview Ballroom in the Hyatt Regency, 400 West Waterman. Surface parking is available just south and east of the main entrance of the hotel.

Tours are scheduled to last approximately an hour and will include walking about a half-mile and climbing up and going down stairs. Download maps of the walking tours.

People who have difficulty with mobility can indicate that on the RSVP and accommodations will be arranged. In addition, Spanish-language translators will be available.

All tours will include short presentations at several points within the master plan site, including outside the Hyatt, along the east bank of the Arkansas River, and inside Bob Brown Expo Hall. Each tour will conclude with a question and comment session, where members of the public can directly engage with the design team.

Organizations in the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition are the City of Wichita, Downtown Wichita, Greater Wichita Partnership, Sedgwick County, Visit Wichita, Wichita Community Foundation and Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, working together through the regional vision and action plan Project Wichita.

The master planning process started earlier this year and will conclude in early 2020. There will be multiple opportunities throughout the process for the public to hear from the design team and offer feedback before a final plan is presented next year.

The public is also encouraged to provide comments and their vision for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan area anytime at www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org

On October 17, members from RCLCO Real Estate Advisors and Populous will return to Wichita for an open house, where they will discuss findings and data from previous studies of the area, while offering updates and analysis of the market since those studies concluded. The public will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer input in response to those findings.

On November 14, the design team will return to Wichita, where they will share concepts ideas, based on the data and input from the public. The public will be invited to review the concepts and offer input prior to a final plan is presented early next year.

The final plan will consider all elements together, including a performing arts center, convention center, Century II, the former library, pedestrian bridge and open riverfront gathering space, as well as connecting elements from Kellogg to Douglas, west bank development, downtown and area neighborhoods.

7/15/19-Riverfront Legacy Master Plan welcomes public to first open house

The first opportunity for the public to begin sharing their vision about the east bank of the Arkansas River will be an open house from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at The Wichita Boathouse, 515 S. Wichita. A brief presentation is scheduled for 5:15 p.m.

Members from the local coalition funding the plan, as well as a team from Populous, the global design firm selected to lead the planning process, as well as RCLCO Real Estate Advisors and Olin Design, will provide an overview of what to expect over the next few months as the comprehensive plan comes together and answer questions.

During the open house, people will be encouraged to share their vision for the area through interactive opportunities. A map of the area is attached.

WHAT:           First Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Open House
WHEN:          4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019
WHERE:        The Wichita Boathouse, 515 S. Wichita

There will be additional open houses and engagement meetings and an opportunity for input through the website www.riverfrontlegacywichita.org.

The goal of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan process is to create an aspirational vision and master plan for the east bank of the Arkansas River, with a focus on an area south of Douglas Avenue to US-54/Kellogg and east to Main Street. The plan will consider all elements, including a performing arts center, convention center, Century II, the former library, connections to the west bank developments and a distinctive riverfront gathering space.

7/2/19 - Riverfront Legacy Master Plan group outlines proposed process and date for first public meeting

With a goal to make the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan one that reflects the vision of the community, organizers are in the process of identifying what will be needed for a successful comprehensive planning process, including ideas for four public gatherings designed to open up the conversation about the future.

The proposed timeline includes a July 31 date for the first public meeting.

A team from Populous, the international architecture and urban design group expected to lead the effort based on previous work in the riverfront area, will offer a brief presentation. An open house format with members of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan Coalition, as well as the plan’s advisors, attending is anticipated, with time for questions and answers and interactions designed to stimulate conversations about the future of the site.

The goal of the plan itself is to create a comprehensive vision and master plan for future development on the east bank of the Arkansas River, with a focus on the area south of Douglas Avenue to US-54/Kellogg and east to Main Street. The plan will consider all elements together, including a performing arts center, convention center, Century II, the former library, pedestrian bridge and open riverfront gathering space, as well as connecting elements from Kellogg to Douglas, west bank development, downtown and area neighborhoods.

“This is the first step of what will be a dynamic vision not just for the heart of our city, but for the entire economic region,” said Michael Monteferrante, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Board chair and member of the privately-led coalition.

Lead organizations in the coalition are Downtown Wichita, Greater Wichita Partnership, Visit Wichita, Wichita Community Foundation and Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, working together through the regional vision and action plan Project Wichita. These private-sector organizations will work closely with public partners City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.

For the past six weeks, members of the coalition have drafted the scope of the work, including how this plan will build on previous studies related to the site, and negotiated details of a possible contract with Populous and its sub-contractors. RCLCO Real Estate Advisors will conduct an analysis to provide a market-driven plan, and Olin Studio, a worldwide leader in landscape architecture and urban design, will provide scenario designs based on input from previous studies and the public.

“The decision to work with Populous was based on its expertise with large scale urban design projects, its ability to hit the ground running because of previous studies and work related to Century II and a performing arts complex in Wichita,” said Susie Santo, president and CEO of Visit Wichita. “In addition, they have the ability to pull together a team that specializes in market-driven analysis and how we can maximize our connections to the developments on the west bank of the Arkansas.”

In addition to the Populous contract, the coalition is planning to work with local firm Bothner and Bradley Inc. to coordinate community engagement.

The total budget for the plan is about $700,000. The private sector has secured more than 70 percent of the total needed for the plan so far, with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County expected to discuss funding at upcoming regular meetings.

“This is a complex plan with many pieces that need to be coordinated, while at the same time ensuring we have the mechanics set up to be able to engage the public and cast an aspirational vision that guides our region for the next generation,” said Jon Rolph, co-chair of the Greater Wichita Partnership. “In this case, we are working to ensure we have the technical expertise to make this the best plan possible.”

Rolph and other members of the coalition have committed to ensuring this is a long-term plan that puts the community first, and have said they will not be afraid to address tough decisions as a community – no matter where the plan leads.

As part of its commitment to transparency, the coalition plans to meet monthly and keep those meetings open to the public to attend as visitors. “It is critical we have a platform where we can conduct the business of keeping this process on time and budget, while also providing the public a chance to observe how – and why – decisions are being made,” Rolph explained.

The public will have several opportunities to offer input, including public meetings initially set for September and November this year and January 2020. As an example, the proposal calls for a series of “walkshops” held in September, offering anyone who wants the opportunity to tour the east bank site, including the buildings and other structures included in the area. Plans are in the works to also take design workshops out into the community, where the public can offer input.

The presentations of the final plan are expected in early 2020.

As plans progress, organizers will also have a website, where the public can learn about upcoming meetings, as well as offer input. There also will be a social media presence.

People are encouraged to attend meetings, provide comments online and ask questions if something doesn’t make sense.

“This is an exciting time for our community, and this planning process promises to build on the momentum of multiple initiatives working together to change perceptions, and attract talent and industry to the Wichita region,” said Shelly Prichard, President and CEO of the Wichita Community Foundation. “This is a chance for everyone to participate in defining the vision for the riverfront where these initiatives can come together and thrive.”

4/18/19–Riverfront Legacy Master Plan to create comprehensive vision and plan and connect projects for both banks of Arkansas River

In response to recent recommendations from Project Wichita and the Century II Citizens Advisory Committee, community organizations and their leadership are stepping forward to take the next step to create a comprehensive master plan and vision that connects projects and both banks of the Arkansas River.

Calling it the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan, leaders of the community organizations said the plan will build on previous studies for the east side of the Arkansas River as well as new developments such as the ballpark on the west side.

Leaders affirmed that the vision and plan will consider all elements together, including a performing arts center, convention center, Century II, the former library, pedestrian bridge and open riverfront gathering space, as well as connecting elements from Kellogg to Douglas, west bank development, downtown and area neighborhoods.

“We have a once in every 100-year opportunity as a region,” said Greater Wichita Partnership Board Co-Chair Jon Rolph. “The most important next step is to ensure all projects and decisions are carefully considered together to maximize our opportunities and community use for each element of this important area. Community interaction with our river is especially important.”

The master planning process would begin by using information generated by previous studies that analyzed different elements as a starting point and then add information related to new projects including developments on the west side of the river.

“Previous studies have provided us solid, market-based information on which to start this comprehensive plan,” said Wichita Regional Chamber Board Chair Michael Monteferrante. “That information will serve as our foundational building blocks. Unless we need additional or new analysis because of market changes, we plan to move quickly to create a new collective vision and holistic plan based on need, benefit to our community and public input.”

Lead organizations are Downtown Wichita, Greater Wichita Partnership, Wichita Community Foundation, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visit Wichita, working together through the regional vision and action plan Project Wichita. These private-sector organizations will work closely with public partners City of Wichita and Sedgwick County, other community organizations and area neighborhoods.

“It’s important that the public and community are at the center of this process,” said Wichita Community Foundation Board Chair Wayne Chambers. “We achieve great results when private and public sector work together with strong community input. Each of our organizations is led by community leaders who volunteer and dedicate time to create the best future of our community, and we’re excited to stand with our elected officials to engage the community, maximize transparency and provide a viewpoint from which to make generational decisions.”

The group will focus new community engagement on vision and connection of elements, on top of previous community engagement findings, including from Project Wichita, the regional vision process, and the Century II Citizens Advisory Committee analysis of a performing arts center.

“This is one of the most catalytic sites in our city, region and state,” said Downtown Wichita Board Chair Don Sherman. “As a community we must be dedicated to building upon the legacy of innovation, arts support and regional attraction from past generations to make the best decision for this generation and future ones. That’s why it’s important to consider all elements together to maximize community use and benefit for the next 50 years.”

There has been significant community interest in the riverfront in addition to the studies over the past six years.

“During the discussion surrounding our region’s 10-year vision and action plan, we heard from thousands of people - literally - about the significance of the river in our city and the role it plays as we move forward” said Aaron Bastian, Project Wichita Advancement Team Member. “This led to what I believe is a key part of our quality of place action plan. Retaining and attracting talent to our region is a priority, and it’s clear that the riverfront is important to a diverse group of people.”

In addition, the Century II Citizens Advisory Committee recommended a new performing arts center be constructed and requested an RFP for site selection and concept development within 60 days.

“This is a powerful next step and having community leadership stepping forward to work with the City and the County on this is exactly what our committee hoped would happen,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, Chair of the Century II Citizens Advisory Committee. “As we listened to the thoughts and hopes of thousands of our neighbors, we heard loud and clear that people care a great deal about getting this right. They want collaborative, big-picture thinking, followed by real movement on a pride-worthy actionable path forward.”

The City of Wichita and Sedgwick County leadership said they welcome the community organizations involvement in development of a holistic master plan.

Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell said, “We have great momentum and the community is looking forward to enjoying all that the riverfront area will offer. We appreciate the private sector leadership’s involvement in looking at how everything works together because our opportunities on the river’s east side are important. The City looks forward to working together for the benefit of our community.”

Sedgwick County Chairman David Dennis said, “Sedgwick County is glad to partner with these organizations, the City and especially the community on this important step to plan our collective future success. Every time we’ve worked together with community and public partners, we all move smarter and faster.”

According to the lead organizations the next step is to develop a scope, including specific components, which will affect the cost of creating a master plan. It is expected that the lead organizations will fund a significant portion of developing a comprehensive master plan along with some anticipated public funding from the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.

“We expect to move quickly and strategically with a months-long, not years-long, master plan process,” said Visit Wichita Board Chair Jim Korroch. “The CSL study confirms that there is significant economic impact to be gained by attracting more meetings and conventions to Wichita with a convention center that meets industry-standards. Doing nothing is not an option, and deferring a decision simply delays our ability to start delivering those economic benefits. Developing a master plan and vision now will provide a roadmap for implementing these very important community decisions.”