WICHITA RECAP
January 2024
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WICHITA RECAP
January
Simmons Bank is relocating its Wichita headquarters with plans to construct a new 15,000 square-foot branch at 701 E. Douglas in historic Union Station by the end of 2024. The move follows the recent closure of its longtime branch at 8415 E. 21st St., marking a strategic relocation and expanding the bank's footprint compared to its previous location at Wilson Estates. Simmons Bank's local market leadership and commercial team will be based at the new Union Station branch. The move is seen as a response to the dynamic growth of downtown Wichita, and no other branches are slated for closure.
Andover Family Optometry is set to build a new facility at The Heritage, Andover's mixed-use development on U.S. 54, with plans to open in a year. The practice, attracted by The Heritage's walkability and potential residents, will occupy nearly 11,400 square feet, doubling its current size, and aims to expand services and staff. The Heritage has seen significant construction progress, including the development of homes, apartments, and commercial spaces. Other businesses, including Dutch Bros, QuikTrip, Livingston’s Diner, and Flint Hills Dental Group, are also part of The Heritage's growing local business mix. The SkyLofts project is on track for initial residents in early 2024.
1330 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 | 316-262-0000 | www.naimartens.com
Wichita State University unveils renderings for the downtown Wichita biomedical campus's first phase, an eight-story, 350,000 sq-ft building at Broadway and William. Set to open by fall 2026, it will house classrooms, labs, offices, and a pavilion. A collaboration with KU School of Medicine-Wichita and WSU Tech, the $300-million campus aims to revolutionize healthcare education with AI simulations and advanced labs. The design by Helix Architecture + Design and CO Architects features natural light, outdoor terraces, and shared spaces for labs and simulation rooms. Future phases are planned nearby, making it a significant investment in downtown Wichita.
Downtown Wichita's prominent project, The National, has achieved a new milestone with the opening of its high-end coworking space, the Commerce Club. The membership club, spanning two levels, features 44 private offices, conference rooms, and various amenities appealing to business professionals. With memberships starting at $75 per month and private offices at $375 monthly, it offers a luxurious alternative to traditional shared workspaces. The Commerce Club aims to become the hub of downtown Wichita, fostering a diverse community of creative professionals and businesses. The National also includes Class A apartments, with 75% occupancy in the available units.
1330 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 | 316-262-0000 | www.naimartens.com
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WICHITA RECAP
Phil Ruffin's Golden Circle Casino in Park City is set to open in September 2025, slightly later than planned. Currently in the architectural drafting phase, the $80 million project, featuring 1,000 historic horse-racing machines, is under construction by The Law Co., with SPT Architecture as the designer. Recent zoning approvals have been secured. The casino will house a new Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que, and plans for a 100-plus room hotel are designated for potential Phase 2 development with an undetermined timeline.
January
Wichita-based Rand Graphics is nearing completion of its consolidation plan, adding 30,000 sq ft to its Hoover Road facility. The expansion, expected to finish by April, includes 20,000 sq ft of warehouse space and 10,000 sq ft for offices. The move consolidates operations from the Florence Street location, promoting efficiency and accessibility. Evans Building Co. is leading the $5.7 million design-build project. Rand Graphics, established in the mid-1960s, specializes in lithography, screen, and digital printing, serving large retail clients in the point-of-sale industry. The company ships 5,000 to 7,000 packages daily, employing around 210 staff.
1330 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 | 316-262-0000 | www.naimartens.com
Barnes & Noble is set to open a new store in Wichita's NewMarket Square, occupying the former Bed Bath & Beyond space that closed due to bankruptcy. Construction is anticipated to start in March or April, with a late summer opening planned. Barnes & Noble has been rapidly expanding, adding 31 stores in 2023. The new location will feature unique design elements, including a redesigned café, a light interior color scheme, and "bookrooms" designed to curate specific subjects, providing a journey of discovery throughout the store. The Wichita store will be Barnes & Noble's second in the city.
Hutton will serve as the general contractor for Learning Lab Wichita, a Stand Together initiative at Union Station. The 16,000 sq ft space, designed by Alloy Architecture, is set to open in April, accommodating 220 learners. The project supports education entrepreneurs, featuring vibrant and flexible spaces. Learning Lab Wichita aims to transform education in Wichita and has the backing of philanthropic community Stand Together. Chase Koch, CEO of Koch Disruptive Technologies, envisions the hub making Wichita an education innovation hotspot.
1330 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 | 316-262-0000 | www.naimartens.com