Too good to be true?

Usually, "too good to be true" is simply that. But in the case of Real Development's newest residential project, Exchange Place, nothing could be further from the truth. A lifestyle project -- not just "units" -- Exchange Place brings the completely unexpected to downtown Wichita:

• Exquisite units that are both affordable and luxurious (rents starting at $726 per month)
  
• An outdoor resort (rooftop) area with grilling, kitchen and dining area, fireplaces, community size hot tub, wading pools, sunbathing deck, oversized movie screen and more
  
• A high-tech automated parking garage that not only secures your vehicle but washes it in the commercial-grade onsite car wash while you sleep!
• First floor urban grocery market

Are you ready? We are.

Learn more at Real Development Corp. and then share your thoughts!

Public art downtown

As we enter an aggressive renovation phase downtown, it seems only fitting to add more public art as part of the process. Take a look at some of these fun examples and tell us what you think -- should we add unique elements like this to our downtown buildings and windows? What say you oh wise and progressive public?

Police substation downtown?

There's been lots of talk lately about whether or not the Wichita Police Department should add a new substation in the downtown area. While crime is low downtown now, additional activity in the core area may bring more crime. And we don't want that, do we?

What do you think? Should we invest now and stay ahead of the development curve? Or do we wait until there's a problem and then invest?

We're sure the City Council would find our discussion helpful. Start talking!

Daily Grind Coffee House and Cafe

More feet on the street? More activities for people who live, work and play downtown? What better addition than the Daily Grind Coffee House and Cafe, now under construction at Sutton Place, 209 E. William. Take a look at our work in progress photos AND be sure to listen for their upcoming opening!

And check out the Daily Grind to decide on your first smoothie or specialty croissant!

It's time...

... to escalate the discussion about revitalizing downtown Wichita.

Other cities have put forth great efforts and have been quite successful, reaping innumerable benefits from those efforts. Studies show that cities with revitalized downtowns are more successful in attracting new business -- isn't this a goal we all have for Wichita?

And what better way to keep our young talent here than to move forward with invigorating the core with more to do -- mixed use districts with updated office space, more lofts and living options, and more entertainment and retail.

Already property values have risen downtown as Broadway Plaza, the Petroleum Building, Sutton Place and others are reflecting massive improvements both inside and out. And there's more to come.

Urban flight? Why? Downtown Wichita is now offering better value than the 'burbs. It's time for great Wichita companies to take another look at what's happening downtown and make plans to be part of the ongoing transformation.

What do you want to see downtown? Let's talk because yes, it's time to escalate the discussion. And it's time to believe that we can do this.