Downtown improvements will require lowering Arkansas River

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The City of Wichita is lowering the Arkansas River as part of a downtown improvement project.

The project is along the west bank of the Arkansas River between Douglas and Waterman. The city says the design is similar to the projects to the north in front of the Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel and the River Vista Apartment Complex.

The first phase involves constructing a sea wall and concrete cap beside the river, whi ch requires the city to lower the water level. A $6,240,000 BASE grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce is funding the project.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, the Wichita City Council approved moving ahead with the project. The city says it will work with partners to ensure minimal impact on events planned for the area during construction.

The concept designs presented to the city include a “placeholder” building between the river and Riverfront stadium, representing how the riverbank might appear if the land were developed.

It was originally part of the parcels sold to Wichita Riverfront LP for $1 acre. In 2023, the city approved an agreement to buy several of the parcels back and, in turn, sell them to EPC Real Estate Group for the same price.

The EPC plan includes constructing a hotel next to the river, an apartment complex, a parking garage, and 10,000 square feet of retail space. Last year’s agreement also calls for the city to purchase the parking garage back from EPC and then lease some of the parking spaces for the hotel and retail space.

Construction was supposed to begin sometime this year, with completion slated for sometime in 2026.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.