The proposed district – outlined in the 21st Street North Corridor Revitalization Plan – encompasses the culturally diverse retail corridor along 21st Street North from Broadway west to the Thai Binh Asian Market at Somerset and along the stretch of Broadway that runs from 20th Street North to 22nd Street North. The first phase of the 12-month project includes discovery, community outreach and historic documentation.

The discovery process included qualitative and quantitative research instruments, outlined below. Community meetings and one-on-one discussions provided further insights.

• Print survey to residents and business owners – Trilingual surveys in English, Spanish and Vietnamese were mailed to the approximately 3,000 households and businesses in the proposed district.

• Man-on-the-street intercept interviews – 50 conducted with the district and 50 within driving distance.

• Online survey – Posted for both community and statewide participation. Link was posted on the websites of the City of Wichita and Greater Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau and was promoted by the Wichita State University Self Help Network and on community flyers.

“We appreciate all those who took time to share their vision for the district,” said John Schlegel, director of planning, City of Wichita. “It was an enlightening experience that revealed a number of common themes. More than anything, it shows that by and large, we’re on the same page. People want to create an honest, culturally distinctive dining, shopping and entertainment district.”

While surveys targeted different groups of people and asked different questions, results were remarkably similar. Many of those surveyed said changes are needed, but agreed that any improvements should preserve the area’s charm and special cultural character.

Residents and nonresidents alike agreed, too, that the area now is dirty and run down, and they don’t feel safe there, especially at night. There’s optimism that it could become a destination spot both for locals and for people from outside the area if safety concerns are addressed, the area is renovated and an indoor mercado is established for specialty shopping. Surveys indicate that more and better ethnic restaurants also would bring people to the district.

The district, focused around a proposed indoor mercado, or public market, will be centered at 21st Street North and Market Street. Sixteen percent of the district’s residents are foreign born, compared to 5 percent for the State of Kansas.

Historic documentation efforts have been running concurrently with the discovery process, identifying potentially eligible historic properties and vintage buildings. While the final document is still several weeks from being finalized, Kansas City-based Historic Preservation Services has completed its initial surveys and documentation. The firm has identified one potential district and several individual properties that may be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and a number of others that qualify as “vintage” buildings. The vintage designation notes that a building has some historical significance and contributes to an area’s unique sense of place, but does not retain enough of its original character to be listed in the registry. National Register properties are eligible to use state and federal historic tax credits to help fund rehabilitation efforts.

Phase two now begins. It encompasses marketing, branding and creative strategy. All will inform the final, third phase – architectural design and a site concept plan for public and private improvements. This includes everything from streetscape enhancements and wayfinding signage to a public jardin (garden) and building-facade treatments.

The next community meeting will focus on visual mapping and community brainstorming. It will be at 7:00 p.m., April 25 at Minisa Park Building, 704 W. 13th Street.

“We have momentum,” said Sonia Greteman, president and creative director, Greteman Group, which is joining with the City, historic preservation planners, architects and urban planners to help revitalize the area. “This community is ready for good things to happen, and working together, they’re going to.”

Project Overview

Plans for the International Marketplace District build on the Hispanic and Asian establishments already found in the 21st Street and Broadway area. An expanded district reaches from Broadway (on the east) to the Thai Bin Asian Market at Somerset (on the west) and from 22nd Street North down to 20th Street North. The goal: a mix of ethnic-inspired shops, restaurants, grocers, music, crafts and festivals that appeals to residents and tourists alike.

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