Seeing Wichita Through Fresh Eyes 3
Ever find yourself yearning for an urban landscape, deep in the middle of the action, but not knowing where to start? The up and coming downtown corridor is just the place to start. Eclectic, unique businesses are popping up on every corner. Between yummy coffee shops, trendy new ice cream joints and specialty shops who wouldn’t want to find themselves calling downtown home?
Wichita has a slew of trendy urban dwellings from which to chose – so many, in fact, that you may have a difficult time making a decision! Downtown Wichita’s newly remodeled website can give you more information about all the great options.
Let’s take a quick tour through some of my personal favorites!
The Douglas
If you love a trendy, upscale look then head straight to The Douglas. It has a remarkable historic feel. Two buildings have been restored and renovated to create these modern digs. The Douglas boasts sleek finishes, hardwood floors, 17-19 foot ceilings and in some units, floor to ceiling windows.
The Douglas has an abundance of amenities. Outside of the conveniences such as secure parking and building access, you will find a modern-day fitness center, beautiful indoor lounge and sublime pool area. These options make The Douglas a stand-out place to live. The pool area is an amazing space to kick back while hosting a tasty cook-out at the fire-pit and grilling station located in the lounge.
For all of you animal lovers, like me, The Douglas is pet friendly. The building houses a pet spa and recreation park where you can pamper your furry best friends!
Overall The Douglas has a fun, stylish vibe. They have 240 units that start at $800/month. They offer studios as well as one and two bedroom apartments. If this peaked your interest, visit thedouglasapts.com for more information.
The Zelman Lofts
As we continue our trek down Douglas let’s hit The Zelman Lofts. Continuing with the taste of nostalgia, The Zelman Lofts are housed in a historic landmark that was refreshed in 2011, located in the East Douglas Avenue Historic District. Where The Douglas boasts a trendy vibe, The Zelman Lofts give off a more urban vibe. They have repurposed the Sam Zelman signs, and the louvered doors and office hours remain from when the building was used as a hotel.
The units include hardwood floors, lofted storage and an abundance of natural light. Another plus for the lofts is the on-site laundry – a much need convenience! Perhaps the best feature of is that every unit has a fantastic view of Downtown Wichita. And don’t forget Old Town is right outside your front door waiting to be explored.
Overall The Zelman Lofts have a nostalgic feel that is not easily replicated. They have nine units that range from studios to one bedrooms that start at $850/month. If the historic vibe fulfills your every fantasy, you can visit zelmanlofts.com for more information.
The Renfro
Almost next door to The Zelman Lofts is The Renfro – another renovated historic property that boasts urban living. It was built in 1908 as the Renfro Hotel. It was redeveloped one year after the Zelman Lofts in 2012.
Need a unique office environment? Then work from “home” at The Renfro. They offer live-work spaces for entrepreneurs and small business owners to let their creative juices flow. Along with live-work spaces the units have first and second floor entrances accessed by a grand spiral staircase that leads to your wonderful home. One unit, in particular, has a beautiful glass block wall and another features an open and close freight door that allows you to let the outside world in. The Renfro is also pet friendly!
Overall The Renfro is another historic beauty. You can get your history fix while tying into the ever-changing modern world. The Renfro has 20 units that include studios, and one and two bedrooms. The prices start at $600/month. If you want more information, go to therenfro.com.
Innes Station
Let’s cross over to first street to visit Innes Station. If you value an industrial, urban feel over a blast from the past, Innes Station will appeal to you!
Innes Station brings spacious, airy units. In select units, lessors have the option to rent a private patio/balcony. You can step onto the balcony at dusk and watch Wichita wind down. Many units house washer and dryers so you don’t have to worry about toting laundry to mom’s house.
One of the best features about Innes Station is that it is one block away from Old Town Square and the Farm and Art Market Plaza. You can pick up fresh produce for your next dinner party!
Overall Innes Station has a fun industrial feel and is close to the heart of Wichita. Innes Station has 80 units with one and two bedroom apartments. They start at $625/month. If you think the industrial feel of Innes Station appeals to you visit perryreid.com/innesstation.
Mosley Street Place
Let’s finish our tour at Mosley street and Mosley Street Place. Mosley Street Place is located in the historic market district and is like stepping back in time. It is within walking distance of Old Town dining, shopping and entertainment. After a long day of shopping you can ride the elevator in style, versus schlepping your bags up many flights of stairs!
Select units house original, unique brick walls that add character to your home. Between the security of good, solid construction know that you can call on 24-hour maintenance that is available to all residents. Secure parking and pet friendly space are included as well.
Overall Mosley Street Place is located in a fun area with plenty of entertainment and food options. They have two floors with one and two bedroom lofts that start at $700/month. If you think this could be your future home visit perryreid.com/mosleystreetplace.
Next Time
As you can see downtown has a variety of places that you can call home! With the multitude of amenities, access to nightlife and shopping, abundance of friendship and fellowship – quality of life is right within your grasp. Whether you’re seeking a building with historical significance or an up and coming industrial vibe Wichita has plenty of options for you.
Through the Chamber and its many initiatives focused on job growth, quality of life and diversity and inclusion there simply isn’t a better place to live or raise a family. I hope you will join me again next time for my final post as we review ways that you can have a positive impact and get involved in this vibrant, thriving community as we see Wichita through fresh eyes.
