Wichita, Kansas features numerous monuments and attractions, but the identity that Wichita’s historic Old Town Square has fostered has allowed it to become a destination for all of Kansas. Like other neighborhoods that have created an identity, Old Town is sought out as a destination for the many restaurants, shops, theaters, galleries and experiences it contains. However, all of these elements have come together on account of the identity that Old Town Square has actively cultivated.
An Identity That is Tied to History, Art, Commerce and More
Distinctive architectural features of brick and native limestone define the look and feel of Old Town. The brick-lined streets feature historic lampposts along with a collection of converted brick warehouses from the 1800s. These buildings powered the second-largest distribution point for agricultural implements when Wichita held that distinction in the early 20th century. Shifts within the industry saw many of the operations in Old Town shut down though.
After revitalization efforts that began in the 1990s, the area became a successful mix of more than 100 businesses, including restaurants, locally-owned shops, clubs, theaters, galleries, museums, loft residences, public plazas and more. The modern neighborhood is built around Old Town Square, which is surrounded by hundreds of newly renovated apartments, luxury condos, and two of Wichita’s finest hotels. Many of these businesses have incorporated this identity into their brand, which is why the area has become a notable element of maps and guides to Wichita and the entire state of Kansas.
Wichita’s sculpture walkabout in Old Town has provided this community and visitors with an important experience that ties into the many activities created by the surrounding businesses. The artistic program was initiated to showcase work by area artists and contribute to the “walkable” quality of the city. All of the art in the exhibit is available for purchase, but it will remain in the walkabout until new artwork is installed.
The addition of these sorts of art walks have enabled other cities to provide unique experiences for residents and visitors, but few have tied them to the identity of a neighborhood like Old Town. In doing so, Old Town Square showcases what it can mean for a neighborhood to create a legacy that helps to revitalize an entire area and turn it into a place that everyone wants to visit.
The Past and Present of Wichita
There are countless neighborhoods that strive to turn themselves into a destination by drawing attention and activity via a variety of developments. Such efforts usually are not successful unless they can be tied into a bigger identity that the entire neighborhood can be part of and support, just like has happened in Old Town Square. By defining an identity that ties into the history of Wichita, Old Town Square showcases what kind of an impact this kind of identity can have on a neighborhood to attract audiences across a city and region.
