The walkability of Delano is one of the many things attracting this shop to the area

From the time that Stamp Yo Face! owners Kevin Wildt and Hannah Scott decided to open Vortex Souvenir, a stationery and gift shop with a particular focus on art and design, they thought Delano might be a good place to put it.

“Delano seems to make sense for Vortex,” Wildt said.

So, after opening the business in two other spots — including Revolutsia most recently — Vortex will open on Friday at 607 W. Douglas, right at the Delano clock tower.

Wildt said he and Scott are excited about “being in such an active part of Wichita with people walking around.”

In addition to the walkability of the area, he said there are a lot of restaurants and businesses he admires, such as Leslie Coffee Co., Bungalow 26, Spektrum Muzik and the Monarch.

The new space, which is about 1,500 square feet, has more room for retail and for an office in back. It also has a large mural on the inside, which Scott painted, and a purple exterior, which picks up on a color in the Vortex logo.

Wildt said he describes Vortex as an art and gift shop with an emphasis on independent artists, mostly from around the United States with some international artists, too.

There are greeting cards, books, art prints and stickers.

Wildt said he’s been jokingly calling this Vortex 3.0. It’s the shop’s third home in four years.

“It’s always kind of seemed like Delano would be where we end up.”

He said he hopes it lasts so he and Scott can “really put down roots in the neighborhood.”

This story was originally published November 1, 2021 at 5:00 AM.