New entertainment and recreation may be coming to NewMarket Square — and a possible hotel

Slawson Cos. is seeking to expand and diversify its offerings at NewMarket Square, and it looks like one of those expansions will be especially sizable.

No one with the development at 21st and Maize Road is talking about the details yet.

However, plans for a new entertainment district within NewMarket Square have already gone before the planning commission, and this week the commission will consider a couple of items related to a possible hotel.

First, the entertainment district, according to planning commission minutes.

Slawson sought, and was granted, additional uses for one of its parcels at the north end of the center near 29th North and Maize Road. That’s north of the Target store and behind the HomeGrown restaurant.

Plans are for a substantial new indoor and outdoor entertainment and recreation facility that potentially will include food, alcohol, DJs, live music and other types of entertainment.

For instance, there could be large outdoor video boards to show major sporting events with watch parties.

Recreation at the site will include a multisport court outside and pickleball courts inside.

Site plans show the indoor court on the west side, a multistory food hall to the south, the outdoor court to the north and a plaza area with a stage at the site’s interior area with visibility from the food hall.

Then, there’s the hotel, which is proposed to be in an area just north of the Walmart.

The applicant is TownePlace at NMS.

There’s already a TownePlace Suites Wichita East near K-96 and East 29th North, but it’s not clear if it’s associated in any way with TownePlace at NMS.

The applicant is seeking a couple of requests from the planning commission, including to allow what the city calls an entertainment establishment within 300 feet of property that’s zoned for residential use.

The city’s definition of an entertainment establishment is “a venue that allows alcohol and live entertainment with a maximum capacity of less than 300 persons.”

According to a staff report, city planners recommend the planning commission approve the changes with conditions.

Look for more information on the possible hotel and the new entertainment and recreation area as it’s available.