Building that houses decades-old Wichita boxing club floods after roof is blown off
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Storms in Wichita blew off the roof of Villa Boxing Club, flooding the facility.
- The building and contents sustained water damage; classes are suspended.
- An online fundraiser has been launched to support repairs and gym restoration.
Jacob Villa got a text at 6:25 a.m. Tuesday telling him that the roof of his Planeview boxing club had been blown off.
This happened as thunderstorms rolled over Wichita, bringing wind damage, flash flooding and power outages. Water fell for hours inside of Villa Boxing Club in Wichita’s Planeview neighborhood.
“I got there and the metal roof was completely blown down, and some of the power lines got taken out,” Villa said over the phone. “I was able to peek in and it was, you know, it was pretty severe damage.”
“I mean water just everywhere, and I could see through the ceiling.”
Villa estimates there are at least 2 to 3 inches of standing water inside the building, which currently has no electricity.
Rainfall likely caused water damage and soaked heavy bags, pads and jump ropes, Villa said. Some of the equipment may still be salvageable.
“The good things is that the bags are designed to take a beating,” Villa said.
The building that houses the boxing club sits at 2780 S. Roosevelt. Villa moved the boxing club into the space in 2016. The building owner lives in San Diego, Villa said, and plans to meet with him in the next day or so.
Villa hopes the building can be cleaned and repaired, but that is unclear until they can get inside and assess the damage.
“I’ve already spoken to the landlord, and he expressed that he has an idea,” Villa said. “Regardless, the damage that’s done, it’s going to cost a bit to salvage and refurbish.”
Damage aside, Villa said this affects the community the club serves. Classes are suspended and “hundreds of kids, teens, adults have suddenly lost their fitness sanctuary and safe place,” said a GoFundMe created to help restore the club after the storm damage. It can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/3SXRBOG
“I know it’s just a boxing gym, but it’s more than that,” Villa said. “It’s about the kids. It’s a safe space for them where they come to learn more than just boxing. I teach these kids about praying, about building friendships and bonds.”
The Villa name is rooted in Wichita history. Villa Boxing Club was started in 1958 by Marcial Villa, Jacob’s grandfather, in a one-car garage at 22nd Street and Waco.
“Villa Boxing Club has always been there for our community,” the fundraiser said. “Now we’re asking you to stand by them, so they can stand again. Let’s rebuild our gym, our home, and our future, together.”