Another move: Sedgwick County thinking of buying this downtown building for admin offices

Sedgwick County government is considering purchasing Murfin Plaza at 250 N. Water for $7.75 million as the new home for its administrative offices.

The County Commission on Wednesday unanimously agreed to pay $25,000 in earnest money. The county has 120 days to inspect the 82,577-square-foot property and determine whether to move forward with the purchase.

The government has been leasing space at the Ruffin Building on North Broadway at a rate of $58,502.67 a month since moving out of the county courthouse last year to create more room for courts there.

The new administrative offices would house the eight departments that are now at the Ruffin Building — Board of County Commissioners, county clerk, county counselor, county manager, finance, human resources, register of deeds, county treasurer — and add in two more, facilities and records management.

It would also include a lobby space with courthouse police screening, and a cafe.

Purchasing Murfin Plaza from oil magnate David Murfin was one of four options outlined by staff earlier this year. Alternatives include leasing long-term at the Ruffin building or constructing new facilities at either Third and Main or First and Water.

Assistant County Manager Tania Cole told commissioners she plans to report back in early November with cost estimates for the other three options and to share results of the Murfin Plaza inspections.

“That allows you to make an informed decision on the best option for our county administration moving forward,” Cole said.

Murfin Plaza, now headquarters for Murfin Drilling Company, has 200 parking spaces on the property. If Sedgwick County moves forward with the purchase, a second building owned by Murfin at 221 N. Main would be demolished at the seller’s expense to create space for another 35 parking spots. That building was constructed in 1917, property records show, and opened the following year as a furniture store.

If the county chooses to proceed after the 120-day inspection period, it will have to pay an additional $475,000 in earnest money. Both earnest money payments would be put toward the $7.75 million purchase price. If the county backs out, the original $25,000 payment will be refunded.

Murfin could also back out during the inspection period if he’s unable to find an appropriate location to relocate his drilling company.

This story was originally published August 2, 2023 at 2:33 PM.