The new plan for Wichita’s riverfront is bold but divisive. So settle it with a vote

The latest proposal for Wichita’s riverfront is a go-big-or-go-home plan that would transform the east bank to the tune of $1 billion or more:

A new performing arts center. A new convention center. A pedestrian boardwalk over the river. A “Century Park” plaza where families could fly kites, play in fountains, have picnics or watch outdoor concerts.

A grocery store. New office space. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops and retail stores.

It’s a bold vision, and one that would demolish Century II, the former Central Library, the Wichita Boathouse and the former Gander Mountain building.

The Riverfront Legacy Master Plan isn’t finished yet — the coalition behind it will present its final proposal to city and county leaders next month — but one thing already is clear:

Wichitans are fired up, particularly over the issue of razing Century II. And only a public vote can settle the matter.

A group of local activists who want to save Century II and the former library building launched a petition drive aimed at forcing the issue onto a ballot. The group wants to prevent city government from destroying any historically significant city-owned building without a public vote.

Whether or not that effort proves successful, elected officials should let voters decide how to proceed with the east bank corridor generally, and Century II specifically. They’ll have to anyway if the plan requires a sales-tax hike to help finance redevelopment.

“The community is strongly divided and has been for years,” said Amber Luther of the Populous consulting firm during an open house Tuesday. “It’s basically a 50/50 split between what to do with the building (Century II) — to keep it or to renovate it.

“We still feel it’s the community’s decision, and that there will need to be some kind of public vote over what happens with the facility.”

We’ve dithered for years — and it’s past time to decide the issue.

Multiple studies have shown that Century II doesn’t meet modern standards for performing arts or convention activities. But so far no one has proposed an economically viable use for the building.

Jon Rolph, co-chair of the Greater Wichita Partnership and a member of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition, is correct when he says the issue is more complex than a simple raze-it-or-save-it vote on Century II.

“It’s a real risk if we maintain that building and there’s no other use for it,” he said. “To have it sitting there empty, a la the Astrodome in Houston.”

But moving forward with a proposal as massive as the Riverfront Legacy plan requires public trust, which understandably may be lacking after questionable moves regarding the new ballpark, water treatment plant and the WaterWalk development.

The best way to rebuild that trust is to be upfront and transparent, and to trust voters to decide Wichita’s future.

If the city needs a new performing arts center — and signs point to yes — make a plan, make the case, and put it on the ballot, like the measure that replaced the outdated Kansas Coliseum with a new downtown arena.

If we’re going to vote on Century II’s fate, there needs to be a proposal for what will happen with it, so voters can make a thoughtful choice, not purely emotional one.

This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 5:05 AM.