Wichita’s downtown riverfront completely transformed in $1 billion plan

The Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition doubled down on its plan to raze most of the buildings — including Century II — near the Hyatt Regency hotel and start fresh.

Under the plan, Wichita’s downtown could get new parks, a new performing arts center and a new convention center, parking garages and a boardwalk. Downtown Wichita riverfront designers say Wichita could be the next Oklahoma City if its city leaders can convince taxpayers to pay for it.

The total price tag on the project is estimated at $1 billion-$1.2 billion. Design consultants recommend about half of the funding should come from a city- or county-wide sales tax. A new sales tax would require a public vote.