Will there be a new government center in downtown Wichita, or are costs too high?

Sedgwick County commissioners got their first look at a $45-$50 million plan to create a new government center and came away with sticker shock.

The proposal unveiled Tuesday is the latest in a years-long saga as the county tries to deal with the need for more governmental office space to free up space in the courthouse for courts.

The plan envisions a five-level building — four stories plus basement — that would be adjacent to and connected with the existing courthouse. The proposal is to clear space by tearing down part of an existing courthouse annex building just to the north of the main tower at the southwest corner of Main and Elm.

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