Century II

Wichitans will get a say in the future of Century II — it just won’t be the final say.

The City Council approved a policy Tuesday to hold an advisory election before possibly demolishing either the historic domed building or the neighboring former central library.

A plan for the redevelopment of the downtown riverfront recommends tearing down both. Council member Brandon Johnson represents the city on the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition, and he says it was the intent to hold a public vote on the future of the two buildings.

Organizers with the group “Save Century II” support a city of Wichita recommendation to build a new performing arts center. They also say there is an opportunity to preserve the blue-domed round building.

Greg Kite with the Historic Preservation Alliance and community arts supporter Celeste Racette started the campaign to bring awareness of the historical value of Century II, and to keep the process of determining the future of Century II open to the public.

In a few months, the latest plan for developing downtown Wichita’s riverfront area will be released.

The details and recommendations are supposed to help guide the city to a final decision about the Century II complex. One aspect has already been decided: The city of Wichita has determined that it can’t transform the 50-year-old building into a modern performing arts venue.

This story was updated on Thursday, May 16

A change in leadership is coming to Wichita’s arts and cultural services division.

Longtime manager John D’Angelo resigned April 26. City officials say he left to take a similar job in Oxnard, California, but that might not have happened. This week, Oxnard announced layoffs in arts and culture, and proposed closing its performing arts center and a museum, according to the Ventura County Star.

A famous Wurlitzer pipe organ has been based at Wichita’s Century II for about as long as the performing arts center has been open. With Century II’s future in question, the organ’s caretakers are working to increase public and city support so the Wurlitzer can remain in Wichita. 

A city-appointed committee is recommending that Wichita build a new performing arts facility instead of renovating Century II.

The Century II Citizens Advisory Committee spent the past year talking to experts, reviewing research and getting input from the public. The committee presented its findings and recommendations to Wichita city leaders Tuesday.