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Council votes 4–3 to begin process to nominate Crown Uptown Theatre to Wichita Register of Historic Places
Summary
At the request of a councilmember, the council voted to initiate the nomination process for the Crown Uptown Theatre (3207 E. Douglas) for possible placement on the Wichita Register of Historic Places; initiation does not finalize designation and the property owner has not formally consented.
The Wichita City Council voted 4–3 to initiate the municipal process to consider adding the Crown Uptown Theatre at 3207 East Douglas to the Wichita Register of Historic Places.
What initiation means: City planning staff said initiating a nomination starts a multi-step review process that includes a public hearing before the Historic Preservation Board, submittal of a full application to the Planning Department, a review by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for plan consistency findings and a final decision by the City Council. Staff emphasized that initiation is the first step and does not by itself place the property on any register.
Context and recent steps: The theater is listed as an undesignated historic resource in the city inventory. The property owner submitted a demolition application earlier this year, which prompted the preservation planner to place interim controls on the site and to seek alternatives to demolition. The applicant responded to council in writing reiterating a desire for occupancy increases. Staff noted interim controls expire Aug. 4 and that the owner had not asked to initiate nomination; the council’s vote authorizes the nomination process without an explicit owner request.
Council argument and vote: Councilmember Maggie Johnson requested initiation of the process. Council members who voted to initiate said they wanted a structured process and public review. Council members who opposed initiation said they were concerned about taking a step that could limit property-owner rights without owner consent, and they emphasized that the council should prioritize voluntary owner participation in designation. After discussion the council voted 4–3 to initiate the nomination process.
Next steps: If the nomination proceeds it will be noticed and heard by the Historic Preservation Board and then processed through the Planning Commission before returning to the council for a final determination. Staff will notify interested parties and post public-notice materials for the Historic Preservation Board hearing.
Speakers and sources: Scott Weddle (Planning Department) presented the item and reviewed the code procedure for nomination and interim controls. Council debate focused on property-rights concerns and the appropriate path to historic designation.
