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Council approves purchase of police Central Bureau building and adjacent parking parcel to secure long-term operations
Summary
Council approved acquisition funding for the Wichita Police Department’s Central Bureau building (appraised $670,000) and authorized purchase of an adjacent parking parcel for $175,000; funding identified from a closed capital project, approved 7–0.
The Wichita City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve purchase of the Wichita Police Department’s Central Bureau building (appraised at $670,000) and to buy an adjacent portion of a parking lot for $175,000 to secure staff parking and long-term operations.
Background and purpose: The Central Bureau building at 332 North River Boulevard has housed WPD accident investigators, motorcycle units, community-support staff and a number of specialized teams since 2018. The building is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development–disposition property; WPD sought to acquire the building to preserve continuity of operations as the property is being sold by HUD.
Parking issue and acquisition proposal: Staff reported that the lot immediately south of the building is controlled by an adjacent apartment owner and is not dedicated to the bureau, creating recurring parking constraints and leasing risks. To provide secure, dedicated parking and an off-street access point, the police department proposed purchasing a small, northern portion of the adjacent lot for $175,000.
Funding and approvals: Staff said finance had identified roughly $1,000,040 available from a closed project to cover the building purchase, the adjacent lot, and closing/upgrade costs. The council approved the project, related budget adjustments and a bonding resolution and authorized staff to complete required signatures; the motion passed 7–0.
Context on other PD leases and costs: Council members pressed staff about other police leases downtown, including a Patrol South community-policing office in Old Town that the city leases for roughly $2,300 per month under the latest extension; staff said some downtown city-owned space is not available for PD use and cited program and tenant needs. Staff indicated it will continue to evaluate space configuration to minimize lease costs and maximize operational effectiveness.
Next steps: Staff will complete the HUD disposition application steps and close on the building and parking parcel; funds identified include closing costs and a small budget for securing and upgrading the lot and providing secured access off Riverview Street.
Speakers quoted: Captain Aaron Moses (Wichita Police Department) presented the request; City finance staff and the city manager answered council questions on funding and existing leases.
