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Developers outline mixed‑use, hotel and apartment plans for Wichita ballpark district; work to mobilize in June
Summary
EPC Real Estate and the development team presented level‑by‑level plans for a mixed‑use building with a garage, retail, 192 apartments (pool amenity atop the garage) and a 160‑key Tribute by Marriott hotel; footing/foundation packages aim to be submitted in May–June with mobilization in June 2026 and completion targeted in Q2 2028.
Austin Bradley of EPC Real Estate Group and Justin El Corey of the development team walked council through detailed plans for the ballpark district on April 28, describing retail, parking, apartments and a riverfront hotel adjacent to the baseball stadium.
Bradley said the mixed‑use building will combine three retail spaces, a parking garage clad with residential units, and roughly 192 apartments stacked on higher floors; the project’s main amenity level (level five) will include a pool that sits atop the parking garage and overlooks the ballpark. "The pool's right on top of the garage," Bradley said, describing how the amenity level will provide views into the stadium and into the riverfront.
The hotel concept has shifted brands: after ending an agreement with Dream Hotel Group (recently acquired by Hyatt), developers said they have an agreement with Marriott for a Tribute by Marriott property. The hotel is designed for roughly 160 keys (up from an earlier 158) and includes public bars, event space and a rooftop terrace oriented to the river and ballpark.
Timing and financing: the team said footing and foundation packages will be submitted to MABCD in early May (hotel) and roughly 30 days later for the mixed‑use building; contractors expect to mobilize in June 2026 and target both projects to be complete by Q2 2028. City staff and council discussed STAR bond timing and the district’s cash flow: staff noted the phase‑one STAR bond district expires in March 2027 and payments to the trustee occur in March and September; staff estimated a principal payment in September roughly $2.5 million and interest around $600,000, with spring interest‑only payments smaller.
Next steps: developers will proceed with submittals to MABCD, continue coordination with city review and financing staff, and return with any revisions as the design and permitting processes proceed.
