Wichita Council Will Weigh Business Park Funding
The Wichita City Council will consider a tax increment financing district for the Wichita Business Park this month.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Should the city use tax incentives to support the redevelopment of abandoned shopping malls?
On October 14, 2026, the Wichita City Council will meet to consider a request for a Tax Increment Financing District for the Wichita Business Park. The request is intended to support continued site improvements at the 650,000-square-foot redevelopment project.
Why it matters
The proposed district would facilitate additional development at the former Towne West Square Mall site, which has been undergoing renovations since July 2025. This move aims to build on the momentum of recent industrial activity at the park.
The Wichita Business Park encompasses 650,000 square feet of redeveloped property. This project follows the summer 2026 approval of industrial revenue bonds to support site infrastructure.
The players
Wichita City Council
This local governing body is responsible for municipal legislative decisions and oversight of urban development projects.
PROtect
This company began business operations at the new Wichita Business Park location during the summer of 2026.
The details
Developers are seeking the adoption of a formal redevelopment plan alongside the tax increment financing request to ensure ongoing site progress. The property previously operated as the Towne West Square Mall, where stores were required to vacate by July 5, 2025, though Dillard's Clearance Center, Boulevard Theatre, and JCPenney continued operations.
Timeline
July 2025: Renovations began at the former mall site.
July 5, 2025: Tenants were required to vacate the premises.
Summer 2026: PROtect began operations and the city approved industrial revenue bonds.
October 14, 2026: The Wichita City Council will meet to consider the funding request.
December 1, 2026: A public hearing on the redevelopment plan is proposed.
Market Landscape
The use of Tax Increment Financing reflects a common strategy to catalyze urban redevelopment by incentivizing private investment in former retail hubs. This approach positions the Wichita Business Park to compete for industrial tenants against other regional manufacturing and office developments.
The redevelopment project marks the transition of the former mall site into an industrial park, which may alter the local business landscape and traffic patterns near the site. Shoppers visiting the remaining anchors like Dillard's or the theatre should be aware that the area is now designated for business operations rather than traditional retail.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former mall into a business park signals a significant shift in land use for the city. Residents should look for updates from the council meeting to understand how the proposed funding may accelerate the final stages of the site renovation.
What happens next
The city has proposed holding a public hearing regarding the redevelopment plan on December 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local commercial developments, visit the Wichita Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwch.
Live Poll
Should the city use tax incentives to support the redevelopment of abandoned shopping malls?
