Downtown improvements are producing construction that has forced the closing of a Century II parking lot located south of Waterman and Century II. Though about 600 parking spaces have been eliminated on the south side of Century II, almost 2,800 spots are located within two blocks of Century II, largely north of the facility.
The north-side Parking spaces have been identified thanks to a collaborative effort involving City officials and private businesses. The additional and concentrated parking spaces are located in improved lots and parking garages - largely available to the public after 5 PM and on weekends.
New Century II directional signage will help motorists find the north-side lots.
The new parking spaces and signage are just in time for an upcoming busy season at Century II, which will play host to the 2007 Wichita Home Show Thursday through Sunday. Century II, a performing arts and convention center, which contains five main halls, four meeting rooms and the Mary Jane Teall Theater, is used for a variety of events ranging from seminars to performing arts. Local groups such as Stage One, Music Theatre and Wichita Children’s Theater utilize the facility.
“As Century II enters another busy season, this parking information is important to those attending events,” Park and Recreation Director Doug Kupper said. “There will be enough parking in the downtown area to meet the needs of Century II patrons. However, citizens need to adopt a new way of thinking: go north of Century II, rather than south.”
The new parking areas to the north are large, lighted and convenient. In fact, many of these spaces require shorter walks than the walk from the south-side lot to Century II. Following are north-side locations and helpful parking information.
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The City of Wichita striped and lighted a city-owned lot on the southwest corner of Waco and 1st Street. This lot has nearly 200 free parking stalls.
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Garvey Center officials have donated free parking in their surface lots and garage - after 5 PM on weekdays and any time on the weekends, including:
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The surface lot behind 250 Douglas Place (the white high-rise building) on the southwest corner of Water and 1st streets. There are 163 spaces.
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The surface lot on Wichita Street between 1st and 2nd streets. There are 500 spaces.
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Inside the parking garage located north of the RH Garvey Building, 300 W. Douglas.
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The Broadview Parking garage is available for free public parking, located across the street from the City-owned lot at Waco and 1st Street. This lot is shared with hotel guests and has about 500 parking spots.
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USD 259 officials have donated a surface lot after 5 PM on weekdays and any time on the weekends. There are 210 spaces available at no charge. This lot is approximately 1 1/2 blocks north of Century II on 1st Street between Wichita and Water streets.
South-side parking spaces are still available on surface lots and in garages at Gander Mountain and Hyatt Regency Wichita as well as south of the Wichita Public Library.
Gander Mountain
The Gander Mountain Parking garage and surface lot holds 512 parking spots. However, people parking in this area will have to walk on Wichita Street, between the construction site and the river, because sidewalks will be closed within the construction site and on Main Street. During the next phase of Wichita WaterWalk construction, which will continue until May 2008, there are no sidewalks through WaterWalk connecting this parking to Century II. People using this parking area should walk carefully through Wichita Street, rather than walking along Main Street. Until summer 2008, no other public parking will be available south of Waterman. Because of safety issues, parking in the WaterWalk construction is prohibited. Motorists who park there will be ticketed.
Hyatt Regency Wichita, New Public Parking for Century II Events
The Hyatt Parking Garage will still be available to hotel patrons. There is a fee to park for those who are not guests of the hotel; the price is clearly marked upon entrance. Also, the parking lot south of the Wichita Public Library will remain available for Century II events.
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