Honors Takes Old Town - Start Here!
Welcome to Honors Takes Old Town. This self-guided tour is designed to introduce you to Old Town Wichita and other Honors students. Over the next three and three quater years, these are the people you will be in class with, attend events with, and with whom you will form friendships. We want you to explore Old Town Wichita, its history and culture, a piece of the greater community in which you will live and play and potentially work in after graduation. Not only will you be learning about Wichita history and culture, but you will also be directed to some local businesses. These have been included with cheap days/nights out in mind. These are awesome window shopping venues, particularly for college students low on funds but who want to hit the town with friends or on a date. As you explore, these businesses offer opportunities to see something interesting and chat about. There are a few murals along the way as well.Behind you is the Museum of World Treasures, an eclectic mix of exhibits and just one of Wichita's many Museums. In front of you is an ICT tradition. The Old Town Farm & Art Market is held every Saturday morning during the season. Local farmers and artisans offer a range of goods. Show up early for produce, those who sleep-in tend to miss out as the early birds raid the produce. We will be starting off shortly after 10 am with a short browse through the Market.
Lampl Produce Company
Now home to Heartland Bicycle and First Gear Running Company, the building at 111 Mosley was originally the Lampl Produce Building. Construction began in 1907 on this 2-story brick warehouse and was completed in 1908. The size, materials, and “modern” cold storage facilities made this a notable development in what was then called the “wholesale district” in Wichita. Wichita newspapers detailed the plans, permits, and construction of the building, as well as celebrated when business commenced there. The company was so successful that one of its proprietors, Fred Lampl, traveled to California hoping to establish a branch there. The building remained in the Lampl family trust until 1972, when it was sold to the Cox Produce Company whose painted signs are still found on the building.
The Arcade
The Arcade contains a collection of 75+ arcade games from the 80s and 90s as well as a wall of new and retro pin ball machines. There is a cover charge but after that all games are on free play - play as much as you want! Pin ball games are the exception costing 50 cents per play. They do allow you to use your debit or credit card for quaters and you can leave and come back in a single day. You can grab a bite to eat or switch to a movie at the Old Town Warren Theatre and come back to play more.
Trains & Wichita
The Union Station is directly across the street, note the photo of a postcard showing the interior. The Great Plains Transportation Museum is on your right.
Old Mill Tasty Shop
Every person in ICT should experience the Old Mill Tasty Shop at least one time. A Wichita tradition since 1932, the Old Mill Tasty Shop is like stepping foot onto a movie set. The soda is made the old fashioned way, syrup and soda mixed in right front of you. They have some classic, hard to find food offerings like the peanut butter, banana and honey sandwiches.
Mystery Mural #1
Over the past decade or so more than 120 murals have sprung up across ICT. Keep an eye out as you drive around town! Please take a moment to appreciate the talent and work involved as well as to think about how art enhances the experience and perception of a community. If you appreciate the power of public art, the Douglas Design District is just east of Old Town and is a must see with the highest concentration of murals in ICT. You can wander around stumbling joyfully across murals or checkout visitwichita.com for a map.
Naftzger Park
Many events are held in Naftzger Park since its redesign was completed in March 2020. At a glance its open space, 3-dimensional sign, and businesses ringing it seems like a logical and natural choice for the space - uncontroversial. However, the history of the park is anything but. The park was funded as a bequest to the city in the mid-1970s by the Naftzger family who were prominent business people in Wichita at the time. The Wichita city website describes the original project as "an urban renewal project. Its original .88 acres was envisioned as a charming, Victorian-style piece of green space that would serve as a downtown draw for middle-class residents and visitors." You should note the specificed class status of "middle-class residents and visitors". The original intent, quite publically stated at the time, was to push out the low-income people who resided in Old Town. One of your previous stops talked about Moody's Skidrow Beanery, one of the undesirable elements whom the middle and upper class desired to push out. The park never met its intended purpose as the space quickly became a home for the homeless. Volunteers, non-profits, and churches offered services such as meals, clothing, and other resources to the homeless, often to the dismay of the city. The city even attempted to fine those who offered these services until churches pushed back, openly defying the city by speaking out and continuing their work. Unlike the 1970s the desire to remove the homeless from the location in the name of "urban renewel" was underplayed by the city the second time around. However, the homeless population had more vocal advocates in the city this time. Some conversation was had about the impact on this population but the redesign moved forward despite concerns. Furthermore, the businesses you see are a controversy themselves. The city struck a deal allowing businesses to operate outdoor seating on city property in exchange for the businesses paying a part of the upkeep for the park. Please take the time to reflect upon these topics. What does this history mean to you? Was it the right choice for the city to redesign a space twice in an attempt to push out what is seen by some as an "undesirable" population? Urban renewal, gentrification good or bad? Where is the line between public and business and how hard should that line be delineated? You aren't being asked to come to a foregone conclusion but to find the answer for you.
Old Town Architectural Salvage
From their website: "Old Town Architectural Salvage offers a vast selection of architectural antique gems, home decor, collectibles, and more." This is one of those hanging out in Old Town with friends, I need a cheap date points of interest. This is one of the coolest, little known stores in Wichita. There is no way of knowing what you are going to find each time you visit. A collection of antique door knobs, got you covered! Beautiful stained glass pulled from demolished churches, yep! Take a few minutes to wander through and see little pieces of the past on sale.
Mystery Mural #2
The Loony Bin Comedy Club
The current site of the Looney Bin, comeby club, was a carriage business in 1910 owned by W.H. Gaiser which was later named W.H. Gaiser Automobile Works as the car replaced horsedrawn carriages.
Cocoa Dolce Chocolates
Started by a WSU alumn, Cocoa Dolce offers unique, hand-crafted chocolates in a surprising array of choices. Gelato and coffee are also a great reason to stop in on an Old Town day out.
Black-Owned Businesses in Wichita
Note: This is as close as we will get on our tour to the historically Black-owned business district in Wichita. Due to segregation, Black businesses were located in the area of Main and Central, northwest of here. The Kansas African American Museum is at 601 N Water in former Black business district, open 12-4 on Saturdays, and tickets are $6.Listen to Dr. Weems speak about the history of Black-owned business in Wichita.
Mystery Mural #3
Lucinda's
Lucinda's is full of unique beautiful offerings and amusing gifts. It is open until 11 pm on the weekends, making it a great place to browse after a movie at the Warren or as an addition to enjoying the square. You and your friends can giggle and covet your way through the store without any sales pressure. The staff are used to a high number of window shoppers. Pro tip: the store is full of conversation starters for that awkward first date.
City Arts
CityArts offers classes in digital arts, photography, fiber, silversmithing, glass fusing, glass blowing, painting, pottery, and drawing. You don't need to limit yourself to exploring fine arts through classes at WSU. Open to the entire community, City Arts gives you a platform to explore your creativity. Become a renaissance person, producing art is good for your brain!
Latin Fest
“Latin Fest ICT”, is a unique, cultural festival, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic/Latinx people have been a part of Wichita since the cattle drives of the 1870s. The first substantial community developed with the arrival of Mexican railroad workers in 1900. There were several communities around Wichita in the early 1900s, including the North End which is now called NoMar on 21st St west of WSU. In 2019, there were 67,000+ Hispanic/Latinx people in Wichita making them the second largest ethnicity in Wichita. Lydia Santiago from the WSU President's Office is here proudly representing her culture! First person to find Lydia, take a selfie with her and tweet it to @CohenHonorsWSU gets a free Honors t-shirt!When taking a selfie with Lydia - please ask politely and have someone else take the picture so you aren't completely in her personal space. Also, correction, Lydia works for the Office of Academic Affairs.
The Square - A Great Cheap Date Spot
Thank you for taking the time to explore Old Town. We hope Old Town ICT brings some off-campus fun and culture to your time at WSU.The square is a great place to come on a Saturday evening, especially for a cheap date. The Warren offers a student discount, stop in and ask for details. Lucinda's is open late for window shopping and something to talk about on that awkward first date, the fountains attract people to watch splash around as you chat. Belly dancers, dances, and drumming circles happen sporadically. For more dating tips, ask your Honors Academic Advisor as she has bombed enough dates to tell you what not to do.
