Century II will become privately managed by ASM Global – the company that currently manages INTRUST Bank Arena and the Orpheum Theatre, starting in 2022.
Save Century II loses in bid at state Legislature to protect Wichita buildings Dion Lefler, The Wichita Eagle
Feb. 24 After a lengthy hearing in Topeka, the state Legislature won t be taking action to save Century II and the former Wichita downtown library.
The Save Century II group argued their case for state intervention before the House Local Government Committee.
Save Century II members Celeste Racette, John Todd, Karl Peterjohn and Walt Chappell were asking lawmakers to require a binding public election before any decisions are made to tear down the historic buildings to replace them with a sweeping redevelopment of the Arkansas River front where they stand.
State lawmakers hear from supporters of Century II, old public library kake.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kake.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Wichita will look for private company to manage Century II
The Wichita City Council voted Tuesday to go out for bids from private management companies to take over operations at the Century II Convention Center.
Assistant City Manager Donte Martin told the council that the convention, tourism and event industry has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Century II had a number of events that were cancelled last year. He said the expertise of a private operator would help in marketing the facility, right-sizing operations for the future and reduce operating deficits for the facility. He said a Request for Proposal would go out in about a week and a committee would review the bids that are received. The committee would have a recommendation for the City Council in May or June.