A local foundation plans to convert a downtown Wichita building into a facility with an event center and maker space for the creation of new products.
The Gridley Family Foundation is creating the non-profit Groover Labs in the former Printing Inc building at 3rd and St. Francis. The foundation plans to develop a facility with technology and manufacturing labs to help start-up companies in building prototypes of new products to be tested. There will also be open office space, private offices, conference rooms, classrooms, and an event space with an adjacent courtyard.
The foundation is asking for bond financing from the city in an amount up to $4 million, and that would involve a sales tax exemption for renovations and equipment. The city council has approved a letter of intent for industrial revenue bonds.
Jason Gregory with Downtown Wichita said the project will create a “thriving technology hub for entrepreneurial activity,” and it’s one of several downtown projects that will help attract and retain talent and grow local businesses. Gregory said the project will add to a St. Francis Street corridor that now has The Wave concert venue and an upcoming project for Cocoa Dolce to move its operations into the former Coleman factory outlet space. He said these projects expand the footprint of the Old Town district and add to the economic vitality of the area.
