About the Design District
In early January of 2007 the Douglas Design District was just an idea. Today it's a fast growing association of over fifty caring businesses between Washington and Glendale. The Douglas Design District website is now online and we hope you enjoy what you find here.
The Douglas Design District has over 300 locally owned businesses, including over 40 home design businesses featuring antiques, furniture, home accessories, paint, flooring, kitchen design, granite, and more. Over a dozen great places to eat, drink and be merry. You can satisfy your need for sweets at our bakeries, donut shop, and candy stores. Shop international spices, coffees and teas. Get pampered at a variety of hair and beauty salons. Fine jewelry, clothing stores and more await to help you find the perfect gift for someone special in your life or maybe something special just for YOU!
Business isn't neglected in the District...you'll fine premier graphic design and branding firms, tax firms, CPA’s, and banks. Discover a plethera of businesses catering to your shopping and business needs.
The Douglas Design District is a complete, wonderfully diverse community of business, retail and residential neighborhoods including the popular and historic College Hill, the Hillcrest (the first high rise residential building in Wichita), and the new Parkstone at College Hill brownstones and future high rise condominiums at Douglas and Rutan - and we plan to make it better...
In the future we see a three-mile, tree-lined corridor of businesses and residences in a warm neighborhood setting, along well-swept Douglas Avenue, between Old Town and Oliver. Here you’ll find miles of locally owned stores, trendy shops, cafes, and pubs. Some are quaint, some funky, some cosmopolitan but, all intriguing and full of life. These unique shops and businesses are inter-mixed with charming residential neighborhoods, townhouses and loft apartments. The District will be a magnet for new design businesses and a compelling location for new business start-up in general. The area will have an image as a trendsetter and a place to discover exciting new home fashion, dinning, entertainment and many other products and services.
For the past year The Douglas Design District, Neighborhood Representatives and the City of Wichita Planning Department have been working hard making plans for the revitalization of East Douglas. To view a copy of the conceptual plan go to: "The Douglas Design District Streetscape and Implementation Plan" for more details.
In Praise of Douglas Design District...
“The transformational ideas and concepts presented in the draft Douglas Design District Streetscape Design and Implementation Plan are very exciting, and reflect a successful collaboration of private and public interests. I have been especially impressed with the enthusiasm and vision of the Douglas Design District members during the development of this Plan, and their willingness to commit their time, talents, resources and monies towards the long-term improvement of East Douglas Avenue.”
Mayor Carl Brewer“Get ready to see big changes on Douglas. Members of the Douglas Design District have an amazing vision for this area. They’re embarking on a plan in partnership with the City of Wichita that will transform the area. I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Wichita City Council Member Lavonta Williams
Visit The Douglas Design District and watch as we change the face of east Douglas!
Bench Sponsorship Program
The association installed over 50 colorful banners along the avenue to help identify the “District”. The next improvement began in September 09' with new bus stop benches installed. In spring 2010 there will be 7 new bus shelters with the Douglas Design District flair! The benches and shelters are being made available through a special program by the federal Department of Transportation.
For $300, donors, which could include individuals, families, organizations, churches, or businesses, can sponsor a bench. Sponsorship would include identification of the donor in the form of a plaque on the bench or an etched brick or stone in the nerby pavement. Shelter and bike rack sponsorships will also be available. More detials to come.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a bench or shelter in memory of a loved one can contact any DDD board member, or email info@dddwichita.com.
Click here to download the Bench Donation Commitment Form.
DDD Wichita Members Newsletter
Click here to download the March 2009 District Dispatch Newsletter.