Downtown Wichita, long without a grocery store, may soon have two competing projects in the works. Occidental Management is in serious talks to bring a market to Union Station, while a separate concept backed by Chase Koch’s nonprofit was announced last month.
FULL STORY: A second grocery store for downtown Wichita? ‘When it rains, it pours.’
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Gary Oborny, chairman and CEO of Occidental Management, said his company is talking with a couple of potential grocery operators about the former Union Station Express building, with one conversation “fairly seriously” advanced.Oborny envisions an urban market concept with a main-floor grocery and an upstairs area where customers could enjoy prepared foods, lounge or have a drink — a different feel from a traditional store.The renewed interest follows years of stalled efforts and coincides with the new Wichita Biomedical campus opening a few blocks away next spring, along with growing downtown residential density.Oborny said available parking at Union Station is a major draw for potential operators, allowing a mix of walk-in customers and drivers from neighborhoods like Riverside.Last month, Chase Koch’s Movement Musick nonprofit announced a separate grocery concept with Kansas City’s Queen family, who founded the Price Chopper chain. Oborny said he has not spoken with Koch but is open to conversation and hopes to have news within about six months.
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