WICHITA, Kan. – Tenants at Towne West Mall have received a surprising notice to vacate their spaces within two weeks, heightening tensions among businesses. Superstar Sports confirmed the immediate notice, which states that all stores must be cleared by 5 p.m. on June 30.
The mall was recently acquired by Wichita Maple Company, LLC, alongside the Baughman Company, raising hopes among tenants for an improved management strategy. However, those hopes were dashed as they were initially assured of continued tenancy. Many tenants, including C’s Scents, expressed frustration over the lack of communication, with Carla Christenbury stating that numerous attempts to contact management resulted in silence.
Having operated for nearly 25 years at Towne West, Superstar Sports Manager Sam Stuart described the situation as a blow, referring to the process as “shady” and “nontransparent.”
The new owners have proposed zoning changes aimed at redeveloping the mall with a manufacturing focus, but they have not disclosed specific plans for the future of the property. This follows a tumultuous period under the previous ownership by Kohan Retail Investment Group, which dealt with multiple tenant departures and utility issues.
Notably, established anchors such as Dillard’s Clearance Center, Boulevard Theaters, and JCPenney remain unaffected by the eviction notices.
While this is a distressing time for many local businesses, it is a pivotal moment that underscores the need for clear communication and transparency in property management. Local business owners are now faced with the challenge of relocation, but there might be opportunities for new beginnings in different locations as they seek to rebuild.