Wichita fights to save historic Crown Uptown Theatre

The Wichita City Council will convene on Tuesday morning to vote on the demolition application for the historic Crown Uptown Theatre. Advocates are urging the council to grant them a 180-day period to explore alternative solutions before the theater is lost. The theater is privately owned, limiting the city's ability to directly intervene in its preservation.

David Bayouth, founder of the Save the Crown Uptown Campaign, is spearheading the effort to keep the theater standing. He has initiated a petition that has already collected over 1,000 signatures from community members who cherish the venue. Bayouth envisions a multi-use future for the building, incorporating theater performances and other ventures to ensure its financial viability.

Local residents recall cherished memories of attending performances at the Crown Uptown, describing it as a unique venue with a special atmosphere. Councilmember Joseph Shepard has emphasized that the current demolition process will not be indefinitely delayed, stating that the conversation will not be revisited if demolition does not proceed now. The proposed 180-day extension is intended to provide private stakeholders and the community with more time to develop viable plans.