A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday to begin construction on a major renovation for a north Wichita community center.

The Carl G. Brewer Community Center at McAdams Park will update the original recreation center built in the 1950s, while adding a modern 24,000 square-foot extension to the south and additional parking. The existing center will receive a new roof, updated heating and air conditioning, and renovated bathrooms.

Features of the new center will include:

• A meeting room for approximately 45 people.
• A large dining hall accommodating up to 150 people, which can be divided into two separate spaces.
• An outdoor patio, commercial kitchen for culinary arts classes, and a multi-purpose fitness classroom.
• A standout feature is the state-of-the-art gymnasium, equipped with a walking trail, a full basketball court, two smaller courts, and six pickleball courts. The gym also includes telescoping bleachers, lockers, and shower rooms, with a lounge space for spectators to enjoy the activities.

Wichita park and recreation director Troy Houtman said the project has been in the works for two and a half years.  He said in a year, there will be a totally different building with a changed footprint and it will have a huge impact on the community.   He said the project will be a model for renovations at other recreation centers across the city in the future.

The Center is named for the late Carl Brewer, who served as the District One City Council member for two terms and then served as Mayor from 2007 to 2015.  He was the city’s first popularly-elected African-American Mayor.  He passed away in June, 2020.

Brewer’s wife, Cathy Brewer, said at the groundbreaking ceremony that it will be a wonderful place and “when you see the art, you’re going to be just astounded at how beautiful it’s going to be.”