The Wichita City Council has denied a request by the Crown Uptown Theater to expand its capacity.
The theater at 3207 East Douglas was asking for an amendment to its Planned Unit Development to increase the capacity of the theater from 850 persons to the occupancy load determined by the City Fire Marshal. The theater was originally asking for a capacity up to 2,066 persons. The Fire Marshal had submitted a report in early January saying that the occupancy limit could change depending on a variety of factors.
Residents who live in the College Hill neighborhood filed protests to the request, citing concerns over a lack of on-street parking, increased numbers of pedestrians walking in the area, noise pollution, and increased traffic. The District I Advisory Board had recommended denial. The owner of the theater said he had agreements with nearby properties to provide for additional parking for events.
The City Council sent the request back to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission in December, and the MAPC voted to approve the amendments with some modifications. The Council considered the request again during their regular meeting Tuesday and voted unanimously to deny it. District I Council member Brandon Johnson said the increased capacity would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding neighborhood.
The decision creates an uncertain future for the Crown. The owner could file an amended plan in six months or a new plan in one year.
[ photo: Crown Uptown Theater – Facebook ]
