K-96 Corridor Development & Design

City of Maize > City Departments > Economic Development > K-96 Corridor Development & Design

The K-96 Corridor, "The Corridor of Opportunity"

The K-96 Corridor is poised for growth. The manner in which that growth occurs is important to the future viability of the corridor and its communities. The previous section of this plan set forth the policies to guide development of the K-96 corridor in the future. This section of the plan will define where and how development should occur. A goal of the plan is to promote orderly and efficient growth—essentially, where growth should occur to maximize the investment and minimize the impact on the corridor. Another goal of the plan is to maintain and enhance the beauty of the corridor—essentially, to protect the visual and physical aspects that make the corridor scenic. This section will provide guidance for the placement and design of development within the corridor and the design of amenities so they enhance the corridor.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Each of the municipalities along the corridor has identified appropriate areas within its boundaries for the development of commence and industrial land uses. In general, the utilities needed to serve future development are in proximity to proposed sites.

CITY OF MAIZE

Growth is imminent to any small town and the City of Maize is no exception. Maize is a unique, progressive city enjoying metropolitan status in a rural surrounding. We are a civic-minded community with numerous citizens who volunteer their time for an array of activities. Our city officials and city staff continue to strengthen the value of teamwork and civic loyalty, as we provide essential services ensuring all citizens a secure environment in which to live, work and play. Excellent schools, low crime rate and easy access to the entire metro area makes Maize a unique place to live. Maize, “Where Community Counts.”

The City of Maize has an ideal location outside of 2 major cities, Wichita, a city of over 300,000 to the South and Hutchinson to the North, all within a short drive. Being so conveniently located enables Maize citizens to take advantage of the wide range of employment opportunities available in these cities.
Maize has seen significant growth in their population since the completion of the 2000 Census. The City of Maize was established in 1886, now has a population close to 2500. The Maize School district has approximately 6200 students and 720 staff commuting to Maize each day for education and activities while new “West Campus” of Wichita State University, located north of 37th on Maize Road brings in about 4,000 students and teachers during the school year.
In Nashville TN, in December 2003 the City of Maize was named one of the seven national Crown Community Award Winner for 2003.

Growth Success Stories

The town boasts having some of the finest schools and teachers in the state. In partnership with our community is “Maize USD 266, which is noted for being progressive and innovative, while at the same time providing a personal, caring atmosphere. The schools stand at the heart of community life in Maize. This suburban school district, which houses more than 6,200 students in eight buildings, is the 12th largest school district in the state.” The Maize school system, which serves a large geographic area that once was farmland, now boasts of two high schools, a middle school, and four elementary schools.
Of course most of us are aware of the new “West Campus” of Wichita State University, located north of 37th on Maize Road. Enrollment is up considerable and it has been such a wonderful success that plans are now under way to expand to a second facility. Assuming the funding comes about in the next couple of years it will be located north of the current facility.
North of WSU location the City Hall Complex construction has been completed and will house City Administration, Police Department, Courts, Council activities and the Recreation Commission
Near the City Hall a new Northwest Medical Dialysis Center has also opened as well as the new Sedgwick County EMS Facility. Also in the area will be another restaurant and new bank facility location. These businesses are scheduled for completion in 2007.
Across the street on the west side of Maize Road the new corporate headquarters for SecureNet Alarm System. They have brought over 75 employees to Maize for their intra-state operation.
At 45th and Maize construction of a new business center will begin shortly. We can anticipate a small animal clinic, Cleaners, and Coffee Shop. Additional future businesses are being planned for the area.
Additionally the new “Maize” County Fire Station #33 is also in operation, opening in Febrauary 2008. Because of the new location, west of Maize Road and 53rd, it will allow for a significant improvement of fire services in our community.
Housing developments continues to grow. Wide ranges of housing opportunities are now available and we anticipate this trend will continue. Plans are underway to expand the “senior housing” complex with 39 new units in Hampton Lakes Addition. Carriage crossing continues to develop and expand, as does the WaterCrest addition.
Additionally plans for street improvements on Maize Road and 119th street are in the planning and design phases. Maize road will become a five-lane road north of 45th thru 53rd Street with turn lanes and signals at 53rd. Improvements of 119th call for wider “two-lane” with shoulders from 29th north to 53rd. The intersection at 53rd will have turn lanes and signals. Depending on funding these improvements are scheduled for 2008 thru 2010.
A new Dickinson IMAX theater is being built in Maize. The theater will be on 25 acres immediately west of K-96, on the south side of 53rd Street.
The future looks much brighter as the tax base grows to support future growth.

BUSINESS CORRIDOR

It is expected that Maize will continue to grow in population, which necessitates the need for commercial services. Economic revitalization will be realized by zoning a major “T-shaped” Business Corridor along Maize Road and 53rd Street as shown in the Adopted Land Use Plan. The Planning Commission has subdivided this corridor into various retail, office and general business zoning categories that will ensure only viable new businesses which further the goal “to preserve the small town character and lifestyle” are located in the corridor.

Maize has seen significant growth in population over the past several years. With the improvements to K-96, the city has become more easily accessible and visible to the populations of the Wichita and Hutchinson metropolitan area. Increased development pressures from Wichita have caused the City of Maize to examine its future development patters. Currently the city has identified areas along K-96 and bisecting corridors for commercial and industrial development. However, recently the city has targeted its original downtown district for commercial re-development. It has also identified an existing industrial area in the northwest quadrant of town for future industrial expansion.

It is projected that, based on the anticipated population growth, Maize should expect between 230,000 to 250,000 square feet of commercial development. Similarly, based on the anticipated population growth, 80,000 to 90,000 square feet of industrial development should be planned for Maize. The current land use plan for maize provides sufficient land area to accommodate anticipated future commercial and industrial development

A commitment to the commercial redevelopment of downtown Maize would cause the majority of future commercial development to take place away from K-96. However, commercial activity is beginning to take place at the interchange of K-96 and 53rd Street/Maize Road that is regional in nature and will provide significant catalyst for large-scale commercial development at this interchange.

The presence of big-box service oriented retail along 21at Street in Wichita provides a significant market catchment area to include Maize. It appears to be the case that a large portion of the commercial that will be developed in Maize at its major K-96 interchanges will be regional in nature and draw from a wider area than just the city of Maize. It is still expected that there will be a need for a certain amount of small serviced oriented commercial that is suitable for a highway location.

The location of industrial development within the City of Maize is targeted for the northwest section of the city, generally north of West 53 Street and west of the railroad tracks, on each side of North 119th Street. The area provides sufficient land to accommodate the 80,000 to 90,000 square feet of anticipated industrial development. The proposed location currently is home to the Coleman Plant, and city services, including water, sewer and electricity are on sit serving the existing development. As development moves north towards K-96 an extension of services will be required.

The presence of utilities in the area proposed for development reduces the cost associated with future development. The fact that utilities are in place should be perceived by and marketed as a benefit for potential developers and end users. The cost ranges in Figure 6-1 represent the average cost range per linear foot associated with such extensions. The primary factor that drives the cost of any utility extension is the presence of rock. Generally, utility extension should not incur many difficulties given the soil types in the area; however, those unforeseen circumstances are what make costs rise.

Sufficiently land exists south of K-96 to accommodate the anticipated future industrial development. Currently, the Maize future land use plan calls for industrial development south and north of K-96 Highway. It is the policy of the City of Maize that development of land south of K-96 should be exhausted prior to moving north of K-96. To promote the efficient extension of infrastructure, this development should occur in a contiguous manner. Continuous development will provide the City of Maize with a more cost efficient patter of development. Development north of K-96 should be reserved for industrial development greater than that anticipated in this plan.

SUMMARY 　

The projected demand for future commercial and residential development within the K-96 Corridor is significant. Based on the nodal development framework established, it is foreseen that development should occur within or adjacent to the existing municipalities of Maize, Mt. Hope, Haven, and south Hutchinson. It is anticipated that between 375,000 and 425,000 square feet of commercial development land redevelopment is possible in the K-96 Corridor over the next 15-20 years. Similarly, is 375,000 to 450,000 of industrial development and redevelopment is anticipated. This projected development is based on a combination of active recruitment of new business and industry, as well as the replacement of older or marginal commercial and industrial users. Industries that seem to be a natural fit for the area are those included in or related to the agricultural industry.

Maize and south Hutchinson hold a distinct locational advantage over Mt. Hope and Haven due to their proximity to larger urbanized areas. It is expected that Maize will continue to grow in population, which necessitates the need for commercial services. Similarly, as Hutchinson and south Hutchinson continue to grow, the industrial base that is established in South Hutchinson will also expand. Mt. Hope and leaven will benefit from the growth of the corridor but is a smaller way. Smaller amounts of industrial and commercial development will serve the populations of those towns, while protecting the small town character and quality of life that is desired lay residents. In its entirety, the K-96 Corridor will benefit from its location, its desire to grow and continued protections of its assets. In addition to anticipating growth, the corridor and its municipalities are also prepared for growth. Each of the municipalities has excess land capacity to accommodate anticipated commercial and industrial growth. Additionally, the areas within each municipality planned for growth generally have utilities present or immediately adjacent. Thus, requiring extension of utilities only to serve new facilities is a benefit to developers and businesses that should be recognized and marketed.

As the corridor continues to grow development should happen in an organized and planned fashion. The presence of six different jurisdictional entities could make this difficult. However, to truly achieve the potential of the K-96 Corridor, a cooperative effort is needed for implementation. The design of the corridor is the final piece to guide the growth of the K-96 Corridor, and it should be considered in every development proposal. The design of development within the corridor will provide protection and enhance the natural beauty of the corridor.

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