Rather than see a duplex torn down, a neighborhood association has obtained title to the property and plans to renovate it into rental units.
The Historic Midtown Community Association plans to restore the property at 1416/1418 N. Park Place. A 1923 Craftsman with Tudor Revival design touches, it had been owned most recently by Alma Neises and Arlene Sperling, two sisters who were active in the neighborhood association.
According to the association, the duplex restoration will involve preservation of historical features including original hardware, light fixtures, bath fixtures, woodwork, and built-in bookshelves while adding modern amenities. The HMCDA board is working with local historians, preservationists and craftspeople.
“This restoration is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about honoring our past while making a tangible investment in our community’s future,” said Rhandalee Hinman, President of HMCDA. “By saving this beautiful historic property, we’re creating new housing opportunities and preserving the unique character that makes our neighborhood special.”
The restored duplex will be available for rental to qualified individuals or families, with proceeds reinvested in future preservation projects.
The neighborhood association, founded in 2005, considers Midtown “Wichita’s first and thus most historic neighborhood in the core of the city” and the duplex a contributing structure to that history, according to a news release. HMCDA welcomes volunteers, donors and community partners who might be interested in joining the duplex project. For more information, contact Hinman at (316) 708-0404.
Randalee Hinman and Patricia Hileman were among volunteers tidying up outside 1416/1418 N. Park Place in the Midtown neighborhood. Hinman is president of the Historic Midtown Community Development Association and Hileman is president of the Wichita Independent Neighborhoods organization.
