More Green, Old Buildings In Wichita's Old Town

December 22, 2009

By Rebecca Gannon

(WICHITA, Kan.)

These days, the only green we're thinking of is the Christmas Tree -- or the money we're spending to put gifts underneath it.

But it can also mean efficient, whether it's recycling newspaper to make insulation, or re-purposing an entire building.

To many, this is just another construction site. But look closely at the building on South Commerce.

"All of the wood flooring gets reused," explained David Farha. "We're just going to re-finish all the warehouse wood floors."

The Finn building used to be a corn broom warehouse. It's becoming energy efficient lofts.

"We're saving the building," said David, of Farha Construction, "and not hauling an old building to the landfill and putting a new building in it's place."

From the familiar Finn floors to the windows and walls insulated with "recycled newspapers, ground up newspapers", it's one of several old buildings in Wichita's Old Town that will get a new life.

"This is not really a first," said Farha. "I just think you're going to see a lot more of it happening."

And green is something tenants want. Ted Farha, also of Farha Construction, said four units are already leased when the Finn Building opens this spring. And he said part of the draw is the green features. "Is it important? Ask Prius drivers."

"I know a lot of the tenants that we've talked to," said David, "they're looking for that. And they're excited that those things are in place, and it does help control the utilities - so they get a savings with it."

Re-using structures and supplies may be eco-friendly, but it is more expensive. The lofts reflect that -- some renting for more than $1,000 a month.

A year ago, they would have sold as condos.

"That whole market changed," said David, "so we decided to go rental."

So, for now, it will be one of several rental options in Wichita's downtown. And one of several going green - in an effort to make some green.

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