Can a Wichita property owner demolish a building even if it is on the national historic registry?

The city’s official website confirms that a property owner can demolish a building, even if it is listed on the local, state, and national historic registries. They do, however, have to go through a significant review process to obtain a permit first. 

Several instances have recently occurred. In 2015, city council approved the demolition of three downtown low-rise apartment buildings built in the 1920s. The McClinton Market, one of the few surviving early African American owned business buildings in the city, was torn down that same year. In 2018, city council voted to demolish the old “Mead’s Corner” building at 430 E. Douglas. It was not individually listed but rather part of the nationally-listed East Douglas Historic District.

While registered properties are not protected from demolition, they are eligible for federal tax credits and grants as well as international building code fire and life safety code alternatives.