The future of Wichita’s historic Crown Uptown Theatre remains uncertain as its owner continues to push for demolition of the nearly century-old building.
Owner Mike Brown, a Tulsa businessman who purchased the theater in 2023, has filed for a demolition permit for the 98-year-old venue at 3207 E. Douglas. The move comes after years of disagreements with the city over the theater’s occupancy limits and Brown’s efforts to expand its capacity.
The Crown Uptown was built in 1928 as the Uptown Theatre and has played a significant role in Wichita’s entertainment history. The building later became the Crown Uptown and hosted dinner theater, live performances and other events.
Brown has argued that the theater cannot operate as a financially viable venue under the city’s restrictions. He previously sought to increase the occupancy from about 850 people to more than 2,000, but those efforts were met with concerns from nearby residents and businesses about parking, traffic and neighborhood impacts.
The city has repeatedly stepped in to delay demolition while officials and preservation advocates consider options for saving the building. In August, the Wichita City Council voted 7-0 to extend an interim control period for another 180 days, preventing demolition while the city explores whether the Crown should receive historic protection.
Brown appealed that decision, asking the council to allow the demolition to proceed. The council ultimately upheld the interim control on Sept. 8, keeping the demolition blocked for now.
Supporters of saving the Crown say the building is an important part of Wichita’s history. A petition to preserve the theater had collected more than 2,700 signatures as of Sept. 4. Stephen Holt, president of the College Hill Neighborhood Association, has also offered to buy the property in hopes of preserving it.
The latest city action means the Crown Uptown will remain standing while the 180-day period continues, but its long-term future is still unresolved.
