Art, Breweries and More – A New Yorker’s Take on Wichita

“Where there’s art, there's energy!” That’s a fact, according to Heather Schroeder, a downtown enthusiast and recent ICT transplant.

“Wichita loves the arts! The first thing I noticed turning onto Douglas Avenue was the bronze statues followed by murals, the Naftzger Park stage and Gallery Alley,” shared Schroeder.

Schroeder, along with her husband and their furry friend Greta, made the move from Syracuse, New York in August 2024. They received a very warm welcome – straight into the summer heat of Kansas!

But the sweltering triple-digit temperatures didn’t scare away these East Coasters. In fact, for Greta, an 8-year-old cattle dog mix originally from Wichita Falls, Texas, the heat was a familiar comfort.

“When we decided to move to Kansas, we knew she could handle the heat because she’s a southern girl at heart!” laughed Schroeder.

One of the most delightful surprises for Schroeder has been the friendliness of Wichita’s residents.

“Almost everyone says, 'Good morning,' and it really feels like a neighborhood where people are happy to see one another,” she explained.

As the new executive director for Downtown Wichita, Schroeder is excited to collaborate with the friendly faces that make up Wichita. She is leading efforts to enhance the city’s quality of place. Her primary focus is on ensuring downtown remains clean, safe and welcoming.

“Because this is such a well-used and highly visible part of the city, we need to put our best foot forward at all times. Locals and visitors alike deserve for the heart of the city to be beautiful,” she explained.

Schroeder is also enthusiastic about activating storefronts, parks and public spaces. In her short time in Wichita, she has already discovered the city’s impressive array of cultural activities, restaurants and breweries.

“My husband and I are big craft beer nerds. During the pandemic, we spent a lot of time traveling to different craft breweries, and we’re impressed by the number and quality of craft breweries we’ve found in Wichita so far!” she shared.

Looking ahead, Schroeder Is eager to explore more of Wichita’s vibrant community and serve in her new role.

“I feel so fortunate to be in Wichita. I look forward to connecting with Wichitans and working together in downtown to build this world-class city from the inside out,” she said.