Wichita State University College Area Investment – Contiguous Lots Along Hillside & Lorraine

Description

Duplex Student Housing Adjacent to Wichita State University

This rare 1.52-acre assemblage of 8 contiguous lots presents a unique opportunity to deliver much-needed student housing directly adjacent to Wichita State University (WSU). Located at the signalized hard corner of 17th & Hillside, the site offers unmatched visibility, walkability, and connectivity to campus — making it an ideal location for purpose-built duplex student housing.

Strong Demand Drivers:
Enrollment Growth: WSU reached a record 23,806 students in Fall 2024, with continued growth anticipated as the university expands its applied learning programs and University Village master plan.

Housing Gap: Despite enrollment increases, on-campus and near-campus housing supply remains limited, creating strong demand for quality, walkable off-campus housing solutions. Duplex-style living appeals to both undergraduate and graduate students seeking more privacy and independence than traditional dorms.

Location Advantage: Direct adjacency to WSU puts residents within walking distance of classrooms, labs, athletic facilities, and the growing University Village innovation corridor.

Expanded Development Potential:
Assemblage Size: 1.52 acres across 8 platted lots provides flexibility for phased construction, optimized site planning, and potential to scale unit count.

WSU Partnership Opportunity: Wichita State University owns 4 additional lots on the hard corner of 17th & Hillside, which could be incorporated through a 100-year ground lease, creating a rare chance to expand the development footprint and secure a generational campus-adjacent position.

Zoning: B – Multi-Family / Two-Family zoning permits duplex development, aligning with demand for low-density, student-focused housing formats.

Hard Corner Visibility: The 17th & Hillside frontage ensures strong identity, leasing momentum, and long-term value for investors.

Investment Advantages:
Opportunity Zone: Located within a federally designated Opportunity Zone, the property offers significant potential tax benefits for investors.

University Village Master Plan: Positioned within the 10-year WSU development corridor, ensuring long-term growth and stability in the surrounding area.

Partnership Potential: Ownership is open to development collaborations, providing multiple paths to capitalize on this high-demand housing opportunity.

Conclusion: With its strategic location, flexible zoning, and the potential to combine with WSU’s adjacent land under a 100-year ground lease, this assemblage represents one of the most compelling student housing development opportunities in Wichita. Developers and investors can leverage rising enrollment, strong rental demand, and Opportunity Zone incentives to deliver a high-performing duplex housing community that serves the next generation of Shockers.

Development opportunity on the SW corner of 17th & Hillside, directly across from Wichita State University. Multiple contiguous lots with excellent visibility and high traffic — perfect for student housing, mixed-use retail, restaurant, or office. Capture foot traffic from 16,000+ students daily and benefit from the area’s growth and revitalization. A rare chance to build next to one of Wichita’s major economic and cultural hubs!

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