Since the city bought the Sikes Senter property in November 2025, “the property has consistently generated positive financial performance, demonstrating both its current viability and future potential,” according to Moriah Williams, CEO of Forward Wichita Falls.
FWF, a nonprofit billed as the “economic development engine of Wichita Falls,” was engaged by the city to manage the property with an initial cost of $300,000 following the acquisition.
Ron Kitchens, the initial CEO of FWF and former CEO of the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corp., had called Sikes Senter a “dead mall” prior to leaving Wichita Falls for another job.
Williams’ remarks are in a project summary for the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corp., which will meet at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Room 6 at the Multi-Purpose Events Center, 1000 Fifth Street. The meeting is open to the public.
The panel is slated discuss and possibly take action “related to the proposed expenditure for the redevelopment of 3111 Midwestern Parkway for costs incurred,” according to the summary.
FWF is requesting up to $400,000 from the EDC “for the investment required to finish out the planning process to successfully market the site to a development partner to be chosen when the plan is complete,” Williams’ project summary said.
The $400,000 is designated for The Effectus Group, a Fort Worth real estate consultant, to act as owner’s representative to oversee the project, manage the budget and schedule, oversee procurement and contracts, ensure quality and compliance and protect the owner’s interests.
The EDC receives money to give out from a portion of the sales tax collected in Wichita Falls.
The Wichita Falls City Council must approve EDC expenditures.
Williams’ summary said, “Critical investments have been made to position the project for long-term success.”
Measures to position the project for success include a site investigation report to help “avoid costly surprises” and a master plan as a long-term framework to guide how “a property or area will be developed, organized, and built out over time,” the project summary said.
The report does not include a timeline for completion of the project.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Sikes Senter mall was ‘dead’ now needs $400,000 for future
Reporting by Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
