Somewhere Works

Turning History into Harmony

Wichita, KS

In the heart of downtown Wichita, music has found a new home. A century-old warehouse, once quiet and forgotten, has been reborn as Somewhere Works – a vibrant hub where creativity thrives, artists gather, and the city’s deep love for the arts has a stage of its own.

Crossland had the privilege of leading this adaptive reuse project, turning 7,000 SF of historic brick and timber into a state-of-the-art music venue. Breathing life back into a building this old was no small task. The team confronted uneven elevations that required storm drainage modifications, and every wall and system had to be rebuilt from the ground up. But the vision was bigger than the obstacles: to create a space where sound, art, and community come together.

The renovation began by peeling the building down to its shell, then building it back with purpose. New HVAC and electrical systems, modern restrooms, and a welcoming lounge set the stage. Most importantly, acoustically isolated rehearsal and production spaces were carefully crafted – outfitted with STC 65-rated doors and double isolation systems – ensuring artists can create without distraction, and audiences can experience sound at its purest.

Every detail was designed to inspire. Inside, polished concrete floors and theatrical ceilings create an edgy, creative energy. A flexible artist lounge opens with folding glass doors, inviting collaboration and connection. Outside, two massive murals by the owner bring new color and life to the streetscape, making the building itself a piece of art in Wichita’s downtown canvas.

The timeline was ambitious: just three months from start to finish. Even with change orders, the project was delivered on time and within budget. Crossland’s team went beyond construction – helping demolish neighboring structures and supporting setup for a large-scale music festival, where the Jam House became a centerpiece of the celebration.

Today, Somewhere Works is more than a building. It’s a gift to Wichita – a place where artists can create, audiences can gather, and the city’s reputation as a proud supporter of the arts can continue to grow. For Crossland, it was an honor to transform history into harmony, ensuring this once-forgotten warehouse now beats with the rhythm of community.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Community
Cost: $1,695,566
Size: 7,000 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management, CM at Risk
Self-Perform: Demo, Finish Carpentry, Concrete
Owner: Emporia Investments, LLC
Architect: Tessere, Inc