Simon Property Group is converting a portion of the Towne West Square retail center in Wichita, Kan., into a space dedicated to a variety of medical users. After this conversion, Towne West Medical Plaza will serve as a one-stop shop for different medical needs.
“The concept of converting mall space into a non-traditional use is a growing trend and we are seeing successful results for both the tenant and the landlord,” said Jeff Englert of Grubb & Ellis|Martens Commercial Group, in a written statement. “We helped lease space to Wright Career College in Towne East Square and – in less than a year – the college exceeded enrollment expectations and is preparing to expand.”
Englert and mall manager Mike Payton said there are many benefits to having medical users expand into the mall:
— It is convenient for patients. — It allows medical users to cluster, as many physicians like to office near each other. — The mall already has a built-in customer base (6 million visitors each year). — On-site management and 24-7 security is already in place. — Plenty of parking along with an exterior entrance configured principally for the medical plaza. — Limited overhead compared to other medical facilities.
This is the first time in the Wichita area that Simon Property Group has partnered with a third-party brokerage firm. Englert and Grant Glasgow of Grubb & Ellis | Martens Commercial Group are representing Simon Property Group for the Towne West Medical Plaza.
