September 13, 2024
Eaton Place in Downtown Wichita used to be “Eaton Hotel.”
Ben Eaton purchased the hotel in the late 19th Century (that’s the 1800s, for you millennials) and was one of the “stops” for traveling business dudes until the Great Depression (that’s when a lot of people didn’t have money) when it was a popular area for out-of-work men to gather when deboarding the train and looking for work. It became the “Wichita Skid Row.” At least that’s the history I have read. I was only a toddler at the time.
Today, it partly houses The Workroom, the Ballroom Collective at The Workroom, PLANTERIØR, Bubbles Champaign Bar and The Garages.
I think it’s kind of fitting that Janelle King put her business (The Workroom) over at Eaton Place. Very fitting. It’s beautiful. It’s got the history. And dang. What makes more sense?
I read a story about what Janelle has done over the years. It is was surface level talking about the Wichita flag. Cool, but okay. I think what MANY people may not know or appreciate are the folks like her, including her, that have done a TON to increase the pride that a lot of Wichita has. The murals on the sides of some buildings you see? Check. The paint on the streets in the Douglas Design District? Check.
I love that Janelle has invested in downtown Wichita at the Eaton Place.
So, here’s the point. Go and check out The Workroom at The Eaton Place at 523 E. Douglas Ave. which is the southwest corner of St. Francis Ave. & Douglas Ave. And grab a cocktail from Paige and Sydnee (sic…). I did. It’s a damn cool bar that is completely open to the shopping, but in a cool way. And see if there is something that strikes your fancy. If not, you still got a cocktail in one of the most historic buildings in Wichita,Kansas.
— TKG
