I have watched over the years as the Crown Uptown Theatre has stood the test of time, serving the needs and desires of numerous owners, adopting multiple purposes to serve our Wichita community. Its historical significance cannot be merely measured by years—it stands as a symbol of our community's resilience and dedication to preserving the arts.

Today, a threat lurks on this iconic pillar of our city's history. An out-of-state owner, Mike Brown, dares to propose the theatrical expansion of this sacred space that could accommodate a whopping 2,000 audience members. A marvelous opportunity? I think not! Brown threatens that if the city council does not approve his plans, he would resort to tearing the building to the ground.

This isn't about providing more space for the arts or giving back to the Wichita community. Rather, it's a blatant disregard for our communal history and yet another display of prioritizing personal profit over preservation. It is a crude attempt from someone who does not understand or values our community's deep-rooted attachment to the theatre.

Wichita deserves a theatre that not only respects its historical significance but also appreciates the art it houses—and the Crown Uptown Theatre is just that. Our beautiful theatre shouldn't become another casualty of unchecked commercialization.

It's time to stand together, demonstrate against this unsympathetic plan, and prevent our history from being wiped out. Let's show that the people of Wichita care deeply for their heritage and won't let it be bulldozed for someone's personal gain. Please sign this petition to safeguard the Crown Uptown Theatre from demolition.