Old building

I wonder what's going on with this old building - looks like it's undergoing some restoration work.

Each time....

.... I see this beautiful old building - it beckons to me like a child saying "take my picture".

And, so I did.

From a different angle...

... another view of the same building in yesterday's photo.

Rectangular windows....

... and zig zag fire escape.

Riverside Pagoda

For as long as I can recall, this cute little building has graced the grounds of Riverside Park. It's always reminded me of a Chinese Style Building - a Pagoda in the park. I don't know what it's original purpose was, or what it's used for currently. All I know - is it is probably remembered by many who have been to this city park. I bet Steve Buser of New Orleans remembers it. It's not far from the Rocket Slide, and is near the area where Wichita's original zoo was located. It was a little zoo, with very few animals. It had aligators, monkeys, bears, and an assortment of birds. Most of the animals who had called this park their home, were relocated to Wichita's Sedgwick Co Zoo, when it was built. But, some animals still reside in a Kansas Wildlife exhibit in Riverside Park. I'm so impressed with the way this park has been maintained, and added to throughout the years. It's certainly one of Wichita's finest.

Lawrence Block

This is a building with a rounded corner, cuved glass, and the name Lawrence Block on it.

I wonder who that was?

Clouds

This was taken a while back, when the city was covered with big dark clouds.

Sunshine and clouds

As the setting sun shone through storm clouds (say that really fast!!),

I saw the city in a different light.

I really liked the way this buiding looked like it's made of mirrors.

Breeze

There's just something about curtains being blown about by gentle breezes, that appeals to me. Even when the curtains are old, faded, tattered and torn, such as these.

This photo was taken in the Gorilla Forest section of the Sedgwick County Zoo.

The Hyatt

This is another view of the same building (hotel) in the last few photos. It looked tall and skinny previously, but now it looks tall and wide. Once or twice a year - Wichita has firework shows in this area of the city, and as I watch from cold outdoor locations, I think about the nice, warm, and high views the hotel guests must have.

With a tree again

I must admit, I'm stuck at this location taking in the beauty of the sunlit views, and the river reflections.

Snow covered rooftops

This was taken from a fourth floor window, looking out over a lower floor rooftop, and on to a nearby neighborhood. Wichita is coated with the cold white fluff again, it was a beautiful winter wonderland. Not a lot of fun to drive in, but lovely to see. I would of loved to have taken my camera out on the town, but had somewhere important to be.

Boathouse

The Wichita Boathouse is one of the Wichita's attractions, featuring the permanent display of the Jayhawk, an International America's Cup Class yacht, and other exhibits. To see the Yacht, or read more, click here: boathouse (this photo was taken in August, thus the still green trees)

Rooftops

A view of some unique rooftops. One reminds me of a crown, it's another church. Another has a large set of reddish orange neon letters that spell out COMMODORE - it's an apartment building. I like the puff of smoke, but I don't think it's really smoke, I think it's more of the affect seen when inside air meets with frigid outside air. It's more like a puff of fog, than smoke.

Cathedral

Located at the intersection of Broadway and Central is a beautiful old cathedral. I've always admired the architecture of this church, and especially the pretty towers that top it. The largest of the towers is mostly hidden by the angle of this photo.

Tripodal

Tripodal Artist: James Rosati (1912-1988)

Created: 1970-72 Media: Cor-ten steel

This sculpture is located at Century II Convention Center and can be seen from Douglas Street.
I enjoy looking at the the round convention center with the blue roof, more than the abstract sculpture. This photo is best viewed by clicking to enlarge.

Time flies

A fellow blogger, mentioned in an email that the clock tower that use to grace the top of this old building, may of been converted into the monument on the south lawn of this building. Here's a photo with the monument. I believe the four statues on each side, represent our military forces - Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. And, the one on top, I'm only guessing - has to do with justice, or liberty. This was a "drive by shooting" (with my camera!) - I'm glad the statues didn't shoot back. I was disappointed in seeing I didn't quite get the top details of the building and statue, but considering it was a drive by, I'm pleased with it. I was multi-tasking, and focusing more on the traffic and stoplight, than the camera.

If you'd like to see an old photo that shows this building with the clock tower - click here http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wpl_wpl1975.jpg and enlarge the photo.

I'm back after taking a closer look at the old photo from the above link. I see the clock tower on top of the building, and the monument on the lawn. So, now, I'm wondering - what became of the clock topper of this great old building. Why was it of been removed, and where did it go? Maybe time really does fly - and it flew away!

Update, and my thanks to the commenter that posted the following information:
The clock tower was struck by lighting in the 1950's and was taken down. The monument was actually built in 1912-1913. It is to honor the Union's civil war dead. It is called the Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument. The 4 statues represent the 4 branches of the Union army; Artillery, Cavalry, Infantry, and Navy.

Old Sedgwick County Courthouse

A neat old building, that's stood the test of time (so far).

In looking up some history on this building, I find it originally had a tall clock tower on it.

Not sure when it was removed, or why.

McWind

The flags in front of this McDonald's shows how windy it was the other day.

Then we had a few days of calm clear sky and sunshine.

Yesterday, we had ice and snow.

Kansas has quite an assortment of weather conditions.

They say - "If you don't like the weather in Kansas, just wait a little bit, and it will change".

Minisa Park

This recreation shelter is located in Minisa Park, near the river and Minisa bridge. This building is used for reunions, baby showers, birthday parties, and various other get togethers. Picture the inside having a ceiling that follows the contour of the roof, and you can imagine what a neat ceiling it is.

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"Moonshadow" sent this link for the park building...
http://www.wichitagov.org/CityOffices/Park/FeesReservationsAndRentals/EnclosedShelters/Minisa.htm

It has shots of the inside of the building, in case any of you would like to see. (Thanks Moonshadow!)