Cornejo Holdings always saw the Derby refinery site in North Wichita as a premier industrial district. Most people, however, saw it as run-down land. The vision transformed 130 acres of contaminated land into a Class-A industrial district, demonstrating that vision, perseverance, and strategic development will lead to greatness.
The ICT21 Industrial District was honored as Project of the Year by the Wichita Business Journal Real Estate Awards, recognizing its significant positive impact on the Wichita community. This award shows the project’s role in transforming the neighborhood and improving economic growth.
The Cornejo Holdings team received the ICT21 award, validating years of environmental cleanup, infrastructure development, and market-building efforts that turned a former refinery into a Class-A industrial District.
It does raise a question. What other overlooked corners of our city are waiting for the kind of vision and persistence that can drive such transformation?