Proud to be Wichita’s Oldest Real Estate Development Firm

Founded in 1888 by Walter Morris, the oldest existing real estate development firm in Wichita is known historically for establishing many well-known neighborhoods, commercial buildings and shopping centers. Such developments include, but are not limited to, Sleepy Hollow, Lincoln Heights, Crown Heights, Roosevelt Field and Lincoln Heights Village.

Today, Walter Morris & Son Real Estate, LLC is also known as Walter Morris Companies. The full-service development, brokerage and investment firm is still owned and operated by Morris’ descendants, who also continue to hold many of the original commercial properties.

Our Rich History

Walter Morris came to Wichita in the winter of 1888 as a 28-year-old from Ohio. That same year, he opened a real estate office, Walter Morris and Company Real Estate Agents, in an upstairs room on East Douglas. His first deal was the purchase of 2.5 acres of country land near Hillside and Douglas.

Walter married Adda King, and they had four children: Clara, William, Harriett and Luella. Their son, William, worked alongside his father developing, maintaining and selling commercial and residential real estate in Wichita. With the addition of William, the firm became Walter Morris & Son Real Estate, LLC. In 1910, Walter purchased the Campbell Castle and lived there with his family until his death in 1951 at the age of 91. In his honor, the Walter Morris trophy cup is still presented each year to an outstanding broker in Wichita.

As the oldest real estate firm in Wichita, Walter Morris Companies is known for contributing significantly to the development of the city, establishing many neighborhoods, commercial buildings and shopping centers. In addition to William, various descendants have operated the firm over the decades, including Mary Boyd (daughter), Carolyn Beckett (daughter), Eloise McMurty (daughter), Michael Boyd (grandson), Thomas (grandson), David (great-grandson), Andrew (great-grandson) and Katherine (great-granddaughter).

In the News

Walter Morris Companies
“The Morris Touch” By Beccy Tanner, The Wichita Eagle View Article View Article
Walter Morris Companies
Lincoln Heights: City’s original shopping center celebrates 50th” By Judy Conkling, The Wichita Business Journal View Article View Article