About Us
Our Story
Bel Aire Heights subdivision was purchased as 94 acres known as the Tangeman farm in the 1960's by Lester B. Kappelman of Chester-Kappelmanp-Gaudrea Realtors Inc. in what was then known as the Bel Aire Improvement District. After a hard fought battle with the City of Wichita to prevent annexation, it became the City of Bel Aire. Bel Aire Heights was platted in 1981 and sales of new home lots and 7 model homes on Farmstead Ct. #1 began in January 1993. Five new homes and 20 lots were sold that year. The builders in the first model row included Doug Lee of Crestline Builders, Land Design Build Inc., Steve Dirks of Dirks Co. Inc., Steve Lee of Lee Builders Inc., Steve Manweiler of Macon Development Co., and Wayne Williams Of Williams Const. Company-Oakridge Builders. Over 15,000 people attended the grand opening, where a model home was given away. To date, we cannot find another home giveaway in the Wichita area that matches Bel Aire Heights' grand opening promotion. Les envisioned an area of top quality homes and was an integral part of Bel Aire Heights' growth until his death in 1998. The remainder of the subdivision was purchased by Joe Lee of Leewood Homes in 1999 and continued its growth with the platting of the final phase in 2002.
One of the highlights of our neighborhood is the privately owned homeowner's association lake & common areas. The lake is available for use by all our homeowners and their guests for long walks, catch and release fishing, picnics in out picnic shelter, or just enjoying watching geese and ducks fly onto the pond. The pond can be accessed from 47th street, between 4850 & 4846 Homestead Ct. or from Highland St. by the bridge.
Bel Aire has grown significantly since the establishment of Bel Aire Heights subdivision. We are conveniently located near Koch Industries and other major employers and have little or no air traffic noise. Easy access to all major highways and within minutes from several golf courses, Bel Aire Heights has it all. We installed a concrete wall at our front entrance in 1996 and it welcomes visitors and homeowners into what we consider one of the prime areas in Bel Aire. Our subdivision is a covenant community with an active homeowners association. It is the goal of the Homeowners Association Board to maintain high property values and encourage community within the subdivision. Homeowners Association dues are paid annually.
With over 200 homes, Les' goals have been realized and we're very proud of our community and we hope you enjoy our website.