City Launches New Classes for Entrepreneurs with Help from I&M

The City of Fort Wayne’s Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (SEED) is investing in new business start-ups by offering ten sessions of an eight-week business planning class for anyone considering starting a business.

Mayor Tom Henry will visit one of the classes tomorrow, April 24, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. at the Penta Minority Entrepreneurship Center, 2513 South Calhoun. The Mayor will congratulate participants for exploring the idea of starting a business and will also accept a donation to the program from Indiana Michigan Power.

Read more: City Launches New Classes for Entrepreneurs with Help from I&M

Mayor Henry announces nine local businesses awarded commercial façade grants

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that nine local organizations will receive 2019 Commercial Façade Grants to improve their properties. By year’s end, more than 100 facade grant projects will have been completed since the program began.

The local businesses whose properties are receiving grants include Antonuccio’s Italian Market and Wine Cellar (4011 S. Wayne St.), Broadway Aquatics (2426 Broadway), Clinton Corner (3506-3510 N. Clinton St.), Fort Wayne Outfitters (1004 Cass St.), Turnstone (3320 N. Clinton St.), Wells Boutique (1420 Wells St.), Wells Center (3674-3678 Wells St.), Wells Street Commercial (1736 Wells St.) and Windrose Urban Farm (1325 Lafayette St.).

Read more: Mayor Henry announces nine local businesses awarded commercial façade grants

Public Art Popsicle Pop-Ups Scheduled

The Fort Wayne Public Art Commission is inviting area residents to share their opinions about public art at one of five pop-up meetings scheduled throughout May.

Read more: Public Art Popsicle Pop-Ups Scheduled

Housing & Neighborhood Services Draft 2019 Annual Action Plan Available for Review

The 2019 Draft Annual Action Plan outlining how the City of Fort Wayne will invest U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars this year is now available for public review. Residents can view the plan online at www.FWCommunityDevelopment.org/actionplan or can read a hard copy during normal business hours at the Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library, 2215 S. Hanna St., and at the front desk of the City’s Community Development offices, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 320.

The plan will be presented at a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the Community Center, 233 W. Main St.

Read more: Housing & Neighborhood Services Draft 2019 Annual Action Plan Available for Review

City, JPMorgan Chase Partner to Promote Entrepreneurship

Mayor Tom Henry today announced details of a pilot project designed to promote entrepreneurship and help revitalize Fort Wayne’s commercial corridors.

The pilot, Summit City Match, is funded by the City of Fort Wayne and a grant from the JPMorgan Chase & Co. It is supported by Greater Fort Wayne Inc., the Greater Fort Wayne Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fort Wayne Black Chamber, Latinos Count, Fort Wayne Community Schools Anthis Career Center, UAW 166, Allen County, and Brightpoint.

Read more: City, JPMorgan Chase Partner to Promote Entrepreneurship

Residents Encouraged to Take Public Art Survey, Visit Website

The Fort Wayne Public Art Commission is inviting area residents to share their opinions about public art. The Commission recently launched a website, www.FortWaynePublicArt.com which offers three ways residents can provide input about what kinds of public art they’d like to see and in what locations.

Read more: Residents Encouraged to Take Public Art Survey, Visit Website

Mayor, Redevelopment Commission Break Ground on Ardmore Avenue Gateway Project

Mayor Tom Henry, members of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, local contractors, and City Community Development and Public Works staff broke ground today on improvements to Ardmore Avenue from Airport Expressway to Second Street near the entrance to Fort Wayne International Airport.

The approximately one-mile length of roadway will be under construction until November and will be widened to include a center turn lane, new street lighting, street trees and an asphalt trail along the east side of Ardmore. There will be ADA-compliant curb ramps at the intersections of Second Street, Vanguard Drive and Airport Expressway. In order to address numerous drainage issues, storm sewers will be installed, including curb and gutter inlets and yard inlets.

Read more: Mayor, Redevelopment Commission Break Ground on Ardmore Avenue Gateway Project

City Releases Plan to Improve Downtown Public Spaces

The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division is sharing the recently finalized Downtown Fort Wayne Public Realm Action Plan created by internationally recognized architecture and urban design firm, Gehl. The Action Plan outlines possible pilot projects that would connect public spaces and encourage more people to visit downtown and stay for longer periods of time.

“This action plan provides ideas for building on our momentum and creating a vibrant, active and exciting downtown for all residents to enjoy,” said Mayor Tom Henry.

Read more: City Releases Plan to Improve Downtown Public Spaces

Redevelopment Commission Issues RFQ for Riverfront Property

The City of Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commision is issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for teams interested in developing the premier riverfront property located at the northeast corner of Harrison and Superior streets, east of Promenade Park.

Read more: Redevelopment Commission Issues RFQ for Riverfront Property

Nationally Recognized Artist to Headline Unique “PechaKucha” Event

The City of Fort Wayne Public Art Commission and Arts United are inviting all residents to a PechaKucha event designed to explore various forms of public art. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Arts United Center/Rolland Gallery, 303 E. Main St.

Read more: Nationally Recognized Artist to Headline Unique “PechaKucha” Event