Promenade Park
Legacy funds supported the construction of Promenade Park, a centerpiece of Riverfront Fort Wayne. The Park opened in the summer of 2019 and is drawing thousands downtown to enjoy its beautiful art, facilities, and access to the St. Marys River.
Downtown Riverfront Study
In 2015, the City of Fort Wayne worked with SWA Consulting to develop a comprehensive Riverfront Fort Wayne conceptual plan. It provides a road map for private investment and led to the development of the world-class Promenade Park. The Riverfront study and Promenade Park meet all the Legacy evaluation criteria, especially producing a transformative outcome and leveraging private investment. As the downtown riverfront is improved and made accessible, commercial and residential development is already emerging. Visitors will enjoy the riverfront as well as new restaurants and retail outlets. The increased development and visitors will transform the heart of our community for generations to come. Find out more about Riverfront Fort Wayne here.
Higher Education Opportunity Fund
Indiana Tech Academic Center
This state-of-the-art facility houses classrooms, a leadership center and the Center for Creative Collaboration. Other features include labs, a library, art gallery, auditorium, theatre and programs to help youth develop math skills and entrepreneurs develop successful businesses. This project met Legacy criteria because it leveraged significant private investment from the university and its donors and it is helping to stabilize the eastern edge of downtown Fort Wayne. Read the original news release here.
The University of Saint Francis
The University of Saint Francis has renovated two historic, underutilized downtown buildings, which now accommodate a business school and programs for music technology and media entrepreneurial training. These projects met Legacy criteria because they leveraged significant private resources from the university and its donors, increased visits to downtown and stabilized two historic and previously underutilized downtown buildings. Read the original news release here.
Ewing Street/Fairfield Avenue
Ewing and Fairfield were converted to two-way streets and a new roundabout now connects the two streets with Wells and Superior streets. This project met Legacy criteria because it is transformed a challenging downtown intersection and improved an area that is now attractive for private investment. Learn more here.
Wells Street Bridge
The historic Wells Street Bridge is now lighted thanks to Legacy dollars. It met Legacy criteria because it revitalized a historic downtown landmark and brings residents and visitors into the heart of the city. It is home to many gatherings; find out more about renting the bridge here.
Downtown Overpass Beautification
Downtown Fort Wayne is bounded on the north and south by rail elevations (overpasses) which have long served as an unsightly gateway into downtown. In order to enhance the image of our central business district these points of entry into the downtown need to be improved. Improving downtown's railroad overpasses is a major recommendation from the Front Door Fort Wayne (Gateway Strategy) Plan. In 2011, the Clinton Street and Lafayette Street overpasses were improved. Both projects included a lit welcome sign on a blue field. Community Development is continuing to improve additional downtown railroad elevations. These projects meet Legacy criteria because they promote downtown and work as a catalyst for additional downtown development. Learn more here.
Embassy/Indiana Hotel
The Embassy Board of Directors is embarked on a $10 million renovation to the Indiana Hotel. An investment of Legacy dollars leveraged significant private investment from the Goldstine Foundation and helped stabilize a previously underutilized historic building. The hotel is now a catalyst for more growth as it hosts large events and supports the conferences held at the Grand Wayne Center.