December 13, 2016 - Fort Wayne City Council tonight approved a request of $10 million in Legacy funding to assist with the construction investment for the first phase of riverfront development. City Council also approved The Hagerman Group, a construction management and general construction company based in Fort Wayne, to be construction manager on the project.

“I’m encouraged by this evening’s vote as we came together united to approve Legacy funding for riverfront development,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Investing in our riverfront will assist us in the continued efforts to make Fort Wayne a point of destination. The positive momentum and excitement we’re experiencing in our community and region will be enhanced by our collective commitment to developing the riverfront.” 

The construction investment will not exceed $20 million with additional funding sources potentially coming from the Regional Cities Initiative, the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and other private entities including corporations, institutions and individuals. 

The first phase of riverfront development will be focused on the public spaces in a park setting and will be overseen by the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department. Development would occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area. Anticipated future private riverfront development would occur in areas surrounding the public spaces. 

For the construction phase to begin, the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners is in the process of acquiring three properties along Superior and Harrison streets. It’s anticipated construction would start in 2017 with completion in 2018. 

The team leading the design work is Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, American Structurepoint, and One Lucky Guitar.

Residents wanting to stay connected to the Riverfront Fort Wayne initiative may visit www.RiverfrontFW.org.