Fort Wayne is a fun, family-friendly and safe community. We strive each day to make a positive difference. Providing an enhanced quality of life for all has been at the forefront of my administration.
A new and unique way for us to move our great city forward to even bigger heights is through the redevelopment of the North River site across from Science Central and just before you cross over the beautiful Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge.
I recently had the privilege to unveil the plans for the North River Fieldhouse, which would establish Fort Wayne as a regional destination for youth and adaptive sports tourism, which is already a $40 billion per year industry.
Spanning 160,000 square feet, the facility would be designed to accommodate various sports and activities, such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, pickleball, flag football and more.
Upon completion, the fieldhouse would generate $36 million in new economic activity in Fort Wayne, creating 900 new jobs and catalyzing new hotel, retail, restaurant and residential development along our world-class riverfront.
When the facility is not hosting a tournament, local athletes, schools, club teams and residents would have access for programming, league competitions, training and more. The venue would also be able to host numerous community events, enhancing our cultural landscape.
I’m very encouraged by the positive responses and feedback I’ve received since the North River plan was announced. We’ve become a community that looks forward to what’s next to make our lives better and position us for growth and success, along with providing viable and inclusive amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
I want to address a couple of items that have been brought up regarding financing the project and environmental remediation of the site.
The estimated investment for the fieldhouse is anticipated to range between $50 million and $60 million. We anticipate funding the North River Fieldhouse without an increase in local taxes for homeowners.
Construction of the facility would rely on existing revenue streams such as the local income tax, food and beverage tax revenue through the Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board of Managers, grant opportunities and new taxes generated at the North River site over time.
It is also worth noting that the North River Fieldhouse would consist of indoor sports only and would not compete with sites such as Parkview Field and the future soccer stadium planned for the Bass Road area, which are mainly baseball and soccer specific.
Remediation and soil-stabilization costs are anticipated to be paid for in phases. The first phase of work would take place on the southern portion of the 29-acre site between Fourth and Sixth streets. Cost estimates for this area are currently in the $3 million to $4 million range, depending on additional testing and final building sizes and locations.
The work would be paid for using an EPA grant the city was awarded in 2024, along with a combination of state and local funds. This public investment in remediation is needed to reactivate a site that has been vacant for many years and turn it into a neighborhood anchor.
In partnership with the North River Redevelopment Advisory Committee, we’ve issued a Request for Qualifications for a master developer interested in constructing housing, a hotel, parking garage, restaurant and retail spaces around the fieldhouse in future phases.
Pending necessary approvals, we’d like to start construction on the fieldhouse in 2026.
We recognize that New Haven is also planning to invest in a youth sports facility. We look forward to both facilities offering needed benefits to the community and region and don’t believe there will be competition but an opportunity for growth and success at both venues.
We had previously shared the proposed plans for North River with New Haven officials in order for them not to be caught off guard. The market study conducted as part of our due diligence for the North River planning factored in the New Haven facility as well as ours.
My pledge to you is that transparency will be a guiding principle as we move forward with the redevelopment of North River. The public will be updated every step of the way through our Engage Fort Wayne feature — engage.cityoffortwayne.org/north-river-rfq.
The North River Fieldhouse has the potential to be a monumental boost for Fort Wayne. This project will be a source of community pride and hub of activity for generations to come.
We won’t reach our full potential unless we’re confident enough to take bold steps such as redeveloping North River to make Fort Wayne the very best city possible for every resident, neighborhood, business and visitor.
This article appeared in the Feb. 22, 2025 edition of The Journal Gazette