July 22, 2024 - Today, Mayor Sharon Tucker, the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Works and Community Development divisions and Design Collaborative unveiled concepts for sculptural markers to be constructed at several of Fort Wayne’s vehicular gateway locations, in order to create inviting landmark entrances into the community.
The gateway markers will be located at I69 and Jefferson Boulevard, I69 and Dupont Road, and U.S. 30 and Flaugh Road.
It’s likely that the work along I-69 and Jefferson and I-69 and Dupont will be completed prior to the work on the U.S. 30 stretch due to upcoming INDOT construction in that area.
The $750,000 budgeted cost for the I69 gateway markers, approved by City Council last year, will be funded with local income tax dollars. The construction contract for the project will need City Council approval. A date for the contract to be submitted for approval will be determined at a later time. This portion of the project is expected to be completed in 2025.
Funding for the U.S. 30 gateway marker would need to come from the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission through tax increment financing funds. Dependent upon the upcoming INDOT construction, that approval is expected to occur in 2025. The cost of the U.S 30 gateway marker has not been determined yet.
Design Collaborative referenced the All in Allen Comprehensive Plan, the ACT Allen County Together, the Art for All Fort Wayne Public Art Master Plan and Front Door Fort Wayne to create concepts that would be inviting gateways to Fort Wayne, representative of a community with a rich history that provides world-class business and art alongside the best recreation, rivers, lakes, parks and trails in the region. All three designs incorporate the name of our city—Fort Wayne for the U.S. 30/Flaugh and I69/Jefferson gateway, and the abbreviation FW for the I69/Dupont gateway.
“Fort Wayne is a recognized leader in economic development opportunities, growing and thriving neighborhoods, and having an excellent quality of life. By adding decorative gateway markers along key areas in our community, it sends a strong message that we want to continue to be the best place for residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Mayor Tucker. “I’m looking forward to the positive impact that will result from the innovative and unique depictions of our great city.”