Mayor Graham Richard today was joined by representatives from Hardball Capital/Barry Real Estate and White Lodging Services/Acquest Realty to announce that all definitive agreements for the Harrison Square development have been signed. The private sector partners also expressed their support for the Harrison Square project and its importance to the community and region.

“Our community is fortunate to have nationally respected developers that are investing $56 million in private money to benefit our city and region,” said Mayor Richard. “We look forward to a bright future for downtown that will feature additional quality jobs and new business opportunities.”

“Hardball Capital and Barry Real Estate are pleased to be part of a unique downtown experience for Fort Wayne,” said Jason Freier, Chief Executive Officer for Hardball Capital. “We are committed to having a positive community presence with the Fort Wayne Wizards and new, innovative retail and housing options for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

“We are excited about the opportunities for growth and development in downtown Fort Wayne,” said Deno Yiankes, President and CEO for Investments and Development with White Lodging Services. “White Lodging looks forward to a productive partnership with Fort Wayne as we build a full-service Courtyard by Marriott that will be a tremendous asset for the area.”

“Acquest is proud to have played such an integral role in bringing Harrison Squareto fruition,” said David Ong, President of Acquest Realty. “This represents the city'€™s continued commitment to a vibrant, flourishing downtown.”

Additional Harrison Square updates:
*Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission: The Commission will consider final approvals for the Harrison Square definitive agreements during a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 23 on the 7th floor of the City-County Building. The Commission is the sole entity responsible for approving the agreements.

*Fort Wayne City Plan Commission: Zoning map amendments are up for final approval at the Commission'€™s Business Meeting. The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, July 23 in Room 200 of the City-County Building. Certain properties within the Harrison Square development are being requested to be rezoned to commercial status.

*City Council: An ordinance outlining the bond financing for the Harrison Square development will be discussed and final approval could come at the July 24 City Council meeting. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Room 200 of the City-County Building. City Council is being asked to approve a lease for certain land and public improvements between the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Authority and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission. The lease provisions are the same as those that have already gained approvals from the Redevelopment Authority and Redevelopment Commission.