Collaboration aims to restore University of Saint Francis performance center
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Officials in Fort Wayne this week announced a plans for a $30 million renovation of the Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center in the city’s downtown.
The University of Saint Francis, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Surack Enterprises are working together with the goal of transforming the venue at 431 W. Berry Street into a world-class performance hall.
“The collaboration of shared vision and resources will benefit all partners and the community by supporting the continued growth of creative arts while enhancing the quality of life in a region rapidly becoming a center for music,” the university said in a news release.
USF previously owned the performance center, which has been home to the university’s Music Technology and Dance programs, both of which will remain at the location.
However, as part of the effort, Chuck and Lisa Surack will become the new owners of the venue, as well as the main parking lot and the former Mizpah Shrine building nearby. The Suracks will lead the renovation effort with the goal of adding more public events at the upgraded facility.
”We’ve been involved in downtown for a long time,” Chuck Surack, the founder of Fort Wayne-based Sweetwater Sound, told our partners at WPTA-TV. “And when this building became available, I knew it was such a landmark, such an amazing place, and I didn’t want to see it be turned into something else or be destroyed. I wanted to save it.”
Surack said the renovations are slated to begin in early 2025, and the venue will be closed for approximately 18 months to complete the effort. All previously scheduled events will continue as planned through December 2024.
USF President Lance Richey said the collaboration is an important step in helping Fort Wayne become a top 10 music city.
“This collaboration is a winning scenario for everyone,” Richey said. “We expect our Music Technology and Dance programs to grow significantly in the coming years as part of a vital arts community downtown. We are extremely excited about the future developments from the Suracks and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic as they invest in these historic buildings. Saint Francis plans to continue contributing to the enhancement of the downtown corridor and do our part to ensure Fort Wayne’s bright future.”
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, with the help of $5.5 million from an anonymous donor, will relocate its rehearsal, educational and administrative offices to the former Saint Francis Business Center/Historic Chamber of Commerce/Woman’s Club building at 826 Ewing Street.
CEO Brittany Hall said moving the Philharmonic’s headquarters to downtown Fort Wayne offers several key advantages, including enhanced exposure and convenient access for the community.
“We’ll have a flexible performance space, and our future administrative home will be under one roof in a wonderful historic building on Ewing Street,” Hall said. “By working collaboratively with other arts organizations downtown, the orchestra can expand its reach, foster greater community engagement, and further establish itself as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.”
The orchestra has raised $11.6 million for the relocation effort to date, and will be looking to raise an additional $8 million to “further support its initiatives and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.”
The Philharmonic does not have a specific move-in date set, noting additional planning and renovations must be completed first. The orchestra said it plans to use a variety of venues for its performances, including the Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker will appear on this weekend’s edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick to talk about projects adding to the city’s downtown resurgence.