Fort Wayne approves Schaab Riverfront Plaza reuse
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The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission has approved the sale of the Schaab Metal Products building to Schaab Riverfront Plaza LLC, a development team led by Don Steininger.
Steininger’s group plans to invest $5 million for the adaptive reuse of the building, which will be transformed into Schaab Riverfront Plaza, a 30,000-square-foot multi-tenant commercial development.
According to the commission, Steininger plans to renovate the building to include space for a restaurant, brewpub, café, and e-sports area. The project will also add rooftop and outside dining and gathering spaces.
The renovation is expected to preserve the building’s existing brick façade and 19th century characteristics.
“The reuse of the building will provide memorable experiences for residents and visitors,” said Deputy Director of Redevelopment Jonathan Leist. “This project aligns perfectly with the vision and goals of the Riverfront Plan, which calls for hubs of activity where public and private spaces blend seamlessly together.”
The city says the next phase of Riverfront public space expansion will extend along the north side of the river to the northeast and southwest of the Schaab site. The next phase includes expansion of the Rivergreenway, pedestrian paths, and the treetop canopy trail, as well as gathering spaces featuring a hammock grove and bolder climbing mound. Construction is scheduled to start next year.
The renovation is set to begin in the spring, and tenants are expected to occupy the space in 2024.
