Fort Wayne Planning New Downtown Hotel
Construction is currently underway on a Hampton Inn & Suites hotel in Fort Wayne.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has announced plans for a $20 million downtown hotel. The city says the proposed 125-room Hampton Inn & Suites could open as soon as summer 2019.
The hotel would be located across from the Grand Wayne Center along West Jefferson Boulevard in the city’s downtown. Henry’s office says an analysis conducted in 2014 showed a "critical need" for more downtown hotel space.
"An additional hotel for downtown is another indication that Fort Wayne is a point of destination for businesses and visitors," Mayor Henry said in a news release. "Having more hotel capacity will enhance opportunities for the Grand Wayne Center and assist us in our efforts to continue to experience growth and momentum in our community."
The hotel is being developed by Merrillville-based White Lodging Services Corp., which also developed the Courtyard by Marriott in Fort Wayne, which opened in 2010.
The Fort Wayne Redevelopment commission will consider a proposal for the hotel, which will include investing $500,000 in Tax Increment Financing for the project. The commission will also be responsible for the construction of a covered walkway between the hotel and parking garage, which is estimated to cost less than $250,000.
The city’s Capital Improvement Board will also consider a proposal to commit nearly $1.3 million to the project. The CIB will meet next on September 28.