Fort Wayne Renaissance Rolls On
Tom Henry came into office in 2008.
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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 says he expects to receive designs and pricing for a potential new downtown arena before the end of the year as a remaking of the city’s downtown continues. Henry credits another sports venue, Parkview Field, with providing the spark fueling a downtown renaissance. "There’s no question Parkview Field served as a catalyst for much, much more development downtown," said Henry, in an interview on Inside Indiana Business Television.
In addition to high profile projects like the $100 million Ash Skyline Plaza, downtown Fort Wayne has also seen an increase in residential and retail development, including plans for a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, which will anchor an apartment tower that is part of the Ash project.
Fort Wayne is also moving forward with plans for a major riverfront redevelopment. "Consultants recommended some time ago to expand our rivers to include recreational and social activities and that’s what we’re trying to do," said Henry.
Phase one of the four-phase riverfront plan is a $20 million project that could include a promenade, music shell and restaurants along the north and south banks of the St. Mary’s River.
Fort Wayne was also recently selected for a $13.5 million cargo transfer facility by Mexico-based Transpoint Intermodal LLC. "We’re the very first one in the country," said Henry, who expects the $13.5 million facility to "grow significantly and nationally" over time.