Group Targets GE Campus Revitalization
(Image Courtesy: Fort Wayne-based preservation nonprofit ARCH Inc.)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA task force in Fort Wayne pushing for re-use of the abandoned General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) campus has received support from an influential organization. Our partners at 21Alive WPTA-TV report Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is backing the six-month-old group’s mission to revive vacant buildings at the GE site.
The company confirmed plans earlier this year to pull out of Fort Wayne. The campus once employed thousands of workers in the Allen County city. It’s presence had dwindled to around 90 this year and the company’s final days in the city are expected to be January.
The task force is chaired by Geoff Paddock, who also serves on the city council and is executive director of Fort Wayne landmark Headwaters Park.
21Alive reports Paddock says Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s support will be "vital." He says with the recent progress and growth in the city, especially related to efforts to attract and retain young people, the time is right to move on finding new uses for what they can.
There are 18 buildings on the GE campus, some of which may eventually be demolished. The company had a presence in Fort Wayne for more than 100 years. Last month, remaining items in the buildings were sold through a liquidation event run by Fort Wayne-based Charleston Auctions.