More NOGI Details Emerge

Bluffton company has plans for land next to Harrison Square
Executive, while not providing details on project, expects it to be completed this year
Link (GFWBW)

"The new owner of several parcels of land on the corner of Ewing and Jefferson in downtown Fort Wayne — right next to the Harrison Square mixed-use development currently under construction — is keeping tight-lipped about possible future construction.

Bluffton-based National Oil & Gas Inc. recently purchased five parcels in the 400 block of West Jefferson Boulevard and 1100 block of Ewing Street. The company owns gas stations and convenience stores.

Edward Alberding, National Oil & Gas’ vice president of sales, said three parties, in what he referred to as a “triangle deal,” are involved in developing the parcels. He wouldn’t say what National Oil & Gas envisions for the land, but he said the company anticipates completion of its project in conjunction with work finishing on the first phase of Harrison Square condominiums."

[...]

"National Oil & Gas’ five parcels sit next to an existing BP gas station and convenience store on West Jefferson Boulevard. Greg Leatherman, deputy director of development for the city of Fort Wayne, didn’t want to speculate on National Oil & Gas’ plans for the site, but he views the project as a “positive thing” for the city.

“(National Oil & Gas) knows our community and are supportive of our downtown efforts,” he said.

Leatherman noted the site has a mix of zoning. The land along Jefferson Boulevard is currently zoned for commercial development, while the land along Ewing Street is considered an “R-3” residential district. Under that designation, certain compatible commercial uses, if approved, are permitted, Leatherman said.

He said should the land be developed as a convenience store and gas station, it would need to be rezoned and would require a site development plan.

Leatherman said he hopes the National Oil & Gas development will be pedestrian friendly and “urban in nature.”

[...]

"CBRE/Sturges associate broker Brad Sturges said in an e-mail the purchase comes as no surprise.

“(The Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street) corner has certainly caught the eye of a few developers already, and it was just a matter of time until someone tied it up,” he said."

Related DFWB posts:
West End Harrison Square Properties Bought
Leininger Picks Up National Oil & Gas Story