Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball

DFWB Is Now WGDT

2008-04-02T20:30:00.002-04:00

www.WhatsGoingDowntown.com

Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball is now What's Going Down(town)

(based on the What's Going Down(town) series of posts)

Check it out
Change your bookmarks and links
Come back often

DFWB will remain as a historical resource, but will no longer be updated
See you there!

MLK Bridge Makeover Set For 2010

2008-04-02T20:00:00.002-04:00

Clinton Street bridge to close for a year
Link (JG)

"Clinton Street commuters have some time to prepare, but they had better start thinking now about what they'll do during a yearlong bridge closure set to begin in 2010.

The Fort Wayne Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved a revised coordination contract with the Indiana Department of Transportation for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge on Clinton Street over the St. Marys River."

[...]

"The new construction contract cuts the project's budget from $8.1 million to $7.8 million. The city's share dropped $11,000, to $1.9 million.

Although the city is moving forward with the project, Ross said officials still have not identified the source of the city's share of construction funds. The cuts shouldn't reduce the scope of the project, other than elimination of the temporary bridge, he said."

[...]

"Other than being an aesthetic entrance to downtown Fort Wayne, the project is expected to reduce maintenance costs for the state and fit in with the state�s plan to improve Clinton north of the bridge in the future.

The current bridge was built in 1967 and rehabilitated in 1985. Its sufficiency rating is 64.6 out of 100."

Interest High For On Schedule Square

2008-04-02T11:56:00.008-04:00

Stadium is on schedule for completion
Outfield wall is taking shape; clubhouse frame has been erected
Link (NS)

"Fort Wayne Wizards General Manager Mike Nutter said on Tuesday the downtown Fort Wayne Harrison Square project that will feature a state-of-the-art city-owned ballpark is right on schedule to completed and ready for use by the start of the 2009 season.

Currently, the area where the stadium is to be built has been gutted about 15 feet below street level because the ballpark will rest in a bowl-like shape. The outfield wall has begun to take shape. The frame of the clubhouse has been poured and erected near the right-field baseline.

Once the concrete base for the stadium is completed, steel work can begin. Concrete work is expected to be completed sometime this month."

[...]

"Nutter said the Wizards front office has already sold more season tickets for the 2009 season than any of the nine years he's been general manager. Including the 16 sold out luxury suites, Nutter said 1,250 season tickets have been sold. That doesn't include any mini or weekend packages, which haven't yet gone on sale.

The parking garage is expected to be finished in July. Lincoln Financial employees will park there and the company's old lots will be torn up so the land can be used for the project. The luxury suite construction is to be started in August. The condominium/retail building construction is slated to mirror the work of the stadium and is to open by June 1, 2009."

More On Aptera Downtown Move

2008-04-02T08:35:00.004-04:00

Software firm plans to move downtown
Aptera agrees to buy building near Harrison Square, will add 15 jobs
Link (NS)

"With completion at least a year away, it's too early to know whether Harrison Square will unleash the hoped-for flood of economic activity downtown. But even the promise of a revival was enough to lure a growing computer firm in from the suburbs."

[...]

"The new headquarters - which one day will be just blocks from the $125 million-$160 million Harrison Square project - should also help Aptera attract and keep customers and so-called “creative class” employees often drawn to larger cities. Aptera's average employee is about 29 years old.

“This (project) will bring a whole different dynamic downtown. When clients walk in, they need to say, ‘This is a company I want to work with.' And when would-be employees walk in, I want them to say, ‘Wow!'” Herman said. “I've never been to a Wizards (baseball) game, but if it weren't for Harrison Square, we wouldn't be as interested in downtown. In five years, it should be the place to be.”"

[...]

"Developer Bill Bean, who is selling the building to Aptera, said the high-tech firm will be a perfect fit.

“A number of people (including law offices) looked at the building, but we really weren't interested in subdividing it. Aptera was a little more interesting to us because the company fits in more with the type of jobs the city is trying to attract downtown,” said Bean."

[...]

"As Bean sees it, downtown real estate is fast becoming a hot commodity. “There's absolutely no doubt about it,” said Bean, who bought the First Source Center at 200 E. Main St. four years ago."

Local Software Firm Moving Downtown

2008-03-31T19:29:00.003-04:00

Aptera Software moving downtown, adding 15 jobs
Link (The Scoop)

"Aptera Software, a Fort Wayne-based provider of software development, web design and web-based applications, has announced the purchase of an office building and is expanding its operations to downtown Fort Wayne.

The company will relocate from Airport North Office Park to the building at 201 West Main Street at the southwest corner of West Main and South Harrison streets. Aptera plans to add 15 employees to its 23-person workforce in its new facility through 2009. The company will invest approximately $900,000 in the building, improvements and new equipment.

“We are very pleased for the opportunity to join the thriving community of downtown Fort Wayne businesses and continue our growth there,” said T.K. Herman, president of Aptera Software. “My partner and I both grew up in Fort Wayne and are very happy to see the progress being made to revitalize the downtown area. We have been able to attract employees from as far away as Idaho and feel our new office will enable us to continue hiring top-notch software developers and web designers.”"

[...]

"“Aptera Software is yet another great example of a significant base employer beginning from an innovative idea and thriving in Fort Wayne,” stated Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “T.K. and Conrad are to be congratulated for developing an outstanding business plan that has allowed them to become an important part of the exciting growth happening downtown. From the NIIC to downtown in five years is a testament to a good business plan coupled with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.”"

[...]

"At a future meeting, Fort Wayne Common Council will consider tax abatement on eligible real property improvements and personal property investment."

True North Makes Decision To Stay Downtown

2008-03-31T11:15:00.003-04:00

True North moves to Berry St
Strategic advisers help businesses, whether buying or selling
Link (NS)

"The company, True North Strategic Advisors, plans to move into its new offices today at 347 W. Berry St., across from the Mizpah Shrine. True North, which is relocating from 810 S. Calhoun St., now has double the square footage it had before, said Chris Goeglein, who is also a principal owner."

[...]

"Staying downtown, and close to its referral network of banks, accountants and other financial institutions, was important, said Goeglein, a 46-year-old Fort Wayne native and Concordia High School graduate who returned home after four years in Philadelphia with Lincoln."

Wiz Kids Open 2008 Season Thursday

2008-03-31T09:07:00.004-04:00

The Fort Wayne Wizards will open up Memorial Stadium for its last season this Thursday, April 3 against the Lansing Lugnuts at 6PM.

The home opener also happens to be a Thirsty Thursday:

"With the popularity of Dollar Nights every Monday, the Wizards have added another affordable option for families and large groups.

During every Thursday night home game, 20 oz. Fountain Drinks as well as 16 oz. Beers are only $2.00."

Obama Columbia Street HQ Opens

2008-03-29T18:26:00.003-04:00

click image above for more picturesRelated:
Obama Camp Moves Onto Columbia Street

All Along The Clocktower

2008-03-29T18:25:00.002-04:00

click either image above for more pictures

Baseball And Beer: The Combo Gets Better

2008-03-28T16:48:00.002-04:00

Baseball and microbrews: a 'loony' combination
Link (MLive.com)

"For sports fans, summertime ball games are usually accompanied by a $7 paper cup of macro-brew in hand that soon goes warm and flat.

But Midland, Michigan-based baseball team the Great Lakes Loons is kicking the quality up a notch by partnering with a Bay City microbrewery, Tri-City Brewing Company, for the second year in a row, to offer a custom microbrewed beer at the ball park. This year's brew is called Loon's Summer Ale and, according to Tri-City, is a lighter, clearer take on the citrusy flavors of a summer wheat beer, without the wheat. Loon's Summer Ale will be available at the ballpark throughout the Loons' 2008 season. If you're in the area, Tri-City and the ball team are also co-hosting a release party on March 27 to unveil the new brew."

No Longer Blocking GE, Downtown Cell Tower Approved

2008-03-28T08:12:00.005-04:00

Taller telecom tower gets nod
Link (JG)

"A 150-foot tower soon will strengthen cellular phone signals in downtown Fort Wayne.

The Fort Wayne Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday approved JB Towers LLC’s tower at 1701 Fairfield Ave. despite three neighbors’ objections to the project.

Centennial Wireless pursued an antenna on this tower after West Central residents complained another proposed tower south of Martin and Hendricks streets, near Broadway, would mar the skyline."

[...]

"The tower will provide capacity for carriers seeking to serve the Harrison Square downtown redevelopment project, said David Carter, the vice president of engineering for Centennial. Centennial has a tower on the Anthony Wayne Building downtown, but he said it needs another tower to adequately serve West Central and other downtown neighborhoods. Other carriers also seek capacity there."

Related:
From Broadway To Fairfield

Obama Camp Moves Onto Columbia Street

2008-03-28T07:37:00.007-04:00

picture from Fort Wayne Observed
The Barack Obama Presidential campaign has opened a local Fort Wayne campaign headquarters on one of Fort Wayne's oldest developed stretches of road, Columbia Street.

The campaign office is located at 124 West Columbia Street and will be open to the public on Saturday, March 29th at 10 AM.

The property record card lists the building as being built in 1860 and as of February 7, 2008 it is owned by Patmar Development Company Inc.

It also lists the address as 122 West Columbia Street, not 124.

Obama Fort Wayne headquarters now open (FWOb)

Obama Opens Up Shop In Fort Wayne (FWP)

Boondoggle Road?

2008-03-27T11:00:00.002-04:00

Maplecrest extension cost swells to $55M
County Council plans economic impact study to find if it's worthwhile
Link (NS)

"About $2.5 million has already been spent on plans, land and other preparation — without one drop of concrete being poured.

Now soaring cost estimates and doubts about its usefulness are causing some officials to question whether the most expensive 1.5 miles of road in Allen County history should be built at all."

[...]

"Congress awarded about $9 million to the project in 2005, but construction estimates that have increased from $21.2 million in 1996 to nearly $55 million have caused several council members to question whether the project’s benefits would justify its expense — which they fear could affect the construction and maintenance of other roads and bridges."

[...]

"In addition to the money already pledged by Congress, commissioners propose using vehicle taxes, the county’s major bridge fund and funds generated by a tax incremental financing district (TIF) — which would divert taxes from new development in the area — to pay for the project. But a TIF generates money only if development actually happens, and even then the available dollars would be millions short of the needed amount. That’s why the county said it may hire a lobbyist — at about $5,000 per month — to seek another $8 million or so from Congress."

$55 million of public money to build a 1.5 mile road on the fringe of the city

versus

$65 million of public money leveraged to $125 million to build a ballpark, hotel, condos, retail, and a parking garage downtown

"“This is a roll of the dice, based on questionable data,” Moss said. “The public’s appetite for projects like this (after Harrison Square) is fairly low.”"

I would hope that most people would have a low appetite for 1.5 mile roads that cost $55 million.

Would the public's appetite have been whetted in the absence of Harrison Square?

It's still $55 million for a hop across the Maumee.

More On Barr Redesign

2008-03-27T07:47:00.001-04:00

A better Barr Street
Link (JG)

"While site work at Harrison Square will soon give way to bricks-and-mortar construction, city officials are beginning a project that will help make a piece of the other side of downtown more attractive.

Over the next three months, the city will fulfill a plan to make Barr Street more attractive with new trees, sidewalks, streetlights and curbs.

The streetscape project is part of downtown improvement plans and will enhance the Cultural District on the east side of downtown."

[...]

"No improvements in the Barr Street Market area are included, but the sidewalks leading to the market will be wider, and new curbs will help make the area more pedestrian friendly.

Barr Street connects, among other downtown destinations, the market, the History Center, Park Place restaurant, the Arts United Center and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Arts United plans to study the building needs of its member organizations, and the streetscape could well complement any improvements or additions.

The project is the latest move to help make downtown more appealing, and it comes at little cost to local taxpayers."

Site Sights

2008-03-26T21:50:00.002-04:00

click image above to view more pictures

Repost: High Speed Rail Presentation Wednesday

2008-03-26T07:15:00.000-04:00

MARCH 26, 2008
Doors open @ 4:30PM
Presentation @ 5:00PM
Cinema Center @ Indiana Tech
1600 E. Washington Blvd (Andorfer Commons Building)
click image for PDF
Ride on fast track - vicariously
Invent Tomorrow will present program on fastest train
Link (NS)

"Invent Tomorrow, a private group that promotes downtown revitalization and other civic projects, and the Indiana High Speed Rail Association are sponsoring the presentation, billed as an opportunity to “Ride the Fastest Train in the World.”

Riding that train will take some imagination, but the program should provide a thorough look at cutting-edge high-speed rail development. Last April, during a test run in France, the V150 TGV train topped out at 357 mph.

Dennis Hodges, vice president of marketing and membership for the rail association, said the video would feature the TGV's record run and describe how the train was conceptualized.

The program also will include an update on the continuing effort to bring high-speed rail service to Indiana."

Return of trains pushed
High-speed rail group hopes to rally support
Link (JG)

"Northeast Indiana residents interested in high-speed rail will have a chance this week to learn more about its possibility of coming to the Midwest.

The Indiana High Speed Rail Association will host a free public rally Wednesday evening at Indiana Tech."

[...]

"Tom Hayhurst, association board member and former Fort Wayne city councilman, said the meeting will include an interesting video and discussion of how the high-speed rail system works in France. He said trains there can travel at incredible speeds, which would be useful locally instead of forcing people to drive from Fort Wayne to other Midwestern cities."

Core Cleanup Crew Created

2008-03-25T15:29:00.003-04:00

Join the Downtown Clean-Up Crew!
Link (DID)

"The Cleanup Crew is a group of volunteers working together to tackle heavy and widespread beautification projects downtown. These projects include heavily weeded areas, areas struggling with abundant litter, or just cleanup of downtown streets in general. The group will meet once a month on Saturdays throughout the summer for about a three hours (usually 9 a.m. until noon). In addition to volunteering outside, members will also meet at various times to discuss beautification strategies, identify areas in need of immediate attention, arrange additional volunteer dates, and organize future cleanup crew dates.

If your interested in joining the Downtown Clean-Up Crew, please write-us at cleanupcrew@downtownfortwayne.com."

Another Capital Example

2008-03-25T10:58:00.006-04:00

Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Nationals' new ballpark is a D.C. showpiece
Link (Baltimore Sun)

"It's close to downtown and open to the sky, and features sweeping views of the city beyond. There's an asymmetrical field with enough nooks and crannies to keep the game interesting - plus a state-of-the-art scoreboard, luxury skyboxes and all the creature comforts fans could want.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992?

Yes, but also Nationals Park on the Anacostia riverfront in 2008.

Sixteen years after Baltimore broke the mold with its "newfangled, old-fashioned" ballpark, Washington has joined the list of cities that can boast they have a new, baseball-only stadium in a prime urban setting."

[...]

"The ballpark was designed to fit into the Pierre-Charles L'Enfant plan that has guided development in the district since 1791.

The site is bounded by South Capitol, N, First and Potomac streets Southeast. The designers took two geometrical shapes, a triangle and a circle, and combined them to create the basic plan for the park."

[...]

"Every seat is designed to be part of a distinct "neighborhood," so fans will be close to the action and have a variety of viewing experiences, both of the game and the city. Fans also can stay connected to the game if they leave their seats because the concourse offers open views of the playing field."

[...]

"Nationals Park is the first professional stadium in America designed as a "green" ballpark, and the architects plan to seek certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Eco- friendly features include a green roof, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, high-efficiency field lighting and an intricate ground and storm water filtration system designed to protect the river from peanut shells, among other debris. That's a promising new direction in ballpark design."

Related:
A Capital Example

Also:
Check out the Nationals Park OxBlue webcam.

While you're at it, check out the progress of Harrison Square on the OxBlue cam here in the Fort!

There's This Place On Main Street...

2008-03-25T08:40:00.004-04:00

Obama, Clinton to open local headquarters
Link (NS)

"If the 4,000 people who packed the Grand Wayne Convention Center last week to see former President Clinton didn’t provide enough proof that Indiana will play a key role in the Democratic presidential process, here’s more: Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both plan to open campaign headquarters in Fort Wayne as early as this week."

...and it's still for sale

Listing: Republican Headquarters Building

Local Opinion

2008-03-25T08:15:00.003-04:00

Letters to the editor
Link (JG)

See "Community should help save museum" and "Museum valuable as ‘classroom’"

Abatements shift taxes unwisely
Link (JG)

Council Brief

2008-03-24T13:31:00.006-04:00

AGENDA
FORT WAYNE COMMON COUNCIL
MARCH 25, 2008

5:30 P.M.
COMMON COUNCIL
CONFERENCE ROOM 128

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS UP FOR INTRODUCTION

G-08-03-25
AN ORDINANCE amending Chapter 38 City Policies, of the City of Fort Wayne, Code of Ordinances
Provide electronic access to the notice through a computer Gateway – notice to be made available on the internet

Related:
Open Government Ordinance (FWP)

Barr To Get Makeover

2008-03-24T12:23:00.003-04:00

BARR STREET BECOMES MORE PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY WITH STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
New sidewalks, trees connect places of interest using Downtown Blueprint ideas
Link (City)

"Continuing his commitment to downtown revitalization, Mayor Tom Henry kicked off the start of the Barr Street streetscape improvement project Monday.

This improvement project running from Main to Wayne streets is similar to what was done on Harrison Street. It involves installing new sidewalks with brick pavers, historically styled streetlamps, new trees and curbs, and other features to make the area more pedestrian friendly."

[...]

"Construction activity will begin at the southeast corner of Barr and Berry in front of the History Center. The City anticipates construction to be complete at the end of May or beginning of June.

The intersections are being reconfigured to make them safer and more friendly to pedestrians. The curbs will extend into the parking lanes, which lessens the distance across the street but still allows for two lanes of traffic."

[...]

"In the coming years, other downtown blocks will receive similar enhancements. “Inlaid brickwork, shady trees and ornamental fixtures add character and create a unique sense of place. These features are an invitation for walkers to enjoy the downtown experience. They instill pride, and they help to connect our many attractions and points of interest,” Henry said.

The cost of this phase is $648,000, with $496,000 coming from an Indiana Department of Transportation transportation enhancement grant given to the City in September 2004. This grant is designated for pedestrian-oriented projects. The remaining money comes from local economic development (CEDIT) funds."

New look for Barr
Downtown street to get $650,000 makeover
Link (JG)

More On Gnats Acquisition

2008-03-23T13:24:00.006-04:00

New owners better embrace Grayson Stadium
Link (Savannah Morning News)

Sand Gnats also changing stadium
Link (Savannah Morning News)

Atlanta Group Pitches to Purchase Sand Gnats
Link (WTOC)

Savannah Sand Gnats Announce Ownership Change
Link (OurSports Central)

Previous:
Hardball Acquires Another Team

Cities Of The Future Recap

2008-03-22T11:53:00.006-04:00

A city's green blueprint
Link (JG)

"Jeremy Harris, who was mayor of the city and county of Honolulu for a decade, was the guest of the Fort Wayne chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the city of Fort Wayne and others for an address Monday at the Allen County Public Library. His message was one of urgency in building communities less reliant on non-renewable resources and one of promise in building communities that are attractive, livable and environmentally conscious. His suggestions for eliciting public involvement in a bold redevelopment plan are well worth considering."

[...]

"Mistakes that resulted in traffic-choked freeways, urban sprawl and endangered wildlife inspired “21st Century Oahu,” the former mayor’s initiative to gather broad community involvement in a massive redevelopment project. Residents were invited to “visioning” sessions where they were asked to tell – and show with photos from disposable cameras – what they liked and didn’t like about their home. From their responses, architects and urban planners drew up project ideas for 19 development areas, fueled by a $2-million-apiece investment of city funds. Billions in public and private investment followed."

[...]

"The former mayor was in attendance Monday and said afterward that it was gratifying to have such efforts validated, but he also pointed out that selling Honolulu residents on bolder development issues was easier because they appreciate the need to protect resources that draw tourists. The same task is tougher for Fort Wayne, where the transition from an industrial-based economy to a new economic model isn’t so apparent, Richard said."

[...]

"The former Honolulu mayor gave an enticing view of the great things that can happen when everyone works together with a goal of building a city that works for residents and the environment. Local officials can start by working together and then inviting the community to join in."

Parks Board Votes To Advance Harrison Square Public Park

2008-03-20T19:20:00.007-04:00

The Fort Wayne Parks Board gave the go-ahead for The LandPlan Group to solicit bids for the construction of a public park (likely to be named after Robert Meyers) within the Harrison Square project.

The park will include a seating area for center field area concessions, a two-way performance stage, a water feature, and open lawn space.

The park will only be accessible to those with a game ticket on game days but otherwise will be open as a public park when a baseball game is not in progress.

Hardscape construction is expected to take place this fall with landscaping and finishing touches taking place next spring and finishing up in time for the baseball season.

The budget is $500,000 and will be discussed again in front of the Board of Park Commissioners in July.

Hardball Acquires Another Team

2008-03-20T13:57:00.006-04:00

Savannah Sand Gnats sold to Hardball Capital
Link (Atlanta Business Chronicle)

" Atlanta-based Hardball Capital has added to its holdings of minor league baseball teams with the purchase of the Savannah Sand Gnats of the Class A South Atlantic League.

Hardball Capital, whose principals are Barry Real Estate Companies Inc. CEO Chris Schoen and former Bondurant, Mixson and Elmore LLP attorney Jason Freier, also owns the Fort Wayne Wizards of the Midwest League."

[...]

"The Sand Gnats play in Grayson Stadium, which was built in 1927 and is the oldest operating stadium in affiliated baseball in the country. Hardball is building a $125 million mixed-use stadium in Fort Wayne, but has no plans as of yet to do so in Savannah."

Engadget Highlights Harrison FiOS

2008-03-20T07:51:00.002-04:00

Indiana's Harrison Square condominiums to come pre-wired with FiOS
Link (EngadgetHD)

"Nary a week after finding that a forthcoming University of Houston residence hall was being erected with U-verse built-in, along comes word that 62 luxury condominiums in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana will be constructed with FiOS pre-installed. Dubbed The Harrison, the aforementioned units are a vital part of the downtown revitalization efforts, and each one promises dedicated underground parking, near-10-foot ceilings and access to an indoor / outdoor roof deck overlooking the nearby ballpark."

Demo Unit Press

2008-03-19T07:42:00.007-04:00

Harrison mock-up on display
Mayor tours condo model; three homes sold so far
Link (JG)

"Any of the 65 people with reservations – or interested in reserving a unit – can check out the replica condominium, which is in the offices of Martin Goldstine Knapke, 2020 E. Washington Blvd., Suite 400.

Although only three people with reservations have bought condos, Jim Irwin, with Barry Real Estate, said he isn’t too concerned because many people wanted to see the replica before committing to buy. Barry Real Estate is the Atlanta development firm building the condominium/retail building. Mike Brita, with Martin Goldstine Knapke, said the firm is working in the order that reservations were made to sign contracts. He said the fourth person on the list wanted to see the model unit, so sales were halted until it was complete."

Harrison Condos Unveiled
Link (WANE)

"Harrison Square project manager Jim Irvin says demand for the downtown units has been high.

"We've had dozens of people on the reservation list who are just itching to get in their unit," Irvin said. "Now that the model's here, people can see exactly what they're going to be buying.""

[...]

"Irvin says the downtown development will be huge for Fort Wayne.

"We've seen some property to the west, double or even triple in value in the last year just because of what we're doing at Harrison Square", Irvin said. "It's going to be a tremendous catalyst for the city.""

Decision time nears for those who reserved Harrison condos
Link (GFWBW)

"Officials at Martin Goldstine Knapke are starting to call those who paid the $1,000 fee to reserve a condo to get their final decision. Priority is given in the order reservations were received.

A model of a small unit in The Harrison has opened at the Martin Goldstine Knapke office on Washington Boulevard in Fort Wayne to give future condo-owners an idea of what the final product will look like."

[...]

"Three contracts already are signed, said Mike Brita, of Martin Goldstine Knapke. He estimated 64 reservations have been made for the 62 available condos in the first phase. Reservations for The Harrison still can be made."

Line Forms For Bill Clinton At Grand Wayne Center

2008-03-18T15:30:00.005-04:00

3:30PM
Jeff Pruitt of Fort Wayne Politics sent the above photo of the line that is currently growing in anticipation of former U.S. President Bill Clinton's appearance at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne.

Former President Clinton is expected to speak sometime after 6:45PM this evening.

The line as of 3:30PM stretches the length of the Grand Wayne Center's long hallway along Jefferson Boulevard.

The Harrison Demo Unit Completed

2008-03-18T06:50:00.004-04:00

Within the offices of Martin Goldstine Knapke, the firm responsible for handling sales of condos at The Harrison has built a demo unit for people to see and touch.

Click the image below for a sneak peek.

Redev Press

2008-03-18T06:49:00.001-04:00

Harrison Square amenities OK'd
Link (JG)

"The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission approved spending $561,000 to complete a conference center as part of the parking garage and add brick work to enhance the garage’s aesthetics.

Approval for the work was previously delayed as the commission waited to get the final bids, but after approving almost all remaining contracts Monday, the commission felt comfortable giving the go-ahead to the extra work."

[...]

"The commission approved nine contracts Monday for work on the public baseball portion of the project. Two contracts were delayed for further study.

Thomarios, of Akron, Ohio, was the lone bidder for the painting contract. While the firm’s $536,070 bid was less than the city’s estimate, Greg Leatherman, commission executive director, said the city needed to investigate some concerns about the firm. He said the group was cited for safety issues while working on Ford Field in Detroit, but that could have been for general contract work and not painting.

The city also did not award a contract for the playing field work, estimated to cost $1.46 million. Leatherman said the city needs to further investigate whether the low bidder, Tom’s Landscaping, of Troy, Mich., had a complete bid. While he said the firm is a legitimate company, the $726,774 bid seems too low to be complete. The next lowest bidder – The Motz Group, of Cincinnati – was also under the city’s estimate with a bid of $1 million.

If all the lowest bids are approved, it would mean the commission has awarded almost $20 million worth of work for the ballpark, almost exactly what the city estimated.

Leatherman said even with the additions of the garage work Monday, the city still has $2 million in contingency money available."

Busy St. Patty's

2008-03-17T07:38:00.007-04:00

Redevelopment Commission
4:00PM
City Council chambers, Room 128
City-County Building

Cities of the Future: Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris Lecture
4:30-6:00PM
Allen County Public Library Main Branch Auditorium

"Join YLNI, Ball State University, The American Institute of Architects and the DID for Cities of the Future: the Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris Lecture. During his three terms as Mayor, Honolulu was recognized as one of the best managed cities in the United States. In addition to the hundreds of awards the City received during his tenure, Mayor Harris also earned national and international acclaim. Mayor Harris will discuss the characterisitcs of great cities, sustainability, and urban development in a Fort Wayne context."

J.K. O'Donnell's St. Patty's Day Celebration

"The outside celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. Knot Work will kick off the music at 5:15 p.m. with traditional Irish songs. Great time to come with your friends & family and enjoy some great music and food. Tugboat Jack starts warming up their instruments at 6:15 p.m. and they won't cool down until 7:15 p.m. The Mimi Burns band finishes an evening of great music by serenading you from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The cover charges are $5.00 (16 and older), $3.00 (6 to 15 years), and no charge (wee ones 5 years and younger.)"

Increased Interest = Catalyst At Work

2008-03-14T12:55:00.006-04:00

Piquing interest
Brokers say Harrison Square project could help fill existing available spaces downtown
Link (GFWBW)

"David Nugent, a partner at BND Commercial in Fort Wayne, and Tim Rietdorf, vice president of property management for Murphy & Associates in Fort Wayne, agree that it’s still too early to determine if Harrison Square — which includes a residential and retail building, new minor-league baseball stadium, Courtyard by Marriott hotel and parking garage — is having that effect on the downtown area. Both companies represent downtown properties.

They do, however, anticipate the $120-million private and publicly funded project’s first phase will drive even more interest in available downtown properties. Nugent said investors and other interested parties have been contacting property owners on the fringe of the Harrison Square site. They’re interested in buying properties because they believe Harrison Square will increase the value of the properties.

Nugent said he’s not aware of any existing owners who took advantage of the offers. Instead, they want to reap the rewards of increased property values if they come, he said.

Another early trend is that owners of properties for sale in the downtown area are not as motivated to sell quickly, since the project may increase their property values, Nugent added.

He predicts one of the triggers for selling will be when the buildings begin going up at the Harrison Square site."

Developer Interest Shown For North River

2008-03-14T09:05:00.009-04:00

City, OmniSource continue negotiations
Link (GFWBW)

"Negotiations for the North River property continue between OmniSource and the city of Fort Wayne as developers have expressed an interest in the site.

Both sides met recently and are waiting for another meeting to continue talks, said city Community Development Director John Urbahns."

[...]

"Urbahns said a couple developers have expressed interest in the site once the city has control of it. He said that has not affected negotiations.

Urbahns said he is hopeful the acquisition process will not last the full six months, but he added city and OmniSource officials are going to take whatever time is needed to complete the deal.

Environmental testing also has been completed. The city conducted Phase I and Phase II tests, Urbahns said. A Phase I assessment determines historical uses and other aspects of the property, such as groundwater and floodplain levels. A Phase II test involves sampling for specific contaminant levels.

City officials have agreed not to discuss the test results until the deal is completed."

Lincoln Museum Discussion Continues

2008-03-13T11:47:00.003-04:00

Panel to offer Lincoln Museum rescue options
Link (JG)

Letters to the editor
"Terrible time to close museum" and "Reverse decision on closing museum"
Link (JG)

Is there a way to keep museum?
Two groups are working on a solution
Link (NS)

Letters to the editor
"Why is the Jewel of our city being stolen?", "Lincoln news sad - can you feel the bitterness?", and "Lincoln closing under erroneous assumption"
Link (NS)

Will celebrating Lincoln's 200th include saving museum collection?
Link (NS)

Don't mourn Lincoln Museum; let's try intentionally temporary museum
Link (NS)

Bid Press

2008-03-13T11:44:00.002-04:00

Downtown stadium work on budgetBids prompt city officials to say ballpark ‘in very good shape'
Link (JG)

"The apparent low bidders will cost the city $7.77 million, almost $300,000 less than the city’s latest estimates for the contracts.

If all the low bids are approved, it will mean the commission has awarded almost $20 million worth of work for the ballpark, about $350,000 more than estimated to this point. But city officials are working to cut costs on some of their highest contracts, especially for electrical work, to keep the project on budget."

[...]

"The bid total doesn’t include the apparent low bidder for the playing field, as city officials suspect it was incomplete because it was so far below estimates. Tom’s Landscaping, of Troy, Mich., bid a $726,774 price for the work, which was estimated at $1.46 million. The city is expected to award the contract to The Motz Group, of Cincinnati, for more than $1 million, but Leatherman said all the bids will be examined and if the lower bid is complete, the city will be glad to have the work done more cheaply."

Harrison Square bids come in low
Link (NS)

"With about 95 percent of the bids in for the Harrison Square baseball stadium, the project remains under budget, Greg Leatherman, the city's deputy director of community development, said Wednesday.

Bids for 11 more jobs ranging from painting to shaping and seeding the field were opened Wednesday during a meeting of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, with the sum of the low bids about $300,000 below engineers' estimates of $7.5 million. Leatherman said bids for landscaping around the stadium probably will be opened in April."

From Bid Openings

2008-03-12T17:15:00.007-04:00

The Redevelopment Commission held a special meeting today to open a number of bid packages for the construction of the Harrison Square ballpark.

The amounts for the bids are listed below beneath each bid package.

Package #6 Masonry

Complete Masonry Services, Inc
Yorktown, IN

Base bid - $878,940

Hagerman
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $839,500

Package #7 Miscellaneous metals and handrails

Nationwide Construction Group
Chesterfield, MI

Base bid - $827,522

Also placed a bid for package #19 Fences and gates
Base bid - $119,655

A combined bid for package 7 and 19 together was $920,000

Hartman Products
Bluffton, IN

Base bid - $857,000

Almet Inc
New Haven, IN

Base bid - $934,800

Fort Wayne Structural Products
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $926,000

Package #8 General Building Construction

Muhlenkamp Building Corporation
Celina, OH

Base bid - $1,675,134

Hagerman
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $1,892,000

Schenkel & Sons Inc
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $1,405,000

Michael Kinder and Sons
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $1,448,000

Package #9 Roofing and sheet metal

CMS Roofing
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $592,600

C. L. Schust
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $764,300

Pettigrew & Sons Inc
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $594,400

Fort Wayne Roofing and Sheet Metal
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $528,900

Package #10 Glass and glazing

Celina Glass
Celina, OH

Base bid - $820,000

SPS Corporation
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $560,000

Hall Aluminum Products Inc
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $465,700

Package #11 Metal studs and drywall

Rosema Construction
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $1,610,000

Strahm Group Inc
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $1,722,500

Also placed a bid for package #12 Flooring
Base bid - $277,600

A combined bid for package 11 and 12 together was $1,973,000

Performance Contracting Inc
Carmel, IN

Base bid - $1,780,000

Package #12 Flooring

Jack Laurie Commercial Floors
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $223,949

Tile Interiors Inc
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $207,200

Package #13 painting

Thomarios
Akron, OH

Base bid - $536,070

Package #16 Fire protection

VFP Fire Systems
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $233,512

Ryan Fire Protection
Noblesville, IN

Base bid - $287,000

Shambaugh and Son
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $276,386

Package #18 Playing field

Sports Construction Group
Cleveland, OH

Base bid - $1,505,000

MJM Services
Belleville, IL

Base bid - $1,387,835

Motz Group
Cincinnati, OH

Base bid - $1,019,796

Tom's Landscaping Inc
Troy, MI

Base bid - $726,774

Fleming Excavating
Decatur, IN

Base bid - $1,299,865

Package #19 Fences and gates

Arrow Fence
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $158,600

RNC Fence
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $198,250

Eagle Fence
Fort Wayne, IN

Base bid - $116,850

Percentage of Fort Wayne based companies making bids: 57%

The lowest combined total for the bid packages (estimated as about $7M worth of work) is $7,472,656.

The next meeting of the Redevelopment Commission will take place on Monday, March 17 at 4PM.

Bid Openings Today

2008-03-12T07:55:00.007-04:00

Update: See the bid amount values here

Harrison Square Bid Openings - 3 PM
City Council Chamber, Room 128, City County Building

Being opened today:

Masonry
Miscellaneous metals and handrails
General building construction
Roofing and sheet metal
Glass and glazing
Metal studs and drywall
Flooring
Painting
Fire protection
Playing field
Fences and gates

Bids for elevators, plumbing, mechanical, and sheet metal, and electrical work have already been discussed

Council Brief

2008-03-11T08:37:00.004-04:00

AGENDA
FORT WAYNE COMMON COUNCIL
MARCH 11, 2008

5:30 P.M.
COMMON COUNCIL
CONFERENCE ROOM 128

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS UP FOR INTRODUCTION

Z-08-03-03
AN ORDINANCE amending the City of Fort Wayne Zoning Map No. L-6 (Sec. 2 of Wayne Township) – Councilmanic District #5
503 through 535 West Wayne Street

Komets At Memorial Stadium?

2008-03-10T11:20:00.000-04:00

Maybe Fort Wayne can take a page from New York City...

Yankee Stadium game likely for Rangers
Link (NY Daily News)

"Momentum has built in recent weeks toward finalizing a deal that would have the Rangers play the final game in the storied history of the current Stadium, the Daily News has learned. The Yankees, who will move into their new Yankee Stadium for the 2009 baseball season, are said to be completely on board with having the NHL close the 85-year-old original.

And, anxious to build upon the buzz created by the wildly successful Winter Classic outdoor game between Pittsburgh and Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year's Day, NBC and the NHL are intent upon seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. League and network representatives visited the Stadium recently to get an on-site view of what would need to be done to stage the event."

[...]

"The Rangers' opponent for the game, while not yet set, appears unlikely to be either the Islanders or the Devils. That is because both the network and the league believe it would generate greater ratings to include a team from another U.S. television market. The Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings are believed to be likely candidates in a game that would be a nod to the NHL's fabled Original Six roots.

Of course, representatives from the league's other American-based Original Six franchise, the Chicago Blackhawks, recently made it clear that they are extremely interested in hosting an outdoor game. However, the chance to close Yankee Stadium clearly pushes New York and the Rangers to the front of NBC's and the NHL's wish lists for next winter."

Open Government Meeting Tonight

2008-03-10T08:45:00.000-04:00

Monday, March 10, 7:15 p.m.
Allen County Library, Downtown, Meeting Room C (main floor)

The purpose of this little gathering is to begin creating a list of ways that local government can improve making public information more accessible to the public.

Opening up City Council
Link (JG)

"Several newly elected members have worked to open government meetings and documents to people. They say that in just a few months they have made several strides in improving accessibility, especially by using the Internet and technology, and newly elected Mayor Tom Henry has made similar promises.

“We can’t tap all of the expertise and intelligence of the citizens of Fort Wayne to help us in governing Fort Wayne unless they have this information available to them,” said Councilman Mitch Harper, R-4th.

Harper, along with members Karen Goldner, D-2nd, Liz Brown, R-at large, and Glynn Hines, D-6th, will host an ad-hoc committee discussion today at the downtown Allen County Public Library on ways to make government more accessible."

[...]

"Just in the past few weeks, the city has begun putting video of its meetings online, which Brown said is a plus, but it would still be good to have a paper record of the meetings so people don’t have to watch the entire meeting.

She said it would be great if the city could create an online database similar to that of the state legislature, which allows people to search for every bill and law online."

[...]

"The demand for public access to government, and input into government decisions hit a fever pitch last year during the debate over the $125 million Harrison Square project. Some project opponents in the public, and on the council, accused the city of not revealing enough information.

Jeff Pruitt, a local blogger participating in the council’s ad-hoc committee, said he believed Mayor Graham Richard’s administration wasn’t as forthcoming as it could have been.

“There was a perception that there was a lack of openness during the Harrison Square debate,” he said. “That was the driving force behind this movement.”

Goldner heard those concerns firsthand while sitting on the city’s redevelopment commission, which was the primary body working on the project. Although she said she was comfortable the commission followed the law, she said there was a general frustration from residents about working with government.

Harper said that furor could have been even greater had it not been for the work of some bloggers who tried to put all the Harrison Square information in one place. Harper has used his own blog to post City Council information."

Downtown Development Committee Meeting Tonight

2008-03-10T08:40:00.001-04:00

YLNI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
When: Monday, March 10 at 5:30pm
Where: Upstairs at 816 Pint & Slice

Our special guests for the evening will be Michael Waskiewicz and Courtney Tritch from the Downtown Improvement District. We will be discussing plans for spring/summer 08 events such as an urban design lecture, TRF Bed Race, DID's Art Crawl and more.

From Broadway To Fairfield

2008-03-09T12:43:00.006-04:00

West Central cell tower site relocated
Link (JG)

"West Central residents no longer need to worry about a Centennial Wireless tower blocking the view of the General Electric Co. sign."

[...]

"Centennial Wireless wants to rent antenna space on a 150-foot tower proposed at 1701 Fairfield Ave., behind Bushey’s Windows, Doors & Sunrooms. JB Towers LLC, which would own the structure, has applied for a variance to exceed the zoning ordinance’s 35-foot height limit."

[...]

"The proposed Fairfield Avenue tower will not provide as much downtown wireless capacity as the first site, but Laux said it should still meet future needs as cell phone use there grows. Harrison Square, the $125 million downtown redevelopment project, is expected to generate more cell phone traffic in that area."

[...]

"Carolyn DeVoe, former president of the Southwest Area Partnership, said the project could still be improved. Antennas could be mounted on downtown high-rises or on two proposed 100-foot towers that would serve as architectural features for Headwaters Park. That would avoid the need for wireless carriers to dot downtown with towers, she said."

Related:
From BZA
Coverage No Justification

From Redev

2008-03-06T19:45:00.006-05:00

Commission members Thom Obergfell, Judy Wire and Christopher Guerin were present, with member Casey Cox listening in on the meeting by phone.

Resolution 2008-14
Approving a contract for Bid Package 14 (Hydraulic Elevators) for the Harrison Square Baseball Stadium project

The bid was $40,000 over the estimate because 6 stops for the elevator were included when really only 5 are needed. After the change, the bid is below the budget by $6000-$7000.

Acceptance of the bid was deemed time critical because of concrete being poured within the week for the elevator foundations. The lone bidder for the stadium elevators is also doing the elevators for the parking garage.

Passed

Resolution 2008-15
Approving a contract for Bid Package 15 (Plumbing, Mechanical and Sheet Metal) for the Harrison Square Baseball Stadium project

The engineering estimate was $2.6M with a low bid of $2.9M, causing the bid to be $291,996 over budget.

There was some discussion about what elements could be removed or changed and the possibility of a rebid. However, this package was also deemed time sensitive and a rebid would cause delays to the particular package and other aspects of the project as well. Change orders will be discussed at the next meeting.

Passed

Resolution 2008-16
Approving a contract for Bid Package 17 (Electrical) for the Harrison Square Baseball Stadium project

The original estimate was $1,840,000, with a low bid of $3,225,348, and was said to be $1,384,826 over budget.

Christopher Guerin asked why the bid was so far off from the estimate. The answer given by a representative from Weigand was that the bid included elements that were not present in the estimate.

One of these additional elements is an elaborate public address and sound system that would provide sound throughout not only the ballpark but also the adjacent areas such as the area beyond center field, the concourses, and the exterior of the ballpark. The system would eliminate any echos or reverberations that would occur without it.

Another component that was subject to change is the lightning protection system for the light poles. The original bid included specifications for a combined loop system, but the less expensive alternative would be to have individual lightning protection for the light poles.

Another reason for the over-bid was an over sized and unneeded electrical generator. A separate budget exists for backup power generation.

Unlike the other two bids, the electrical bid was deemed not to be time critical but to rebid would likely not achieve any cost savings and would take longer to accomplish.

Passed

On Wednesday the 12th there will be more bid openings for Harrison Square including drywall, masonry, miscellaneous metals, roofing, painting, and the playing field. The bid openings will take place at 3PM in the City Council chambers, Room 126-128 of the City-County building.

As a side note, Greg Leatherman explained to DFWB that for The Harrison retail space an establishment that serves alcohol but allows minors as part of a restaurant can receive a tax abatement.

On the other hand, an establishment that only serves to those 21 and older such as bars and package liquor stores would not be eligible for a tax abatement at The Harrison. Such an establishment could still exist in the retail space, but would not be eligible for an abatement.

Cuts planned to offset stadium contracts
Link (JG)

Redevelopment Commission Looks at Harrison Square
Link (INC)

City pares costs for Harrison Square
Cuts meant to balance out bids that came in higher than estimated
Link (NS)

Redev Brief

2008-03-06T09:36:00.002-05:00

FORT WAYNE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

TIME: 4:30 p.m.
DATE: 6 March 2008
PLACE: Room 810, City County Building, One East Main Street

Resolution 2008-14
Approving a contract for Bid Package 14 (Hydraulic Elevators) for the Harrison Square Baseball Stadium project

Resolution 2008-15
Approving a contract for Bid Package 15 (Plumbing, Mechanical and Sheet Metal) for the Harrison Square Baseball Stadium project

Resolution 2008-16
Approving a contract for Bid Package 17 (Electrical) for the Harrison Square Baseball Stadium project

Friday: A Day In Allen County

2008-03-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

Click image for PDF

Site Sights

2008-03-05T18:51:00.003-05:00

Click image above to view more pictures

Wizards Release New Harrison Square Views

2008-03-04T17:19:00.018-05:00

Video

Click image above to access video from Wizards website

Images

Images from Fort Wayne Wizards

Related:
Open House Sneak Peek

Embassy Brings Martin Short For 80th Anniversary

2008-03-04T07:59:00.005-05:00

Comic Short to perform for Embassy Theatre's 80th birthday
Link (JG)

"After months of mystery, the Embassy Theatre revealed Monday the identity of the headliner for its 80th anniversary concert.

It’s actor/comedian Martin Short.

He will perform on the venue’s stage at 8 p.m. May 17."

[...]

"“We are very excited to have Martin Short perform at our 80th birthday event,” the Embassy Theatre’s executive director, Kelly Updike, said in an e-mail. “This is special to us because it recalls our roots as a vaudeville stage – Martin Short is an award-winning and popular singer, dancer and comedian – and demonstrates that the Embassy continues to offer current and quality headliner performances.”"

More On Lincoln Pullout

2008-03-04T07:53:00.005-05:00

Lincoln Museum doors to close at end of June
Prized exhibits will be shifted, loaned, gifted
Link (JG)

"Many of the collection’s documents will remain at the Fort Wayne site and will be converted to digital form, which will allow researchers more easy access to them, Brown said.

Citing declining local attendance figures, Brown said the collection’s dispersal to other sites will better match the Lincoln Financial Foundation’s mission for the items, which is to ensure they get maximum exposure and remain accessible to the public."

[...]

"Overall yearly attendance at the museum is about 40,000, Brown said. Museums in larger cities often boast six-figure attendance figures.

Brown also emphasized that Lincoln Financial Group’s commitment to the Fort Wayne community, citing the company’s lease renewal on its headquarters, which extends to 2019. She also cited that the company provided land to be used for the Harrison Square development."

‘Shining star' faced attendance ills
Link (JG)

"Much of the Lincoln Museum’s extensive collection – a treasure trove for historians that includes 18,000 books and 350 documents signed by Lincoln, among other rarities – will be digitized or sent to other museums around the country, possibly making it more difficult for researchers to access them all."

Lincoln Museum to close June 30
Foundation plans to move key artifacts to other museums
Link (NS)

"The announcement Monday that the Lincoln Museum is closing has supporters of the nearly 80-year-old Fort Wayne icon asking why the $20 million collection cannot remain in Fort Wayne.

“We will not be in the business of managing a museum,” said Priscilla Brown, vice president of Lincoln Financial Group. Lincoln's charitable arm, the Lincoln Financial Foundation, owns and operates the private museum in Renaissance Square, 200 E. Berry St. The museum is touted as the world's largest private collection of Lincoln memorabilia."

[...]

"Lincoln Foundation board members will begin meeting soon to decide the process for dispersing items. All nine members live in the Philadelphia area, where Lincoln moved its national headquarters from Fort Wayne in 1998."

[...]

"Brown said the decision to close does not imply the foundation or Lincoln Financial Group is not committed to Fort Wayne. The foundation has given $27 million in grants to Fort Wayne community organizations and projects in the past five years and will grant another $3 million this year, said Sandra Kemmish, director of the foundation. The foundation has given $60 million to six communities in the past five years.

Brown also pointed out that Fort Wayne is Lincoln Financial Group's largest employee base, with 1,850 employees, up from 1,500 three years ago, mostly due to growth of the annuities business. "

Museum's closing ‘a tragedy' for city
Former Lincoln Scholar here says it's “cultural vandalism”
Link (NS)

"“I think this is a tragedy for Fort Wayne and a tragedy for the Lincoln community nationwide and worldwide,” said Gerald J. Prokopowicz, author of “Did Lincoln Own Slaves?” published in 2008."

[...]

"“Closing the museum is an act of cultural vandalism by people who have no concept of the historical responsibility with which they have been entrusted,” he said in an e-mail. “It's a blow to Fort Wayne, to the worldwide community of Lincoln scholars, and to anyone with respect for and interest in our nation's greatest president.”"

[...]

"Lincoln Foundation officials also cited competition from other museums with more hands-on offerings as a reason for declining attendance.

Prokopowicz took issue with that. He noted that the museum has plenty of hands-on exhibits, and said when it opened in 1995, some traditionalists criticized it as being too high-tech."

Reaction to the Lincoln Museum closing
Link (NS)

We can still give history a special place in Fort Wayne
A COLUMN BY MARILYN MORAN- TOWNSEND
Link (NS)

Lincoln Museum To Close

2008-03-03T15:09:00.008-05:00

Verbatim announcement from the Lincoln Financial Foundation, issued Monday morning
Link (The Scoop)

"The Lincoln Foundation is proactively pursuing a solution that benefits historical education and scholarship and exposes the collection to the largest possible audience. Through invitation, the Lincoln Foundation will host a national informational session with potential public partners in late March to provide an understanding of the collection items and, in turn, discuss options for increasing visibility.

The Lincoln Museum has operated in Fort Wayne, Ind., for many years, first as a library and then as a museum. As a result of this new strategic direction, The Lincoln Museum will close to the public effective June 30."

Lincoln Museum closing
Link (NS)

"One or more organizations will take over possession of the museum's thousands of pieces of Lincoln memorabilia, which includes a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Lincoln. It is not thought that any of it will remain in Fort Wayne. Some of the print items, such as the Proclamation, will be digitized to stay here."

[...]

"The museum opened in 1928, and has been in its current location since September 1995. The museum was a pet project of Arthur Hall, a top executive of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Co., which was founded in Fort Wayne before moving to Philadelphia."

Lincoln Museum closing
Link (JG)

Lincoln Museum to Close
Link (WANE)

Lincoln Museum Closing Its Doors
Link (INC)

Image from Lincoln Museum website

Art At The Core

2008-03-03T07:48:00.005-05:00

Arts help rev up economy
Link (JG)

"[The arts] are a good investment. Urban renewal is just one area where the arts build on that investment. As we look at opportunities to develop downtown, the arts are central to a long-term plan for sustainable growth and activity. Facilities that anchor activity while providing mixed-use potential are the building blocks for future investment.

The arts have been one of the few areas outside of financial and business activities that have kept our too-quiet downtowns alive, and they are at the core of their rebirth. The arts play a vital role in the way our cities look and provide opportunities for public gathering and interaction.

During January 2007 more than 170,000 people attended an arts-related performance, class or activity in greater Fort Wayne, the majority of which happened downtown. Public art, creative industries and all of the peripheral relationships that are spawned because of these elements including retail, restaurants and downtown living all are interconnected and provide opportunities for progress and growth."

[...]

"While cost of living and infrastructure are important, there is also a strong case for locating creative people and their businesses in places where interesting things are happening. One is usually not present without the other. For years, quality of life has been the reason given when making the case for arts support. While that is important, look at successful downtown redevelopment and the ever-emerging economic engines in our new century. The arts are present in those successes. Simply put, the arts are not only beautiful, inspiring and creative – they are good business."

Repost: Thirsty Art

2008-02-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

March 1, 2008
7-11 PM

Midtowne Place (upstairs of Thirsty Camel)
120 W. Washington Blvd

Art in a grand space on March 1st
Link (FWOb)

"Come and celebrate and support the diversity and abundance of art in Fort Wayne. There will be a little bit of everything for everyone. Organized by Beckie Stockert and Dan Swartz, this event is outside of the ordinary gallery context and is a great way to see art which is being made "under the radar" of Fort Wayne's petite gallery scene. Art works will be for sale, with no commission taken from the artist."

Image from Fort Wayne Observed

Poll Results

2008-02-29T09:49:00.007-05:00

The results of our completely unscientific poll are in.

Keep in mind that respondents were able to make multiple choices.

What would you like to see occupy the first floor spaces of "The Harrison" condo building?

Casual restaurant
73 (62%)

Bar/Pub
71 (60%)

Small grocery store
58 (49%)

Coffee shop
49 (41%)

High-end restaurant
33 (28%)

Bookstore
31 (26%)

Wizards team shop
26 (22%)

Clothing retailer
24 (20%)

Pharmacy
19 (16%)

Dry cleaner/Laundromat
18 (15%)

Barber shop
10 (8%)

Fitness center
8 (6%)

Liquor store
7 (5%)

Hardware store
6 (5%)

Total votes: 117

Bids Up

2008-02-29T07:02:00.006-05:00

Harrison Square bids surpass city estimates
Link (JG)

"The city took bids for three projects for the downtown development, and all were more than projected. The lowest bid for electrical work was $1.1 million more than the city’s estimate.

Greg Leatherman, the city’s director of redevelopment, said he couldn’t explain why the bids were high and the city would need to examine the contractors’ information.

The city opened bids for electrical work, elevators and plumbing, mechanical and sheet metal. L.A. Electric, of Fort Wayne, was the apparent low bidder for the electrical work at $3.2 million, but the city’s engineering estimate for the project was $2.04 million."

[...]

"The city sometimes rejects bids that are too high, but Leatherman said he was unsure whether that would be necessary. He said the estimate may have to be examined to see whether it was too low. The contract had three other bidders, with two of them comparably priced to L.A. Electric.

The two other contracts were closer to the city’s estimates. A. Hattersley and Sons Inc., of Fort Wayne, was the apparent low bidder for the plumbing, mechanical and sheet metal contract. The company bid $2.9 million for a project estimated to cost $2.8 million.

Schindler, of Indianapolis, was the lone bidder for the elevator contract, charging $215,000 for work estimated to cost $171,400."

[...]

"The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission will likely meet next week to approve the bids. Leatherman said the city will accept bids for the final eight contracts March 12. He said those are mostly smaller contracts, such as drywall and woodworking."

Harrison bids exceed city estimates
But city official says most bids are still coming in under budget.
Link (NS)

"Greg Leatherman, the city’s deputy director for community development, said the contracts — all for the $30 million baseball stadium slated to open in 2009 — would be awarded sometime next week."

[...]

"After talking with Barry Real Estate, an Atlanta-based developer on the project, Leatherman said at least two items in the city’s request for bids shouldn’t have been included. He said the stadium’s architect had asked for deluxe fixtures where regular fixtures would work fine. Also, while the stadium needs a generator should the power goes out, the bids included electricity for the stadium’s stormwater pumping system. Leatherman said the pumps should not have been included. Eliminating those items, he estimated, would decrease the bids by half a million dollars."

Henry Hears North River Interest

2008-02-28T10:35:00.005-05:00

Mayor has heard 3 proposals for North River area
The project was one of several Henry focused on in his State of City address
Link

"Mayor Tom Henry has heard at least three proposals from private developers interested in the 29 acres of land north of the St. Marys River should the city decide to exercise its option to buy the property from OmniSource.

Henry said one plan centers on a mixed-use building with retail on the first floor and condominiums above; another involves “sports and recreation,” and though Henry said he did not know specifics of a third plan, he said it represented a multimillion-dollar proposal he first learned of Tuesday morning. At least two of the three proposals come from local developers.

The North River project, as it is commonly known, was one of a number of talking points in Henry’s first State of the City speech Wednesday afternoon to a packed room in the Grand Wayne Convention Center."

Now, about those environmental studies...

Henry On Harrison Square And Downtown

2008-02-28T08:22:00.004-05:00

From yesterday's State of the City address.

Thanks to Jeff Pruitt for providing the video.

State Of The City Online Feed

2008-02-27T11:09:00.005-05:00

It looks as though WANE may be providing an online feed of Mayor Tom Henry's noon State of the City address. Click the picture above to go to the WANE site and check the link at noon!

Update:

Mayor Henry's State of the City speech
Link (City, text)

Tom Henry's State of the City Address
Link (WANE, video)

Harrison Square Bid Packages Due Today

2008-02-27T10:27:00.003-05:00

From the City's website:

NOTICE TO BIDDERS (PDF)

Bid Date - Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 3:00 p.m.

Bid packages:

#6 - Masonry
#7 - Misc. Metals & Handrails
#8 - General Building Construction
#9 - Roofing and Sheet Metal
#10 - Glass & Glazing
#11 - Metal Studs & Drywall
#12 - Flooring
#13 - Painting
#14 - Hydraulic Elevators
#15 - Plumbing, Mechanical & Sheet Metal
#16 - Fire Protection
#17 - Electrical
#18 - Playing Field
#19 - Fences and Gates

From Council

2008-02-26T21:20:00.028-05:00

R-08-02-07
A CONFIRMING RESOLUTION designating an “Economic Revitalization Area” under I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 for property commonly known as 301 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 (Barry Real Estate)
Total cost of $20,300,000

A number of people spoke during the public hearing in regards to the proposed tax abatement for The Harrison condo and retail building, including familiar Harrison Square faces Greg Leatherman, John Kalb, and Jeff Pruitt.

Both Pruitt and Kalb argued that the abatement should not be granted because it did not seem to meet the requirement of the wages created to be 150% of the the minimum wage. Pruitt also argued that a tax abatement would be better utilized if it were serving a different subset of the population and not potential luxury condominium buyers. Kalb pointed out that a package liquor store would not be eligible to receive a tax abatement, which is one of many property types not eligible to receive an abatement. Greg Leatherman later stated that a restaurant with a 3 way liquor license would not be prohibited from serving.

Council spent a good amount of time discussing the tax abatement and what exactly would be covered. It was stated that the abatement would be passed on to the owners of the condominiums and not the developers. The units would be assessed as commercial properties and the tax abatement would be taken into account first and then, if the owner is eligible, a homestead credit can also be used.

Councilman Smith took Pruitt's and Kalb's complaint about the jobs to be created not meeting the 150% wage criteria and asked why an abatement should be granted if not meeting the requirement. The explanation given was that the project would bring increased tax revenues, community benefit, and bring investment to a targeted area.

The last question of the Committee Session belonged to Councilman Harper, who asked if the question of condo owners receiving an abatement had been definitively answered. The answer was that the Auditors had been contacted and that Midtowne Crossing was used as an example, where each unit is examined individually. However, Midtowne Crossing had never applied for a tax abatement and the situation at The Harrison is said to be unique in Indiana.

If The Harrison building (including the condos) is receiving a tax abatement because it is a commercial property, then will each unit be labelled as a commercial property?

At Midtowne Crossing, property tax cards for residential units are clearly labelled as RESIDENTIAL. Commercial units within Midtowne Crossing such as Catalyst Marketing are clearly labelled as COMMERCIAL.

The unaswered question as a result of this is whether or not condo owners at The Harrison will have to apply for commercial loans as opposed to residential loans. Midtowne Crossing, until becoming majority owner-occupied, essentially required commercial loans to be acquired for those seeking residences.

I'm not sure if the type of loan would be based more on the percentage of owner occupancy or how the particular unit is labelled for tax purposes. What kind of loan will be required and how the units will be classified are interesting questions.

The Resolution eventually passed 8 to 1, with Councilman Mitch Harper voting against the abatement, citing likely changes to the tax structure at the Statehouse level.

Also, Tom Smith proposed using 5th Tuesdays as they occur to discuss Council's policy for tax abatements, which the other members seemed to agree with. A good portion of the discussion during the Committee Session was dedicated to what Council policy should be or the manner in which Council policy is understood.

Press:

City Council Approves Tax Abatement
Link (FWP)

FWPtv - City Council Tax Abatement
Link (FWP)

Vote: Harrison Square Developers Will Get Tax Break
Link (WANE)

Harrison Square Tax Break Approved
Link (INC)

Condo buyers get extra tax break
Council OKs deal for those at home in The Harrison
Link (JG)

Council OKs Harrison abatement
Link (NS)

Harrison Square condos will get tax abatement
Link (GFWBW)

Council Brief

2008-02-25T14:59:00.005-05:00

AGENDA
FORT WAYNE COMMON COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 26, 2008

5:30 P.M.
COMMON COUNCIL
CONFERENCE ROOM 128

LEGAL PUBLIC HEARINGS

R-08-02-07
A CONFIRMING RESOLUTION designating an “Economic Revitalization Area” under I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 for property commonly known as 301 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 (Barry Real Estate)
Total cost of $20,300,000
They will develop a mixed-use complex in downtown Consisting of 62 luxury condominiums over, 24,000 square feet of retail space. The development project will also include 91 spaces of below-grade parking for the condominium residents. 125 full-time jobs are projected to be created as a result of the project

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS UP FOR DISCUSSION
FINANCE COMMITTEE
R-08-02-07 (same as Resolution from public hearing above)

REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
G-08-01-18

AN ORDINANCE amending the Thoroughfare Plan of the City Comprehensive (“Master”) Plan by vacating public right-of-way – Councilmanic District #5
A 14 foot wide alley located between Fulton Street, Broadway, Jefferson Boulevard and Sturgis Street – vacation of the unused alley will facilitate a property sale by creating a larger tract

REGULAR SESSION
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS UP FOR PASSAGE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
R-08-02-07 (same as Resolution from public hearing above)

DO PASS R-08-02-02

A RESOLUTION adopted January 31, 2008, for the lease of 2.65 acres of land owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway
Total cost of – lease agreement for one year with an annual Rental payment of $13,250

NIPR JazzFest Tonight

2008-02-22T07:44:00.002-05:00

Visit Gas House This Weekend

2008-02-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

Gas House celebrating milestone
Link (JG)

"For the past 50 years, Don Hall’s Old Gas House has kept Fort Wayne fed with a variety of values.

The restaurant, at 305 E. Superior St., opened in 1958 and is celebrating this weekend with a special menu. Starting at 4 p.m. Friday, diners can pick from 10 entrées, all $9.79 (which includes salad, potato and a slice of cake).

The features, which run through Sunday night, include prime rib, filet mignon, New York strip steak, pan-fried trout, chicken Kiev, fried shrimp and more."

Open House Press

2008-02-22T07:41:00.003-05:00

New Wizards stadium will have more club seats
Link (GFWBW)

" The number of club seats — an area that, along with the suites, is connected to a special lounge not accessible to other fans — will increase from just under 100 to about 137, Hardball CEO Jason Freier said. Instead of two rows of club seats, there now are three.

The size of the suite lounge also was increased to accommodate the additional club seats, according to updated plans Freier was expected to unveil at an open house Feb. 21."

[...]

"Real-estate representatives continue to talk with prospective tenants about moving into the retail space, Freier said. He said based on space requirements given by those interested, there likely will be four or five tenants in the 25,000 square feet designated for retail. He said interest has been in 4,000- and 5,000-square-foot spaces.

A naming-rights deal for the stadium remains in the works, though it’s not a priority at the moment and it’s still early on in the process, Freier said.

Season ticket sales for the 2009 season already have more than doubled the number of season tickets sold in 2007, said Wizards General Manager Mike Nutter. Only full-season ticket plans are available for the 2009 season.

Nutter said 2008 ticket sales also have surpassed 2007 levels. It marks the first time in his eight-year career with the Wizards that season ticket sales have increased significantly from the previous year. He is expecting a 10-percent increase in ticket sales over last year."

Ballpark's seats get a test drive
At Harrison Square update, fans handle stadium bricks
Link (JG)

"Unlike the last public event, attendees did not press city officials and developers on the merits of the project. Instead, the crowd appeared generally supportive of moving the Fort Wayne Wizards downtown and wanted to get a glimpse of the future."

[...]

"[Dick Reddemann, 65, of Fort Wayne] said while he likely can’t afford the new condominiums, despite longing for one, he is looking at other downtown housing options to be closer to the project."

Harrison Square Open House Tonight

2008-02-21T08:01:00.001-05:00

HARRISON SQUARE OPEN HOUSE

6 - 7:30 PM

GRAND WAYNE CENTER
ROOM JEFFERSON A
Related:

Open House Sneak Peek

Press:

New Harrison Square Hotel Will Open Later Than Projected
Link (INC)

Your Opinions Could Shape Harrison Square
Link (WANE)

Stadium design up to plate
Harrison Square team seeks input on seating, suites at open house
Link (JG)

Harrison Square progress report has no surprises
Link (NS)

MLK Bridge Makeover Slated

2008-02-21T08:00:00.005-05:00

‘Gateway' bridge contract wins OK
City, state hammer out details on St. Marys span, 2011 debut
Link (JG)

"The Fort Wayne Board of Public Works approved a contract Wednesday between the city and the Indiana Department of Transportation for the $8.1 million Clinton Street bridge over the St. Marys River.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge was scheduled to be replaced by the state, and the city agreed to partner with the state transportation department to make it more than a simple concrete span."

[...]

"The approved contract sets a timeline and budget for the project. The state will pay $6.2 million, while the city is responsible for $1.9 million. Ross said the city hopes construction can begin in 2010 and the work would be completed in 2011"

Open House Sneak Peek

2008-02-20T14:28:00.008-05:00

Harrison Square Fly Through 2-20-2008 from dfwb on Vimeo.

Comparison videos:
Updated Harrison Square Fly-Through (November 29, 2007)
Harrison Square Condo/retail Fly-thru(August 2, 2007)
Harrison Square Fly-thru Video (July 7, 2007)

Click any of the images above to view more pictures

From Council

2008-02-19T17:44:00.010-05:00

BILL Number R-08-02-02 (full text, courtesy Fort Wayne Observed)

"A Resolution approving Resolution 2008-05 by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, adopted January 31, 2008, for the Lease of 2.65 acres of land owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway."

Greg Leatherman commented on the Resolution and noted that the Harrison Square site was predicted to not provide sufficient storage space for construction needs. An agreement was reached with Norfolk Southern to lease their land south of the tracks near Harrison Square for a year and into the next year if needed.

Councilman Pape asked if there was a possibility to acquire the land or to create an agreement with the railroad to improve the property in question. Leatherman, like during the Redevelopment Commission meeting, stated that the railroad was open to leasing the land but not so much about selling it. Leatherman also noted that the company was looking at taking down a building on the property along Harrison Street.

Also, coming up next week:

Bill Number R-08-02-07 (full text) - A CONFIRMING RESOLUTION designating an "Economic Revitalization Area" under ID 6-1.1-12.1 for property commonly known as 301 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 (Barry Real Estate). Public hearing to be held before Fort Wayne Common Council on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2008 at 5:30 PM.

Kudos to Councilman Harper for providing the full text of the Resolutions.

Council Brief

2008-02-18T16:23:00.007-05:00

AGENDA
FORT WAYNE COMMON COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 19, 2008

5:30 P.M. COMMITTEE SESSION
COMMON COUNCIL
CONFERENCE ROOM 128

R-08-02-02
A RESOLUTION approving Resolution 2008-05 by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, adopted January 31,2008, for the lease of 2.65 acres of land owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway

Lease agreement is one year with an annual rental Payment of $13,250

Related:
From Redev

Another Open House Planned

2008-02-18T12:19:00.004-05:00

Harrison Square Partners Invite Community to Open House
Latest designs, digital fly-through and progress report on tap for public event
Link (City of Fort Wayne)

"Hardball Capital, Barry Real Estate Companies, White Lodging Services and the City of Fort Wayne will host a community open house from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 21 to showcase progress on Harrison Square. The public event will be held in room Jefferson A of the Grand Wayne Center, 120 West Jefferson Blvd.

The evening will feature an update by the Harrison Square team along with a display of the latest renderings and development-related information. A highlight of the open house will be a preview of the new digital fly-through, providing a detailed, multidimensional perspective of the entire complex. Ample time for questions and comments is also planned."

Downtown Entertainment Tonight

2008-02-15T10:03:00.007-05:00

YLNI Masquerade Ball tonight at Midtowne Place
(Link)

DATE: Friday, February 15, 2008
TIME: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am
LOCATION: Midtowne Place (above the Thirsty Camel, 120 W. Washington Blvd.)
MORE: Mask Required!
SPONSORS: Majic 95.1, Sweetwater Sound and Vera Bradley

The 2008 Masquerade Ball is livin' up Mardi Gras in style. You will enjoy a night of fun with hors d'oeuvres from Catablu and music by "Good Night Gracie".

How do I get a ticket?
$25 in advance
$30 at the door
Tickets can be purchased at the 14/69 automall NAPA or 816 Pint and Slice

-or-

"Video Games Live" at the Embassy Theater
(Link)

from Fort Wayne Philharmonic Website:

"Video Games Live™ is an immersive concert event featuring music from the biggest video games of all time. Top orchestras and choirs across the country perform along with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, lasers, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.Visit www.videogameslive.com for more information."

Right Field Wall

2008-02-15T09:28:00.003-05:00

2008 DID Event Schedule Released

2008-02-15T08:13:00.004-05:00

DID 2008 Event Schedule
Link (DID)

The 2nd Annual Downtown Arts Festival
Date: Friday, May 30, 2008

Freimann Family Thursdays
Date: Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26

Island Fest
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008

Downtown Mardi Gras
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008

Downtown Fright Night
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008

HolidayFest
Date: Activites begin with the Lighting Ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008

Providence Paper On Davis Transfer

2008-02-15T08:09:00.004-05:00

Pawtucket leader leaving
Link (The Providence Journal)

"Davis, 59, is leaving the foundation to become president of the Downtown Improvement District in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Money was a factor — the job offers a higher salary, he said — but so were family and professional considerations."

[...]

"While Pawtucket is seeking to reestablish itself as a commuter rail stop and encourage the reuse of its old mill buildings, Fort Wayne is developing a convention center hotel, creating a mixed-use residential and retail complex downtown and building a minor-league baseball stadium.

Without taking anything away from Pawtucket — Davis said the city has done a good job making itself a mecca for architects, engineers and artists — he suggested that what’s going on in Fort Wayne would provide him with opportunity to work on much bigger projects: “They’re doing a level of investment in their downtown that’s kind of on a different scale.”

John J. Partridge, co-chairman of the Pawtucket Foundation, said that, while he hates to see Davis go, he isn’t surprised that Davis was hired to run the Fort Wayne downtown improvement district."

[...]

"Davis, who was offered the Fort Wayne job in December, said he won’t start work there until late April."

Local Opinion

2008-02-15T08:02:00.002-05:00

Letters to the editor
Link (JG)

Baseball stadium location ideal

"I believe the new location for the future city-owned baseball stadium is ideal. It is good for baseball. If you have an eye for baseball and baseball history, you’ll understand my analysis.

The best time to come to this conclusion is now. The best time to behold the firmament above the playing surface is now. The backdrop of the classic array downtown brings to mind baseball antiquity and social antiquity.

I anticipate a very lively park that will be home-run friendly. I believe this is a highly welcome change for the Wizards franchise and may be an about-face regarding layoffs. Fort Wayne deserves and wants a championship.

Already I’m persuaded that this is going to work. The former mayor did a nice job. I don’t know whether I’ll ever attend a game; however, I’d sure like to take batting practice at the new stadium."

Save The Date: August 28, 2008

2008-02-14T08:18:00.012-05:00

Individual Game Tickets for Final Wizards Season at Memorial Stadium On Sale Friday
Link (Baseball in Fort Wayne)

"Individual game tickets for the upcoming 2008 Fort Wayne Wizards season will be on sale starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 15.

The home opener for the 16th and final season of Wizards baseball at Memorial Stadium will be at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3 when the Wizards host the Lansing Lugnuts, the Midwest League affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the Wizards front offices located at Memorial Stadium, all TicketMaster locations and at the Memorial Coliseum Ticket Office. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Wizards front office at 260-482-6400."

DFWB predicts that Thursday, August 28, 2008 will be the highest attended game of the 2008 season.

That game versus the South Bend Silver Hawks at 7:00PM will be the last and final game to ever be played at Memorial Stadium.

"Fans are encouraged to attend the final game of the season for a game that will not soon be forgotten. There will be multiple different giveaways during the game and the emphasis is truly on THE FAN!"

It also doesn't hurt that since the final game will be on a Thursday, beers will only be $2.00 because of the recurring Thirsty Thursday promotion.

Be sure to be there for the final game to pay homage to the legacy of Memorial Stadium and to look towards the future of Fort Wayne professional baseball at Harrison Square.

More On New DID Prez

2008-02-14T07:07:00.005-05:00

Downtown group hires president
Link (JG)

"The Downtown Improvement District on Wednesday announced hiring Richard C. Davis as its new president. Davis, 59, begins his position April 28 after completing a few tasks in his current job, executive director of the Pawtucket Foundation in Rhode Island.

Davis said he was excited about the opportunity, as he has watched the progress of downtown Fort Wayne, including the under-construction Harrison Square project."

[...]

"That doesn’t mean his focus will be Harrison Square, though. He said that although the $125 million public-private development is good, the key to a vibrant downtown is a variety of smaller shops, restaurants and amenities.

“It’s ultimately not the big project that makes a downtown, it’s many of the smaller projects that really give it the liveliness and the character,” he said."

[...]

"Dan Carmody, the previous district president, left the post in November to become president of Eastern Market Corp. in Detroit."

DID announces new president
Richard C. Davis was drawn to the job by Fort Wayne's commitment to downtown
Link (NS)

"“Fort Wayne, from my perspective, really seems like a happening place,” said Richard C. Davis, who will become president of the Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District on April 28.

Davis, 59, has served since 2001 as executive director of the Pawtucket (R.I.) Foundation, a privately sponsored nonprofit promoting civic and economic revitalization within Pawtucket and adjacent communities."

[...]

"Harrison Square is the most obvious sign of the city’s commitment to improving its downtown, but the recent expansion of the Allen County Public Library also made a big impression on him."

[...]

"Davis said his key goal at the Fort Wayne DID will be convincing a wider community of developers that Fort Wayne is committed to making its downtown a stronger regional draw."

New DID Prez Announced

2008-02-13T08:57:00.005-05:00

DID Announces Hiring of New President
Link (DID)

"The Fort Wayne, Indiana Downtown Improvement District today announced the hiring of Richard C. Davis as its new President.

Mr. Davis, who will assume his new role on April 28, has served since 2001 as Executive Director of the Pawtucket (RI) Foundation, a privately-sponsored not-for-profit enterprise focused on civic and economic revitalization within Pawtucket and adjacent communities in the Blackstone Valley. He has previously served as Executive Director of Intown Manchester (NH) and of Downtown Columbus (OH), Inc."

[...]

"“We are excited to be bringing Rich to Fort Wayne as our new President”, said Steve Brody, Chair of the Downtown Improvement District. “He impressed us greatly during his interview visit and is the right person to build on our momentum and lead the organization during a truly pivotal and exciting time for downtown Fort Wayne.”"

Image from DID website

Headwaters West Extension

2008-02-13T08:19:00.005-05:00

Bourbon Street Hideaway Grand Opening Today

2008-02-12T07:49:00.001-05:00

5 P.M.

135 W. Columbia St.
Lower level Of Columbia St West
Related DFWB posts:
Bourbon Street Hideaway Preview Tomorrow
Columbia St. Growth Continues- New Restaurant Opens Soon

Metro Building Latest Downtown Development

2008-02-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Planners investing in Metro Building
Link (JG)

"Hanning & Bean Enterprises Inc. has big plans for the Metro Building downtown, which it bought from Metro Associates for an undisclosed amount Feb. 1.

Bill Bean, a partner at Hanning & Bean, said he plans to renovate the façade of the eight-story building at 202 W. Berry St. and make it a prominent downtown landmark.

“We want it to be part of the dynamic improvements going on all over downtown,” Bean said."

[...]

"“We’re seeing a lot more interest (downtown) than we did three years ago,” Bean said.

Steve Zacher, president of The Zacher Co., a Fort Wayne-based real estate company, said he, too, has seen an increased interest in downtown office space recently.

“The market has moved to the point where it’s more affordable to be a tenant downtown than in the suburbs, even when you factor in the cost of parking,” Zacher said."

Council Brief

2008-02-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

AGENDA
FORT WAYNE COMMON COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 12, 2008

5:30 P.M.
COMMITTEE SESSION
COMMON COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM 128

LEGAL PUBLIC HEARING

G-08-01-18
AN ORDINANCE amending the Thoroughfare Plan of the City Comprehensive (“Master”) Plan by vacating public right-of-way Councilmanic District #6
A 14 foot wide alley located between Fulton Street, Broadway, Jefferson Boulevard and Sturgis Street

REGULAR SESSION

R-08-02-06
A DECLARATORY RESOLUTION designating an “Economic Revitalization Area” under I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 for property commonly known as 301 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 (Barry Real Estate)
Total cost of $20,300,000

R-08-02-07
A CONFIRMING RESOLUTION designating an “Economic Revitalization Area” under I.C. 6-1.1-12.1 for property commonly known as 301 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 (Barry Real Estate)
Total cost of $20,300,000

PUBLIC HEARING – 2-26-08 – 5:30 P.M.

R-08-02-02
A RESOLUTION approving Resolution 2008-05 by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment commission, adopted January 31, 2008, for the Lease of 2.65 acres of land owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway
Duration of lease agreement is one (1) year with an annual Rental payment of $13,250 from the day of the execution of The lease

G-08-02-15
AN ORDINANCE amending certain Section of Section 95.60 through 95.99 Regulation of Smoking contained in Chapter 95 of the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Code of Ordinances

SMOKING ORDINANCE

It Has Begun

2008-02-11T11:41:00.000-05:00

Down The Line 2.0 Tomorrow Night

2008-02-08T18:16:00.000-05:00

Down the Line 2.0: Legends from Locals

Presented by Centennial Wireless. A fundraiser for the Embassy Theatre

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 9TH, 2008

7 P.M.

HISTORIC EMBASSY THEATRE

DOWNTOWN FORT WAYNE

$10

Flooding Continues

2008-02-08T18:02:00.000-05:00

click any of the images above to view more pictures

City Needing More Flood Help

2008-02-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

FLOOD UPDATES FOR 2 P.M. FRIDAY
City replenishing sandbags, 311 call center will be open overnight
Link (City)

"The 311 Call Center will be open through Saturday morning, city officials announced. Residents with flood questions and concerns should call 311.

Mayor Tom Henry and city officials renewed their call for community volunteers.

Those interested in filling sandbags should report to the City Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette St., as soon as possible.

Volunteers interested in helping in the field should report the Regional Public Safety Academy at Southtown Centre, behind Menard’s and Wal-Mart. Everyone in the field should dress in layers bring and wet-weather gear.

More sandbags were needed as the City continues to replenish existing sandbag dikes. Additional sandbags were being used in the Woodhurst neighborhood Friday. Public Works Director Bob Kennedy said about 15,000 sandbags were ready as of about 2 p.m. Friday with more needed at the ready."

[...]

"The City’s four sandbag locations for residents in danger of flooding continue to be available. The Street Department has placed piles of sand and bags at these locations. The locations are:

Portage Middle School – 3521 Taylor Street
Broadview Florist – 5409 Winchester Road
Taylor University – 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd.
(parking lot on the south side of Rudisill)
Southwest Conservation Club – 5701 Bluffton Road"

More NOGI Details Emerge

2008-02-08T12:12:00.000-05:00

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."

Local Opinion

2008-02-08T07:50:00.000-05:00

Harrison Square will help downtown
Link (NS)

"It must have seemed too good to be true; bigger developments than we could have imagined, shopping malls with national chains, super-sized homes our parents never dreamed of. People moved out of the city in droves because, well, they could. Turns out it was too good to be true.

I'm a bit of a downtown guy, and people talk to me often about downtown. I've noticed that people a generation ahead of me talk a certain way about the Harrison Square development - especially the sale of the condos. They are very dubious about the chance of them selling: even more dubious about the “refundable deposit” required to reserve them."

[...]

"Here's the deal: The condos are going to sell - fast. Prosperity has brought us isolation. Some older folks miss the sense of community of their youth that they hope downtown will bring back, and younger folks don't see a house in the “burbs” as “all that and a bag of chips.” It's pretty handy that kids coming out of college today are generally less money-hungry than their predecessors were, because it's not likely they are going to have as much. It seems to me they are more relationship-oriented, and I sense they are likely to want to live more simply and hang out with neighbors - this means urban. This means walk to the store. This means have one car. Stuff like that.

If I am right about the ballpark condos selling fast, it has great implications for downtown. The main result will be that developers will immediately (and I hear already are) turn their opportunistic eyes in an unlikely direction - downtown.

Look, they're almost out of work anyway, after a major slowdown in sales, downtown development will get its creative juices flowing, banks will be glad to try something new and city government will be salivating to help them. They will all be betting on something that doesn't look so risky anymore thanks to a key real estate technicality that has been missing downtown for a long time: “comparable sales.”"

Preserve Calhoun Street trees
Link (JG)

"If the City Council should consider this again, let’s hope it can be done without removing all of the beautiful 40-foot linden and locust trees along Calhoun. These two blocks are outstanding – with a green canopy of trees and outdoor dining, it is reminiscent of a European street.

One of the problems encountered before in making Calhoun two ways is accommodating delivery vehicles. There are a number of different possibilities to handle this – and still save most of the trees. There are alleys that could be used, and both Wayne and Berry streets have four lanes, which would permit around-the-corner parking for delivery purposes.

It takes many, many years to grow these 40-foot trees. Let’s not destroy two of the nicest blocks in the city."

Embassy Director Touts Walkway Potential

2008-02-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

Letters to the editor
Link (NS)

Embassy walkway catalyst for growth

"Great care and thoughtfulness were taken during negotiations with the city of Fort Wayne to follow the Embassy Theatre Foundation's mission to preserve and operate this historic facility. Thanks to the city and Goldstine Foundation funding, this project places the Embassy in an excellent position to not only be integrated into the new downtown project but also to develop the five floors of the Indiana Hotel that have stood empty for more than 30 years.

While the walkway is a major requirement of the hotel developer, it also is a catalyst for growth at the Embassy. The walkway is now just one piece of the construction that will take place in the Embassy in the next few years"

[...]

"There is much to do in the next few years at the Embassy. We intend to communicate with and involve the community as much as possible in the dreaming, planning and building of the walkway and development of the upper floors. The Embassy will continue to be a key component in downtown revitalization.

Kelly Updike,
executive director, Embassy Theatre"

February Flooding

2008-02-07T06:59:00.000-05:00

click any of the images above to view more pictures

Leininger Picks Up National Oil & Gas Story

2008-02-05T11:25:00.001-05:00

Would gas station be compatible?
City planners want properties near Harrison Square to have “character.”
Link (NS)

"To be fair, the National Oil and Gas Co. says it doesn't know what it will do with the properties on West Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street. But some speculate the company is considering opening a gas station-convenience store across the street from land that should be filled with a baseball stadium and trendy condominiums, restaurants and shops less than two years from now.

It wasn't too long ago that any potential investment downtown would be hailed as good news. In the post-Harrison Square era, however, the bar has been raised. Whether that results in better development - or simply less development - remains to be seen.

“There's been a philosophical shift. Instead of looking at properties as having a single function, we have a preference for mixed-use and aesthetics,” said Pam Holocher, director of the city's Planning Department, which in September created the “Around the Square” plan to guide growth near Harrison Square."

[...]

"“Around the Square” targets National Oil's land for “mixed use,” including high-density housing, recreation, offices, specialty shops and other activities. “Certain characteristics typically associated with less-dense developments such as drive-through facilities, minimum setbacks (from the street), single-story buildings and on-site parking should be discouraged,” the plan states. A gas station, by definition, is a “drive-through facility.”

The plan doesn't want to bring suburban development to the central city: It envisions architecturally unique buildings that rely mostly on pedestrian traffic generated in large part by people visiting and living in Harrison Square and other housing projects that officials hope will follow.

“Around the Square” also seeks to preserve and improve the Broadway corridor and to protect homes by extending the West Central neighborhood's historic district east to Fairfield Avenue and Ewing Street. Should that occur, owners would need city approval before making significant external changes to their homes."

[...]

"The success of Harrison Square itself will determine to what degree developers will be willing to incur added expenses simply to be nearby. But, for now, the public and private sectors are struggling with the problem of how to improve downtown without scaring off the private investment needed to make it happen.

But, given recent history, it's a nice problem to have."

Original DFWB post:
West End Harrison Square Properties Bought

Bourbon Street Hideaway Preview Tomorrow

2008-02-04T14:37:00.001-05:00

Downtown Fort Wayne's Newest Restaurant, "Bourbon Street Hideaway" Sneak Peek

Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 5 - 9 pm

Bourbon Street Hideaway is located at 135 W. Columbia St.
(Lower level Of Columbia St West)

Come Celebrate Fat Tuesday Downtown!

Click here for more photos!

Related DFWB posts:
Hideaway Sneak Peek
Columbia St. Growth Continues- New Restaurant Opens Soon

New Downtown Restaurant to Open
Link (WANE)

"The Bourbon Street Hideaway will host a preview party Tuesday. It will operate in the basement of Columbia Street West. It's part of a handful of businesses to recently open along what's becoming a popular stretch of downtown.

Inside the new restaurant, jazz music reminiscent of New Orleans can be heard. But, there's much more to taste."

[...]

"The Bourbon Street Hideaway inside Columbia Street West is just one of about half-a-dozen different businesses that have all set-up shop along the Columbia Street Landing. Exclusively Yours Jewelers is just another one of those types of businesses.

An art gallery and guitar manufacturer are among the others that have opened since last fall. Monday's ribbon cutting marks the 1st new business to open downtown this year.

When asked if downtown Fort Wayne is experiencing a comeback, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said, "I don't think there's any question about it! I think there's going to be a big movement in Downtown Fort Wayne".

That's something Bourbon Street Hideaway and Columbia Street West owner John Freistroffer agrees with.

"We're looking forward to the next two or three years downtown. Things are really going to be starting to happen," Freistroffer said."

"Accelerated Enthusiasm"

2008-02-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

The Harrison: Anticipation mounts for ballpark condos
Link (St Joe Times)

"Martin Goldstine Knapke, one of Fort Wayne’s largest commercial and residential real estate companies has made it easy for the public to view a finished condominium unit before the first hammer is drawn.

Within its vast office space adjacent to Berghoff Place, the company has literally built one of the condos, minus the bedrooms. The interior model features an entrance, kitchen, closets and living room. The model allows interested condo buyers to visualize the interior of one of the proposed condominiums offered in The Harrison.

According to Mike Brita, sales manager for the residential division of Martin Goldstine Knapke, the model is important because of the accelerated enthusiasm and interest in buying a condo in The Harrison."

[...]

"“I think that what we are going to realize in the near future is people looking at downtown in a different way and open to trying something different,” adds Bill Martin, CEO, Martin, Goldstine, Knapke. “I think that Harrison Square is an example of a lot of midwestern cities that you see coming back. It’s St. Louis, Indianapolis, South Bend, Toledo, you just start seeing some of these midwestern cities realizing that they have a great location, they have lots of things going on and they are asking themselves, what can we do to make it better? And, you have to start somewhere.”"

Mayor Mentions More Condo Possibilities

2008-02-04T10:11:00.001-05:00

The new face of Fort Wayne
Mayor Tom Henry is open to changing smoking ban, cautious about property-tax reform efforts
Link (GFWBW)

"What is your primary aspiration for downtown Fort Wayne?

… I would really like to see downtown grow in a way that it is a fun place to live, work and play.

For those that want to live downtown, we’re going to offer these 60-some condominiums, there’s plans for another 40 or 50 if they want them. I just talked to another developer this morning (Jan. 25) that’s looking at a potential site for 40 more. There’s another developer that called me about another site for some more condominiums downtown.

I think there’s an emerging sense of excitement about this community that, quite frankly, I have not witnessed in decades. I was on City Council 20 years and I have not witnessed seriously the excitement, the feeling, especially by young people, of what this city could become if we really let our hair down and go."

Inmate Housing Idea Released

2008-02-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Transitional facility plans abandoned
But the problem of inmate re-entry won't go away, officials say
Link (NS)

"Lack of funding and a questionable location have apparently scuttled a proposed downtown transitional housing facility for newly released prisoners.

But with about 400 inmates returning to Allen County each year, officials know they still have to deal with the problem – one way or another.

“We can’t get the money we need to do it downtown, so we’re putting a new building on the back burner,” County Commissioner Bill Brown said, referring to a 200-bed, $12 million facility tentatively planned for a county-owned parking lot on South Calhoun Street across from the jail."

[...]

"Allen Superior Judge John Surbeck and Community Corrections Executive Director Sheila Hudson said the need to house returning inmates will not go away. About 75 percent of inmates with no permanent address are back behind bars within a year, according to county statistics."

[...]

"Geoff Paddock, executive director of Headwaters Park, understands the need to house returning prisoners. But he doesn’t think such a facility should be located just a couple of blocks from a downtown park that attracts nearly 600,000 visitors per year – many of them children.

“I let the sheriff know I was opposed to it,” Paddock said. “Some people are already a little skittish with the park being next to the jail. It just wouldn’t send a good signal about security. We want to be good stewards of the area.”"

From BZA

2008-01-31T23:55:00.000-05:00

Case No.: 2-2008
Location: 3428 St. Joe Center Road
Appeal: Special use to allow location of a communications tower in a CM3 district.

Case No.: 3-2008
Location: 1427 Broadway
Appeal: Special use to allow location of a communications tower in a CM3/R3 district.

Gencom and Centennial Wireless were teamed up for both proposals. Case No 2-2008 was deferred until February and Case No 3-2008, dealing with the proposed cell phone tower in the West Central Neighborhood, was withdrawn by the group.

The representative for Gencom/Centennial had stated that concern from local neighborhood members and citizens had prompted their decision to look into relocating and/or redesigning the proposed cell phone tower.

The group will have to file a new and separate petition for any further consideration of a cell phone tower as a result of withdrawing their case.

From Redev

2008-01-31T23:45:00.000-05:00

Mayor Tom Henry made an appearance at the public hearing of the Redevelopment Commission, welcoming new members and thanking those who had served previously.

All Commissioners were present except for Casey Cox during the duration of both the public hearing and the subsequent special meeting of the Redevelopment Commission.

The public hearing concerned the following item:

"Those speaking in favor / against the proposed lease by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission of approximately 2.65 acres of real estate owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation, generally described as east of Fairfield Avenue and south of Baker Street, all in the City of Fort Wayne, Wayne Township, Indiana. The purpose of the lease (approximately 18 month term) is to provide a staging area and equipment parking area for the Harrison Square Mixed Use Development Project."

There was no one to speak either for or against the item and the public hearing was then closed. The Special Meeting was then held.

Before any business was conducted, Commission President re-elect Christopher Guerin read the following statement into the record (click to read PDF):

Resolution 2008-03
Allowing the designation of property as an Economic Revitalization Area for B. S. Fort Wayne I, LLC in the Jefferson Illinois Economic Development Area

The Resolution is for the condo and retail portion of the Harrison Square project, granting a tax abatement to the Fort Wayne wing of Barry Real Estate.

There was some discussion amongst the Commissioners of whether residents of The Harrison would be able to get homestead credits because of the nature of the mixed-use development in tandem with an application for a tax abatement. The Commission attorney and Thom Obergfell felt that the residents would indeed be eligible if the unit in question was the homestead of the applicant and that qualification would be based on the use and not the zoning of the property.

The tax abatement was said to be for 10 years while creating 125 full time equivalent jobs for the 24,000 square foot retail component, at a payroll rate of $1.5M. The average annual wage was said to be about $12.4K and excluding food service, about $19K.

Possible tenants noted for the retail space were a wine shop, coffee shop, drugstore, gift shop, and restaurants.

Resolution 2008-05
Approving a proposed lease between Norfolk Southern Corporation, as Lessor, and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, as Lessee, for land adjacent to the Jefferson Illinois Road Economic Development Area, as Amended, and ratifying the Public Hearing on the proposed lease pursuant to IC 36-7-14-25.2 and Ratifying the publication of Notice of the Public Hearing

This Resolution is for the establishment of a construction staging area on property owned by Norfolk Southern at a rate of $1100 per month for a temporary lease. The question was asked if the company might be willing to sell the land in the future but that opportunity was said to be not probable.

Resolution 2008-06
Approving a contract for professional architectural services with HNTB Corporation

The Resolution is for a contract to design a storm and ground water management system for the Harrison Square ballpark. The work of HNTB will be to determine the sizing of pumps needed to evacuate water from the playing surface of the ballpark. City utilities will overtake the operation of the water management system once completed.

Resolution 2008-07
Approving a contract for professional architectural services with LandPlan Group, LLC

The contract is for the design of streetscaping and landscaping of the concourses and areas around and outside of the Harrison Square project.

OxBlue Camera Back Up

2008-01-31T14:57:00.000-05:00

The OxBlue camera overlooking the Harrison Square construction site has now been hard-wired so as to ensure a better connection.

The Harrison Square construction site can be seen by clicking the image above or by clicking the OxBlue camera link on the top right of the page.

Day Of Meetings

2008-01-31T07:44:00.000-05:00

4:00PM
Redevelopment Commission
Public Hearing

Those speaking in favor / against the proposed lease by the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission of approximately 2.65 acres of real estate owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation, generally described as east of Fairfield Avenue and south of Baker Street, all in the City of Fort Wayne, Wayne Township, Indiana. The purpose of the lease (approximately 18 month term) is to provide a staging area and equipment parking area for the Harrison Square Mixed Use Development Project.

Immediately Following
Redevelopment Commission
Special Meeting

Resolution 2008-03 Allowing the designation of property as an Economic Revitalization Area for B. S. Fort Wayne I, LLC in the Jefferson Illinois Economic Development Area

Resolution 2008-05 Approving a proposed lease between Norfolk Southern Corporation, as Lessor, and the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, as Lessee, for land adjacent to the Jefferson Illinois Road Economic Development Area, as Amended, and ratifying the Public Hearing on the proposed lease pursuant to IC 36-7-14-25.2 and Ratifying the publication of Notice of the Public Hearing

Resolution 2008-08 Approving an increase in the budget for the Calhoun Street Improvements project

Resolution 2008-09 Approving a contract with AVANT Group for site investigation of soils located in Headwaters Park, specifically at the site of the former Hubcap Express

6:00PM
Board of Zoning Appeals
Public Hearing

Case No.: 3-2008
Location: 1427 Broadway
Appeal: Special use to allow location of a communications tower in a CM3/R3 district.

Case No.: 5-2008
Location: 918 VanBuren Street
Appeal: Variances of development standards for reduction of minimum lot area, rear yard setback, side yard setback, front yard setback, and to reduce the number of required on-site parking spaces from 1 to 0 in an R3 district; use variance to allow an existing historic structure to be used as a museum exhibit, community monument, and interpretive center.

Case No.: 6-2008
Location: 802-804 W. Washington Blvd.
Appeal: Variance of development standards to reduce the required number of off-street parking spaces from 5 to 4 in an R3 district.

The Latest

2008-01-31T06:58:00.001-05:00

Stadium steel under budget
Link (JG)

"Fort Wayne received lower-than-expected bids for its downtown baseball stadium, continuing the good news on the cost of the project.

The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission on Wednesday opened three bids for structural steel to be used in the stadium centerpiece of the Harrison Square project.

Almet, of New Haven, was the apparent low bidder, submitting a base price of $1.7 million.

Greg Leatherman, executive director of redevelopment, said the estimate for the work was $1.8 million."

[...]

"The bid includes the steel that will serve as the frame for the entire $30 million baseball stadium. Almet’s bid also included building structures to provide shade along the first and third base lines for an additional $29,000."

[...]

"The stadium still has about 11 contracts left to be bid, including mechanical work and stadium seating. The bulk of those bids will be opened in February with a few others in March."

[...]

"A Bluffton company purchased five parcels of land near Harrison Square this month with potential plans for development. National Oil & Gas Inc. purchased lots near Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street. The company paid more than $400,000 for the land, which had an assessed value of nearly $225,000, according to property records. The company builds convenience stores that sell gasoline, but a company official was unable to comment Wednesday afternoon on the land deal."

Headwaters official revives towering plan
Private financing sought for 100-foot telecom masts
Link (JG)

"The recent controversy over a downtown mobile phone tower prompted Headwaters Park officials to dust off a nearly 20-year-old plan.

Geoff Paddock, park executive director, said he wants to find companies or people interested in financing two 100-foot towers at the park. He said the towers have long been a part of the park’s plan and would be placed on the cul-de-sacs on Barr and Calhoun streets."

[...]

"Paddock said the two stainless steel, cone-shaped towers could solve both needs by providing a tower in a pleasing manner. Although there is no firm cost estimate for the towers, Paddock said they could cost $500,000 each. The original plans called for observation decks, but Paddock said those would be eliminated because they could triple the costs of the structures and require staffing. He said he would like to see both built at once, but he would pursue plans for one if that was all that was possible."

Having it both ways
Link (JG)

"Mayor Tom Henry is right to ask the City Council to reconsider converting several downtown streets to allow two-way traffic. Examining ways to improve downtown traffic patterns is prudent given the flourishing development downtown.

Henry wants the council to revisit converting Wayne Street to two-way traffic between Van Buren and Clay streets, as well as Berry Street from Clay Street to Broadway."

[...]

"In 2006, the council defeated a request to convert Berry and Wayne streets downtown from one-way to two-way in a vote that split according to party affiliation. Republicans were looking at the costs then. Since then, the Harrison Square development has begun, creating a need to re-examine downtown traffic patterns, and four council members have been replaced."

[...]

"While council members should indeed examine the cost implications, they should give strong latitude to the city administration regarding the effect on traffic patterns. After all, it will be the Henry administration that runs the Street Department, is in charge of traffic signs and assigns police officers to traffic control.

City officials are right to revisit converting Wayne and Berry to two-way streets, but they should first concentrate on Calhoun Street."

Housing for ex-prisoners under debate
County weighs sites, cost, buildings for transitional programs
Link (JG)

"Details about where such a building should go and who would pay for it have yet to be worked out, Pflueger said.

A current proposal calls for building the structure on a parking lot across from the Allen County Jail on the west side of South Calhoun Street. But that location, adjacent to Headwaters Park and downtown, has raised safety concerns and questions that it could negatively affect downtown development."

[...]

"Officials are slowly getting a better idea of how much it would cost to build such a facility. The county could come up with about half the needed money, but paying for the rest could require a lengthy bond issue, something Peters isn’t sure the county can or will want to do, he said.

Construction and bonding could cost up to $15 million for the building, Peters said.

The size and what departments the building would house and the location could all affect the cost."