Castle's Days Numbered

Panel plans for stadium demolition
Would be gone in ’09 if Wizards move downtown
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17346682.htm

"Mac Parker, Coliseum board president, told the Allen County commissioners Friday that Coliseum officials expect to complete two construction projects in 2009. Those proposed projects include renovating the almost 20-year-old exposition center and tearing down Memorial Stadium, where the Fort Wayne Wizards play, to expand the parking lot."

"[Nelson] Peters said all possible uses of the stadium should be explored, and he suggested creating another committee to find someone who wants or needs to use the stadium."

"Officials are waiting to make sure that plans for the proposed downtown city-owned stadium move forward. And Brown wants to ensure the stadium would open in time for the beginning of the 2009 season and that the Wizards have a place to play."

"Officials believe that it would cost about $2.2 million to demolish the stadium, pave the land for parking and possibly add retention ponds. The Coliseum will use revenue from the professional sports and convention development fund to pay for the project, he said. The fund allows the Coliseum to collect income tax revenue from employees at the Coliseum, sales tax generated there, plus any food or beverage taxes."

Plans under way for tearing down stadium
2009 demolition foreseen when Wizards move downtown
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17347323.htm

"Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters is uncomfortable with the idea that Memorial Stadium might be torn down and asked Memorial Coliseum officials at the commissioners meeting Friday morning to consider a final brainstorming effort to find ways to reuse the stadium."

"Commissioner Linda Bloom said the company hired to study other uses of the current stadium came up with some alternatives, but thought the new downtown stadium could be used for those same activities, making the two stadiums compete."

Looking At Memorial Stadium's Possibilities

Study to cover the bases of stadium’s future
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/local/16549278.htm

• Allen County commissioners will discuss today whether to work with the city and IPFW on a study of Memorial Stadium
• Study will look at cost of operation and changes needed for IPFW baseball and community events

Addendum:
City, county and IPFW to study fate of Memorial Stadium
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/local/16554731.htm

Another Addendum:
County signs on to stadium study
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16558250.htm

Plan-It Emphasizes Mixed-Use

Plan-It Allen! lets public see proposal
The steering committee has created a set of principles to guide development decisions for the county, as well as its cities and towns.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16525499.htm

From the article:

"“The plan shows really strong need for mixed-use facilities,” Holocher said. “We can’t just build a subdivision in the middle of a cornfield.”
Holocher said Harrison Square, a $160 million mixed-use development proposed for downtown, of which a $30 million baseball stadium is the centerpiece, is a perfect example."

Check out the report for yourself:
Allen County/Fort Wayne Comprehensive Land Use & Development Plan (PDF)

The guiding principles are especially enlightening. Here is a sample of a few taken directly from the report:

"The visual character, historic features and natural assets inherent within the community should be retained and enhanced. "

"Neighborhoods, downtowns, commercial centers and towns should be compact, pedestrian friendly and mixed used; and districts of single use should be the exception. "

"Housing with a diversity of values and types should be encouraged to provide housing choices within neighborhoods and throughout the community. "

"Infill development and revitalization initiatives should be encouraged. "

"Civic, institutional and commercial activity should not be isolated in single-use districts, but be integrated into the neighborhood fabric. "

"The use of opens spaces, such as parks, plazas and squares, should be encouraged to promote gathering places within neighborhoods, downtowns, commercials centers and towns. "

"Many activities of daily living should occur within walking distance of most dwellings, allowing independence from driving as the only means of travel. "

So what does this all mean?
These principles show that not only does the City of Fort Wayne support mixed-use development, but so does Allen County. Reading these guiding principles is like reading a blueprint for Harrison Square. Mixed-use development is the goal of the future, a result of learning from the mistakes of single-use zoning of the past.

What do you think of the County's plan for the future?