Fort Wayne & NE Indiana News

The latest positive news written by residents and organizations in our community.
Government

Downtown Fort Wayne: What’s Next?

The City of Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. are inviting the public to help determine the future of downtown Fort Wayne. Residents are invited to the Downtown Blueprint Block Party, Thursday, October 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. on The Landing. A brief program will get underway at 5:30 p.m.

Free food and music will be available, as well as the opportunity to provide input about future plans for the downtown area. The Downtown Blueprint is Fort Wayne’s strategic plan for downtown revitalization. First completed in 2002, then updated in 2005, it’s now time to refresh the vision for the heart of the City.

“Downtown and all of Fort Wayne have made tremendous progress over the last decade,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “That did not happen by accident, however; it is the result of thoughtful planning and hard work from City government, the private sector, neighborhood leaders and many other partners. I’m looking forward to continuing the positive momentum we’re experiencing in Fort Wayne as we work together to develop bold initiatives to keep our community moving in the right direction.”

“We have a downtown that is becoming the envy of many communities,” said Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. CEO Eric Doden. “It’s time to take the next step in our revitalization efforts and set future goals for the heart of our community. Together with residents, we will continue to build a downtown where people gather to live, work and play.”

The Blueprint Block Party will feature stations where residents can learn about the downtown plan and offer their thoughts about how it should be updated. Attendees will be asked to provide feedback about downtown housing, retail, entertainment, transportation and more. Once residents offer their opinions, they’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize package that includes free tickets to a Jackson Browne concert at the Embassy Theatre, a free overnight stay at the Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center and a $50 gift card to any downtown restaurant from the Downtown Improvement District.

Entertainment will be provided by the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra and food will be offered from a variety of downtown caterers. A cash bar will be available.

The City of Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. are hosting the Blueprint Block Party. Partners include: the Downtown Improvement District, Arts United, Visit Fort Wayne, YLNI, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, and Majic 95.1.

More information is available at www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/downtown-fw.