What would you like to see in downtown Fort Wayne?

[markjohnsonfw]

Has anyone seen the new MLK Jr Bridge Downtown?? The pictures do not do it justice on any level. It's magnificent. I was at Germanfest last weekend and was totally amazed. It was probably 11pm when we decided to walk over to get a closer look and there were dozens of people stopping, taking pictures and the constant sound of "wow" and "awesome" going on.



Also, quite a few announcements recently, it looks like a few more apartments and retail/cafes may be lined up for Calhoun St sooner than later. Anyways the DTFW Blog has a bunch of the info on all of the developments.

-mj

[belovenow]

Originally Posted by cdcdguy

I would love to see a high quality supermarket, but would be worried if it could suceed.

A super market is desperately needed downtown in Fort Wayne. My suggestions would be for someone to come in and create either one or two small grocery stores similar to a Mark & Spenser or Carrefour grocery store (small European-style markets that have done well in older urban environments).

[wh15395]

Originally Posted by mbuszu

A super market is desperately needed downtown in Fort Wayne. My suggestions would be for someone to come in and create either one or two small grocery stores similar to a Mark & Spenser or Carrefour grocery store (small European-style markets that have done well in older urban environments).

Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought I heard they were putting a grocery store in the Anthony Wayne condos. Anyone have any information on that?

[cdr18]

I too, visited the Germanfest in Downtown Fort Wayne. I really feel like Fort Wayne has gotten the ball rolling on the downtown. Is it perfect? No, but it has taken great strides and the benefits are starting to come. The new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. bridge is a magnificent gateway into downtown. What used to be somewhat of an eyesore (the old bridge) is now a focal point for the downtown and Headwaters Park. With the newly constructed Harrison condos (15 of 43 sold already), I think Fort Wayne has invested significant monies to get private investors starting to the same thing. I really believe that downtown is starting to become a destination in Fort Wayne, where you can find a variety of entertainment options as well as working there. It is interesting because you can't see a revitalization overnight, but with Fort Wayne, the culmination of the last 10 years has been significant.

[cdcdguy]

Compared to other Midwest cities, I have to say Fort Wayne has a pretty nice downtown. And it has even more potential. Do you think it could support a high end place to eat?

[wh15395]

It used to have a high end place to eat called the Summit Club at the top of the PNC building, but it closed a couple years ago. There are some more expensive restaurants like Takaoka and Club Soda, plus Paula's seafood and the Oyster Bar just outside of downtown, but nothing really like Morton's or Ruth's Chris. I honestly don't believe downtown is ready for a place like that, though. If one were to open, I'd imagine some restaurant in the suburbs would have to close down. I've always thought a Cheescake Factory would do great in downtown Fort Wayne.

[markjohnsonfw]

Here is a snapshot of the current residential projects downtown courtesy of DFTW Insider. Note, this doesn't include any Indiana Tech student housing projects which seem to be ongoing, or a few smaller scale redevs into apartments taking place throughout the core.





The mayor is supposed to present the final Legacy Fund recommendations to the council on October 30th. I'm sure with the right investments proposed and/or approved we'll see additional developments take shape over the next year.