FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On Thursday, the Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board of Managers (CIB) approved up to $1.5 million to support North River District development.
“I’m enthusiastic about the potential for what lies ahead for the North River District,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “It’s encouraging to see progress being made on a unique venture for Fort Wayne that will position us for current and future success. We are setting our community on a course for a brighter tomorrow.”
The City released the following:
An initial payment, not to exceed $182,500, will cover half the amount of a proposed professional services agreement with PB Development of Kansas City for master planning services. The remaining portion of the $1.5 million will be spent on eligible costs at the North River site, including but not limited to master planning, architectural design, and engineering.
The Redevelopment Commission will consider the professional services agreement with PB Development at its March 9 meeting and will vote on whether to commit the remaining 50 percent of the necessary funding as part of the agreement.
PB Development will begin master planning work immediately upon approval by the Redevelopment Commission. The North River District master plan will serve as the strategic blueprint for how the 29-acre site will be used and how it will be funded.
It will set plans for:
public infrastructure (roads, public transportation, utilities, sidewalks, trails);
a variety of housing types (for rent, for purchase, multi-unit and single-family, affordable and market-rate);
commercial uses (businesses, hotels, restaurants, shops);
recreation and green spaces; and
public facilities (the North River Fieldhouse and other possible attractions).
The master plan will also move forward with planning for the North River Fieldhouse, which will establish Fort Wayne as a key youth and adaptive sports tourism destination. Spanning 160,000 square feet, the facility is anticipated to accommodate various indoor sports and activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, pickleball, baseball, flag football and more.
Recent feasibility studies estimate the fieldhouse will generate approximately $36 million in economic activity annually, primarily from visitors coming to Fort Wayne for tournaments. This will support nearly 900 jobs and contribute approximately $12.9 million in labor income each year. It is expected to create demand for 54,000 hotel nights annually and generate an estimated $733,000 in food and beverage and innkeepers tax revenue annually.
For more information and to stay up to date on the project visit TheNorthRiverDistrict.com
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