FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The City of Fort Wayne says that the second phase of the successful A LOT to LOVE program is now open to developers who may apply to purchase discounted City-owned vacant lots and transform them into new housing.
Applications are online HERE
“Housing is a top priority for me. I want to increase housing opportunities and provide affordable options for all residents,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “One of the ways to grow our tax base as a thriving and successful community is through housing. I’m so encouraged by phase one of the a LOT to LOVE program that has been very successful as we continue the work of turning vacant lots into new housing, while helping revitalize neighborhoods and support small-scale developers.”
The following was released:
A total of 29 project sites are available, and developers may be awarded as many as three sites to build housing, including single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses. Three of the sites include two vacant lots, bringing the total of vacant lots expected to be revitalized to 32. Eligible applicants must be small-scale developers, which can include individuals, small businesses or non-profits.
Preference will be given to developers who have a demonstrated commitment to the community, experience in construction or real estate, and participated in the SEED Small-Scale Developer BUILD Program, which is supported in part by the Don Wood Foundation. Development incentives, supported by the Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, are available to some applicants to help address financial barriers such as site preparation and infrastructure redevelopment.
Three homes are currently under construction from the first round of the a LOT to LOVE program and another 10 are slated to begin construction in the next few months. A total of 21 City-owned vacant lots from phase one of a LOT to LOVE have been or will be transferred to new owners for development of new homes.
The City’s Community Development Division launched the a LOT to LOVE program in March, 2025 to achieve four goals: encourage development of housing affordable to a range of income levels, positively impact neighborhood aesthetics and safety, support the growth of small builders, and increase neighborhood-focused economic activity.
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