November 9, 2016 - The Legacy Joint Funding Committee tonight approved a request of $10 million in Legacy funding to assist with the construction investment for the first phase of riverfront development.

The nine-member committee is responsible for reviewing requests for Legacy funding. The committee is comprised of three members of Mayor Tom Henry’s administration, three members of City Council, and three citizen members (one selected by the Mayor, one selected by City Council, and one selected by the committee).

The funding request now proceeds to City Council for consideration with introduction scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22, possible discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 6, and possible final vote on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The projected construction investment is $20 million. Potential funding sources to complement the new Legacy request include the Regional Cities Initiative and private donors.

The first phase of riverfront development will be focused on the public spaces in a park setting and overseen by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. Anticipated future private riverfront development would occur in areas surrounding the public spaces. 

Development would occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area.

For the construction phase to begin, the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners is in the process of acquiring three properties along Superior and Harrison streets. It’s anticipated construction would start in 2017 with completion in 2018. 

Progress continues to be made on the design work for the riverfront project. The design development phase, a step beyond the schematic design process, is expected to be completed late this month. The team leading the design work is Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, American Structurepoint, and One Lucky Guitar.