MAYOR HENRY HAILS DOWNTOWN MOMENTUM AS NEW PLANS UNVEILED FOR ANTHONY WAYNE BUILDING

Upscale Housing, Retail Put Bold Mark on Changing Face of City Center

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The new energy rippling through downtown Fort Wayne received another boost as local developers, and state and federal officials, joined Mayor Tom Henry in unveiling plans today for the total makeover of the Anthony Wayne Building at 203 East Berry Street.

Taking part in the announcement along with the Mayor were John Nichols, principal in AWB Holdings, project developer; John Hall, Regional Director, Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and representatives of the Up State Alliance of Realtors (UPSTAR), formerly known as Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors.

“Our dreams for a downtown Fort Wayne that is great place to live, work and play – and that is an economic driver for our region, are coming to life,” said Mayor Henry. “Building a vibrant city center is about making Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana more attractive to the good jobs, talented workers and businesses that we need to thrive. Strong private-public partnerships are the key to that success. I salute AWB Holdings for believing and investing in their hometown. It is a big win for all of us.”

“Success breeds success,” said Nichols. “With Mayor Henry’s strong commitment to downtown, an untapped market ready for urban living and a prime location, we knew the time was right to give downtown another great new residential option. We believe the Anthony Wayne Building will only complement all the other exciting developments occurring in the city core. Fort Wayne is our home, and we love what we see happening here. We’re optimistic about the future.” 

AWB Holdings is composed of RCI Development, LLC, and several other local investors. RCI Development is well known throughout the region as the originating force behind the three-sheet Canlan Ice Arena, now named Lutheran Health SportsCenter.

The 15-story, high-rise Anthony Wayne Building captures the “Mad Men” modernistic flare of 1961 when it was built. In its new incarnation, the 100,000 square-foot structure will become a multi-use building, completely re-envisioned to meet contemporary expectations.

The first floor of the new development will be exclusively retail space. Floors two through five will remain a 250-space parking garage. Part of floor five will also be outfitted as a club area for residents with an outdoor patio and great views of city landmarks.

With the assistance of the City of Fort Wayne and $1 million of federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) loan funds, floor six will be converted into seven condominium units which will be model units targeted to young professionals. NSP funds are the catalyst that will jumpstart this sort of private investment throughout downtown Fort Wayne.

Floors seven through 15 will be transformed into upscale, one- and two-bedroom condominiums, with some office or commercial possibilities also available. The 793-square-foot to 2,053-square-foot floor plans will feature all the latest amenities, energy efficiencies and nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, plus each unit will come with two slots in the parking garage. Snow & Sauerteig, LLP, a local law firm, has already committed to the eleventh floor.

Potential commercial tenants for the Anthony Wayne Building are encouraged to contact Breck Geeting at (260) 421-1915, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or JohnNichols at (260) 437-1199 on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Further information is also available at awbcondos.com.

Private investment in the project will tip $11 million, with the entire value of the development exceeding $15 million upon completion. In the public-sector investment column, along with the NSP dollars, are State of Indiana Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CReED) tax credits.

CReED is a 25 percent income-tax credit on qualified investments in a designated area, an incentive created specifically to encourage downtown growth. Additionally, the City has offered guidance with planning, utility and façade issues.

As demographics have shifted, research has shown that the appeal of downtown living has blossomed for various market segments, including young professionals and empty nesters. The Anthony Wayne Building project demonstrates the adaptive reuse of a viable, well-positioned property. Its renewal not only breathes new life into a desirable location, it also repurposes an underutilized community asset and promotes green principles with its focus on energy savings.

It is anticipated that five jobs will be created by this venture. Furthermore, throughout the renovation period, approximately 100 construction positions will also be generated.

AWB Holdings acquired the property on September 16. Preliminary work on the project is expected to begin immediately. To fast track development and accommodate interest, construction will be phased. The sixth-floor condominiums are slated to be finished in late spring 2012, with other floors soon to follow. 

Please see attached artist rendering.

pdf_smallArtist Rendering

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