Summer 2024 has been filled with positive announcements and successes throughout the entire community.
STAR ribbon cutting
STAR Bank recently celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters along West Main Street in downtown Fort Wayne with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Sharon Tucker took part in the event.
The City of Fort Wayne played a pivotal role in making the project a reality through the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission which supported the project by entering into a long-term lease for the parking structure and upgrading the streetscapes around the building.
The seven-story North Tower spans over 57,300 square feet, while the three-story South Tower covers 23,300 square feet. The two towers are connected by a parking garage that accommodates nearly 400 vehicles.
STAR Bank's new headquarters is a significant milestone for our city and a testament to the bank’s commitment to Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana. This state-of-the-art facility not only strengthens our local economy but also underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. We can do great things as a city when we work together with business leaders to invest in the public infrastructure needed to grow our economy.
EPA grant for North River site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a $2 million remediation grant for the former OmniSource South Property (now known as the North River site) in Fort Wayne.
Being a recipient of this grant will enable us to make the necessary improvements to prepare the North River site for future redevelopment efforts. We’re appreciative of the opportunity to work with the EPA to help ensure we’re able to implement a meaningful project that will enhance the quality of life in our city and region and be environmentally friendly. The grant will help incorporate the site into the city’s Riverfront Plan, which seeks to expand the downtown's reach by redeveloping former industrial sites into a vibrant mixed-use district. Our success with past brownfield projects positions our community well for future initiatives and investments.
Arts United groundbreaking
Work has commenced on the expansion and modernization of the Arts United Center. The facility will undergo a nearly $40 million revitalization of the existing structure and the addition of a newly constructed accessible lobby for community members. The construction is anticipated to last 18 months, with a reopening target date of Fall 2025 for resident organizations to resume events and programming in the venue.
The City of Fort Wayne New Markets Revitalization Fund, LLC allocated $10 million in New Markets Tax Credits to Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne to support the expansion and modernization project.
It's encouraging to see how much progress is being made in Fort Wayne as we focus efforts on ensuring our community is fun, family friendly, affordable, and safe for everyone to experience and enjoy.