Event Spotlights Project Milestones, Launch of Residential Marketing Campaign
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Together with the members of the New Harrison, LLC, development team, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today celebrated the official kickoff for The Harrison, the residential and commercial component of Harrison Square and the final piece of the signature downtown complex.
Overlooking the already busy worksite from the suite-level lounge at Parkview Field, project principals Simon Dragan, Mark Hagerman and Chris Schoen joined Mayor Henry in a symbolic cake-breaking ceremony. The event commemorated the formal start of construction and the completion of financing for The Harrison. It also signaled the launch of a new marketing campaign for the development’s 44 upscale apartments.
{flv}harrisonmayorbite{/flv}“There’s a new buzz about The Harrison,” said Mayor Henry. “You can see it in the foundation taking form, in the firm deal signed and sealed, and in the assurance that new housing, new retail and new commercial space will soon fulfill the vision of Harrison Square. Today, we congratulate the New Harrison development team for its success in reaching these important milestones. Together, we celebrate the growing energy and the growing opportunity in the heart of our city.”
In concert with PNC Bank as the lead lender, the private-sector developers closed on The Harrison’s financing package in mid-January, in advance of the January 17 deadline for the conclusion of the New Markets Tax Credit portion of the pact. The finalization of funding paved the way for the full start of construction.
During the intervening months, the investors underscored their confidence in the project by carrying out preliminary work on site. These preparations are helping to accelerate the building process, keeping The Harrison on pace to meet its 14-month construction timeline.
“Building and investing in communities throughout the Midwest is what The Hagerman Group does best. It is our company’s long and proud tradition,” noted Hagerman, New Harrison partner and CEO of The Hagerman Group. “I am especially pleased to be a part of this landmark project in my hometown, one that will add real value in our continuing efforts to make northeast Indiana more competitive.”
“I believe in what is happening in downtown Fort Wayne and why its vitality is essential to attracting the good jobs and business growth our region needs to thrive,” stated Dragan, New Harrison partner and President of Whitley Manufacturing Company, Inc. “With The Harrison, we’re demonstrating again that we have what it takes to be an exceptional community.”
“This is an exciting time for Fort Wayne,” added Schoen, New Harrison partner and Managing Principal with Greenstone Properties. “In short order, The Harrison will be a dream no more, but a sought-out development, bringing a singular living experience into downtown, expanding the already positive impact of the ballpark and enhancing this community’s investments. I commend my partners, Mayor Henry and the people of Fort Wayne for holding to the dream.”
With the development now on the rise, the project group capitalized on the moment to roll out the marketing campaign for the apartment homes in this new city-center addition. The Harrison represents a one-of-a-kind setting in northeast Indiana. Its top two floors are dedicated to one- and two bedroom units appointed with contemporary features and luxury finishes. Each residence showcases either a unique view of the downtown skyline or a front-row seat on the action at Parkview Field.
The Harrison offers numerous amenities for those who select this stylish address. It provides secure underground parking, a fitness center, resident common suite and private elevator access. Options start at $900 per month.
Those interested in exploring The Harrison’s urban living experience or commercial space possibilities should contact BND Commercial Real Estate by phone at (260) 402-2546, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or online at www.theharrisonfw.com.
Situated on the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Ewing Street, The Harrison’s curved façade complements its strategic location as the visual gateway to Harrison Square. Along with the third- and fourth-floor apartments, the mixed-used building expands downtown’s commercial options with retail shops at street level and distinctive office space on the second floor. Overall, The Harrison will encompass nearly 100,000 square feet of leasable space across its four stories.
As part of the festivities, the Mayor and the developers also saluted The Harrison’s three confirmed commercial tenants:
• Carson Boxberger, LLP, a longstanding downtown law firm, committed to 24,000 square feet of space;
• 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, a regional financial-services provider, taking 3,800 square feet of space; and
• O’Reilly’s Irish Bar, an Indianapolis-based establishment new to northeast Indiana, booked for 4,000 square feet of space.
The Harrison represents an estimated $18.5 million private investment in the city core. This total significantly exceeds the $14.5 million outlay required by the City of Fort Wayne for this phase of Harrison Square.
Along with the principals in New Harrison, the other members of The Harrison’s working team include: Design Collaborative, a local, downtown architectural and engineering firm that is serving as the project designer; and Hagerman Construction Corporation, a nearly century-old Fort Wayne construction company that is acting as the general contractor.
The Harrison is the finishing piece of Harrison Square, the flourishing downtown development begun in 2006 that has become a major economic-activity generator for the entire region. The private-public initiative is composed of the record-breaking Parkview Field, home of the popular TinCaps; a hospitality-sector boosting Courtyard by Marriott hotel; a convenient 900-space parking garage; and the scenic Robert E. Meyers Park.
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