September 25, 2024 - Phase II of the Pontiac Streetscape enhancement project has been completed. Phase I was finished last fall. Led by the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division, the project now extends from Hanna Street to South Anthony Boulevard.
Pontiac Street serves as a primary commercial corridor for the Renaissance Pointe and Oxford neighborhoods. The Southeast Strategy Update identified Pontiac as a key corridor for public improvements and business growth. Additional investments in this corridor include the Pontiac Street Market, revitalized Powell Park, along with several commercial façade grant projects. The city also rezoned portions of Pontiac to an Urban Corridor District to support mixed-use development.
Both phases of this project represent an estimated total investment of $5.2 million. The project makes the corridor more pedestrian friendly to enhance access to businesses, and to encourage reinvestment throughout the corridor.
Project elements and features include:
- Upgraded sidewalk accessibility to comply with ADA standards, improving overall connectivity and accessibility
- Enhanced streetscape with the addition of trees, planter beds, and green infrastructure
- Integrated traffic-calming strategies to manage traffic speed and increase pedestrian safety
- Improved overall lighting and updated traffic lights with pedestrian push buttons.
- Strengthened economic return from increased property value and commercial investment
“The completion of Phase II of the Pontiac Streetscape enhancement project marks a significant step forward in the implementation of the Southeast Strategy,” said Community Development Director Jonathan Leist. “These enhancements will help attract new investment and create a safer, welcoming environment for all.”
For more information on the project visit https://engage.cityoffortwayne.org/pontiac-streetscape-phase-ii