The DIG Blog

Lincoln Museum closes it's doors

2008-06-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Lincoln Museum in downtown Fort Wayne closed it's doors to visitors for the last time at 5 PM Sunday. The museum's collection has been in Fort Wayne for nearly 77 years. Lincoln Financial Group decided to close the museum in early March, citing that they wanted to make the collection "available to a greater number of people, using Lincoln' bicentennial as a cataylst."

The collection has an estimated value of nearly $20 million. Recently, over 40 organizations and museums in Washington D.C. have joined together, forming a coallation to purchase the collection. However, many Indiana organizations have done the same, forming a coallation to purchase the items and keep them here in Indiana. The Indiana coallation is led by former Lincoln Financial Group CEO Ian Rolland. LFG has said they will decide on the final location of the items in January.

As for yesterday, the museum went out with quite a crowd. Visitors were lined up along Clinton all the way to Berry Street, at some points even crossing Berry. Even though a heavy 10-minute rain shower hit downtown around 3 PM, guests braved the weather, umbrella or none. The line was due to the fact that the museum has a specified carrying capacity that they cannot exceed, which happens to be 750 visitors at any given time. The museum operated at carrying capacity for much of the afternoon, and addmission was cut off at 4 PM. Many that were in line at the time were turned away.

Inside the museum, it would be hard for the average person to be able to tell that it was the last day. Besides the museum store, everything was where it should be, every exhibit still working, and everything piece of the museum's astonishing collection was still exactly where it has been for the past several years.

Over the next several months, the collection will be packaged and ready to move to it's new location, wherever it may be. The Renaissance Building, which previously housed the temporary location for the ACPL, will then stand completely vacant, as the museum was the last operating tenant. The building was originally occupied by Lincoln Financial Group, in addition to their offices on Calhoun. The Elektron building, located on Berry directly across from the Renaissance Building, was home to the Lincoln National Corporation in it's early days, before moving to the offices on Calhoun. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation.

In the end, downtown has lost another great attraction, and a piece of Fort Wayne's history has officially been closed.

For more information on The Lincoln Museum, visit www.thelincolnmuseum.org.

DID Clean-up Crew Notice

2008-06-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

The Clean-up Day scheduled for Saturday, July 12th has been cancelled due to the festival activities taking place downtown. If you would like to volunteer with clean-up efforts during the festival season, contact the Beautification Department of the DID.

Click here for updates, notices, and contact information for the Beautification Department of the DID.

What's Going Down(town)

2008-06-03T12:36:00.001-07:00

DID creates Cleanup Crew

2008-03-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

This summer, head to the streets of downtown with the Downtown Improvement District to tackle beautification projects and create a more attractive downtown for everyone! The Downtown Cleanup Crew is a new volunteer program of the Downtown Improvement District for the summer of 2008, a group of volunteers will head downtown once or twice a month for a few hours to tackle heavy and widespread beautification projects.

To sign up, simply send an email to either cleanupcrew@downtownfortwayne.com or beautification@downtownfortwayne.com.

From the DID (link)-

"The Cleanup Crew is a group of volunteers working together to tackle heavy and
widespread beautification projects downtown. These projects include heavily
weeded areas, areas struggling with abundant litter, or just cleanup of
downtown streets in general. The group will meet once a month on Saturdays
throughout the summer for about a three hours (usually 9 a.m. until noon).
In addition to volunteering outside, members will also meet at various times
to discuss beautification strategies, identify areas in need of immediate
attention, arrange additional volunteer dates, and organize future cleanup
crew dates."

2008 Cleanup Crew Schedule-

-Saturday, May 10th (Cleanup Day)
-Saturday, June 14th (Cleanup Day)
-Wednesday, June 18th (Beautification/Cleanup Crew Meeting)
-Saturday, July 12th (Cleanup Day)
-Saturday, August 9th (Cleanup Day)
-Monday, August 13th (Beautification/Cleanup Crew Meeting)
-Saturday, September 13th (Cleanup Day)
-Saturday, October 11th (Cleanup Day)
-Thursday, October 16th (Final 2008 Cleanup Crew meeting)

For more information on the Downtown Cleanup Crew or the Downtown Improvement District, visit www.downtownfortwayne.com.

Lincoln Museum to close down

2008-03-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

One of downtown Fort Wayne's museum's is set to close down this summer. The Lincoln museum on Berry Street will close it's doors for the last time on June 30th of 2008.

Related articles:
-Link (JG)

Winter storm on the way

2008-03-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Another round of winter weather is set to plague the area tonight, bringing mixed precipitation tonight, possibly changing over to all snow by daybreak. Ice accumulations of up to 0.25" is possible, along with 3-5 inches of snow. Some areas may see locally heavier amounts of 6 to 7 inches before the system moves out early Wednesday morning.

Please take the necessary precautions to ensure safety over the next couple of days.

For more information on weather forcasts, watches, and warnings, visit www.nws.noaa.gov/iwx.

DID Releases 2008 Events Schedule

2008-02-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

The Downtown Improvement District (DID) has released their events schedule for 2008. Visit www.downtownfortwayne.com for more information on the DID and DID events.

2008 DID Events-

Art Crawl
Friday, May 30th

Freimann Family Thursdays
Thursdays June 5-26th

Island Fest (Formerly Beach Blast)
Saturday, July 26th

Downtown Mardi Gras
Saturday, August 9th

Dowtown Fright Night
Saturday, October 25th

Holidayfest '08
Kicks off Wednesday, November 26th

Flood Repeat Possible

2008-02-15T16:35:00.001-08:00

As Fort Wayne and surrounding areas continue to clean up from last week's floods, we could see another round of heavy rain and mixed precipitation moving in this weekend. While some areas are still flooded, and some low-lying fields and streets are still water (or ice) covered, not all flooding problems have come to an end. Current forcasts show rain moving in late Saturday night, and continuing throughout the day Sunday, possibly chaning to mixed precipitation or snow Sunday night with colder air moving in, with a couple inches of accumulation possible before the system moves out of our area. However, the snow isn't the primary concern, the rain is.

Current predictions make a point that heavy rain is highly likely Sunday, and possible into Sunday night, and before the system moves out we could see over one inch of rain, some areas could see up to two inches. One to two inches of rain, combined with snowmelt and a possible one to three inches of snow, flooding problems could make a comeback early next week- and flooding problems could reach severe levels before receeding, possibly exceeding levels we saw last week.
All in all, I'd say it's safe to say you might want to stay clear of parts of State Street next week, and parts of Clinton heading into downtown. Also, many low-lying areas will see plenty of flooding problems. We will continue to post lists of sandbagging locations next week, as well as continued coverage of flooding across the area.

The following is from the National Weather Service (NWS) of northeastern Indiana:

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NORTHERN INDIANA
453 PM EST FRI FEB 15 2008

...HEAVY RAINFALL POSSIBLE LATE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY....A POTENT LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL DEVELOP OVER EASTERN TEXAS ANDRAPIDLY SHIFT NORTHEAST INTO THE GREAT LAKES REGION SUNDAY. THECOMBINATION OF STRONG LIFT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYSTEM...INCONJUNCTION WITH AMPLE GULF MOISTURE...WILL SUPPORT THEDEVELOPMENT OF WIDESPREAD RAINFALL. THE PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTEDTO BEGIN AS A PERIOD OF FREEZING RAIN LATE SATURDAYNIGHT AND TRANSITION TO ALL RAIN BY SUNDAY MORNING. RAINFALL ISEXPECTED TO BE HEAVY AT TIMES...ESPECIALLY WEST OF A PERU INDIANATO HILLSDALE MICHIGAN LINE. ANOTHER ROUND OF HEAVY RAINFALLIS POSSIBLE LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS A COLD FRONTPUSHES EAST ACROSS THE FORECAST AREA...SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENTOF A LINE OF HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. TOTAL RAINFALLAMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE BETWEEN THREE QUARTERS OF ANINCH...TO POSSIBLY TWO INCHES. FROZEN SOIL CONDITIONS...MELTINGSNOW PACK...AND RAINFALL WILL LIKELY LEAD TO CONTINUED OR RENEWEDFLOODING ALONG CREEKS...RIVERS...LAKES AND LOW LYING AREAS.

Flood Update

2008-02-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, the picture you see to the left isn't a riverfront boardwalk in Chicago, or the canal that goes through downtown Indianapolis. The picture to the left is Headwater's Park in downtown Fort Wayne- or at least whats still above water, that is.

Due to heavy rain and snowmelt over the past couple of days, rivers in northern Indiana and Ohio have been on the rise, and flood warnings cover nearly every county in northeastern Indiana. The St. Joseph in Fort Wayne was at 17.4 feet Thursday afternoon, while the flood stage is 12 feet. The river is forcasted to crest Friday morning, and go below flood stage by early Tuesday morning. However, that may not be the case, as more rain and snow will enter the area tomorrow afternoon, starting as rain, then changing over to snow. 1 to 2 inches of snow is possible Friday evening, and although the precipitation will be frozen- highs could reach above 40 degrees early next week, meaning more snowmelt.

To look at the brightside of the situation, just imagine how things would look right now if we had recieved the forcasted 12-14 inches of snow last week, instead of the 3.8 inches (Fort Wayne) we got. Things could be much worse than they are at the moment, and this flood could have been a moderate to major flood in severity, although the flood already is exceeding levels reached in recent years.

As for traffic, don't head down Clinton into downtown for a while. Water is flooding from one park to the other, meaning there's some water flooding over Clinton street, and traffic is down to one lane. Also, areas to the west of Clinton and north of downtown are a mess, and plenty of streets are closed down due to flooding. Headwater's Park, Lawtown Park, as well as the skate park are under water as of Thursday afternoon.

The image to the right is a shot looking at Clinton Street from the upper level of Headwater's Park. While it's only a matter of inches over Clinton, it is plenty enough to slow traffic and reduce the street to one lane. Clinton isn't nearly as bad as some other streets in the area, however, as plenty of areas to the north and west of Headwater's Park are under water.

In addition to the area to the northwest, plenty of areas along the river to the southwest of Headwater's Park, particularly areas on Superior street, are flooding through as well. While this isn't a major flood for Fort Wayne, it is creating plenty of problems for the area, and probably has worked it's way from a minor flood to a moderate flood.

Sandbagging is going on at plenty of locations around the city, the following list is from the City of Fort Wayne's website:

Portage Middle School – 3521 Taylor Street
Broadview Florist – 5409 Winchester Road
Taylor University – 1025 W. Rudisill Blvd. (parking lot on the south side of Rudisill)
Southwest Conservation Club – 5701 Bluffton Road

Other sources have said that sandbagging is going on at various other locations, including Fellowship Missionary Church at 2536 Tillman Road, however I can't confirm that at this time. An update from the National Weather Service (NWS) suggests many rivers may crest as late as Saturday afternoon, or as early as Friday morning. With more precipitation on the way, we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Shorts: Week of 2/4/08

2008-02-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

News shorts for the week of February 4, 2008:

-The DID plans to host a downtown beach party once again this summer, calling it "island-fest" for now. Visit www.downtownfortwayne.com for more information on the DID and upcoming DID events.

-As a possible solution to the controversary over placing a new telecommunications tower downtown, two "pyramids" could go up in/near Headwaters park, disguised with decorations, each standing about 100 feet tall, and costing about $500,000 each.

-Excitement over Harrison Square is building, Mayor Henry has recieved phone calls from developers reguarding building condominiums near the complex in addition to those already being built.

-DFWB (Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball) uncovered information reguarding a recent land purchase by National Oil & Gas Co. near the Harrison Square site. For more information visit DFWB, or view the original post.

-A new downtown restuarant is set to open soon, called "Bourbon Street Hideaway", in the basement of Columbia Street West. For more information, click here, or view DFWB's "sneak peak".

Next up on Downtown DIG

2008-02-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

Coming up in the next edition of Downtown DIG, we'll take a walk over to HomeGrown Bead and Candle Shoppe on Wayne Street to talk with owner Corene Painter, and feature an interview with the DID's newest employee.

Oh, and if you want a little sneak peak of some other stories that we might pack in too, go to youtube.com/downtowndig and watch the "WLDE Tour". Don't worry, we won't put the whole 7 minutes in our next edition.

Winter Storm Coverage Part Three

2008-02-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

Well, as you may have noticed, we didn't pick up that foot of snow like what was forcasted. But the four or five inches we did get was enough to create some messy roads and school closings. Overall, it was just your typical January snowstorm for Fort Wayne. Other areas around the state, however, picked up quite a bit more than us, some places seeing up to 10+ inches.

There was an interesting sight downtown last night, however- a snow tornado on Calhoun. The video below was shot around midnight or so looking north on Calhoun from Washington, by John and Nick Arnett.

So while we didn't get a foot of snow, it was nice to have a little break from the cold rainy weather, and see a blanket of white over the city. Oh, and we definitely got our answer to the question "Will the snow shut down downtown?". Well, considering thats where I am at the moment, and the only problem I had getting here was slipping on a little patch of slush, I think its pretty safe to say that it didn't. Now had we gotten the 12-15 inches forcasted, that may have been a different story.

Winter Storm Coverage Part Two

2008-01-31T23:37:00.000-08:00

As the wicked winter weather continues tonight, snow is expected to increase in coverage and intensity through Friday morning, with many parts of the area seeing moderate to heavy snow, and double digit totals.

I know there were some people claiming the storm would miss us, or we wouldn't see much in the way of snow, but these radar images pretty much prove the point that there's no getting out of this one for northeastern Indiana-

Winter Storm Coverage Part One

2008-01-31T19:24:00.000-08:00

Below is video taken by the Downtown DIG crew around 10PM tonight. Moderate snow was reported, and a wind gust of about 25-30mph blew towards the end of the video, and after the footage. Up to a foot of snow or more is likely for the Fort Wayne area overnight and into Friday afternoon.

Downtown DIG will keep you updated as this nasty winter storm moves through our area. And tomorrow, we'll find out- will the snow shut down downtown?

Go ahead and send us your own footage from the winter storm! Just attach the video to an email to info@digfortwayne.com.

Downtown DIG Is Moving Forward

2008-01-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Over the course of the winter, DIG has expanded Downtown DIG into much more than the original daily one minute clip of random updates. We've gone as far as to bring it up to a 15 minute clip, jam-packed with interviews, highlights, and the stories of places and people you may have never heard of.

Well, we want to take it a step further.

Now, we want you to get more involved with Downtown DIG, and we're going to tell you of a couple of different ways how you can.

#1- Become a Downtown DIG Reporter
Believe it or not, sometimes we have problems assigning reporters to stories. Whats the problem? We don't have enough people to report on the stories we want to cover. So if you want to see your face in the next edition of Downtown DIG, go ahead and sign up to be a reporter! You can sign up to be a reporter by heading over to http://www.digfortwayne.com/, and filling out the Downtown DIG reporter form. Spots are limited, however.

#2- Send in your own report
You may have seen something like this on media giants such as CNN or MSNBC, or maybe even on local media sites such as Indiana's Newscenter. Well, now Downtown DIG is joining the media trend by allowing you to send in content that you created. For example- maybe there's a story you want us to cover, but you just can't wait until the next edition of Downtown DIG to see it- go ahead and tape it, and send it in to us! We'll feature it on our site, and if we like what we see- we'll try to find a way to fit in our next edition.

Right now, things are in the process of changing, so we don't have any flashy upload forms for you to use to upload your videos. However, if you send the video in an attachment to an email, or post the video on a blip.tv page, we'll be able to get it and upload it to our site.

#3- Work behind the scenes
We're always looking for new stories to cover, new places to film from, and new people to talk to. So if you've got any ideas for us, let us know! We're always open to suggestions, and strongly encourage public input. We'd like most of our content to feature stuff downtown (hence the name, Downtown DIG), but we don't have a problem featuring something from around the area every once and a while.

Oh, and a little side note- not all of our content needs to feature things in Fort Wayne. If you live in New Haven, and you'd like to show us around your downtown, go ahead an invite us! The same goes for all the other surrounding cities and towns. We're nice people, I promise.

#4- Help us spread the word
We're always in need of people to help us get the word out about Downtown DIG, since we're just getting started with the new series and all. If you'd like to hand out fliers, we've got plenty! Just drop us and email and we'll drop them off (kinda catchy, eh?). Or if you'd like a poster or flier for your workplace/store/etc, just contact us and we'll get some to you asap.

Also, if you see us out filming somewhere, don't be camera shy! Go ahead and talk in front of the camera. Who knows, you could end up seeing yourself in our next edition! A little heads up-we'll be at all of the Downtown Improvement District's events this summer.

#5- Get involved downtown!
We love to see people get involved in downtown, and there's plenty of opportunities too! Volunteer at the community center, or buy something from WLDE's Weenie Wagon. Whatever your cup of tea is, its ours too!

So that gives you just a few ideas of different ways to get involved with Downtown DIG. We're always open to new ideas, even if you're giving us ideas about giving ideas! Whatever it is that you want to see, go ahead and tell us. Now there's one thing that we've left out so far, and that happens to be contact, so here it is-

DIG
Email: info@digfortwayne.com

Downtown DIG
Email:
nick@digfortwayne.com
nick@downtownfortwayne.com
or, email the DID

Yeah we know, those were all email addresses. But like we said, we're in the process of changing things a bit, so an email address is pretty much all we can provide you with at the moment. However, if you contact someone with DIG, Downtown DIG, or the DID, they can give you a number of someone with Downtown DIG to call if needed.

But we like emails. =)

One Last Thing. A little bit about Downtown DIG-
In the event that you catch us out on the streets, or you'd like us to do a story on something/someone, or whatever the connection may be between us and you, its always nice to know a little bit about someone before you talk to them. So we'll go ahead and give you a little summary of who we are and what we do.

Downtown DIG was started in September of 2007 by DIG (Downtown Improvement Group), a grass-roots organization focused on helping people of all ages get involved in downtown. In December of 2007, Downtown DIG went through a transformation, so to speak. Downtown DIG was picked up by the Downtown Improvement District, and became a collaborative effort between the DID and DIG. Also in December, the new edition of Downtown DIG was released, the first in the DIG-DID series. The new edition was roughly 14 minutes long, and featured a variety of different types of stories. The crew of Downtown DIG was, and still is, as follows:

Nick Arnett- Host, Camera, Editing
Meagan Ford- Lead reporter, part time co-host
Hannah Alexander- Reporter
Rachel Davenport-Reporter, Downtown DIG organizer
Mona Del Priore- Reporter, Reporter Assistant

So that pretty much sums most of it up. To give you another little heads up, we've got a lot of big things coming up in the next several months, and some big announcments to be made in the next couple of weeks. So keep checking back!

HolidayFest '07

2007-11-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

HolidayFest '07 kicks off Wednesday, November 21st. Activities of the evening include the annual lighting ceremonies of the IMP Wreath, the Wells Fargo Christmas Tree, the National City Santa Claus, and the Harrison Windows at the Indiana Hotel, as well as the opening of the Headwaters Park Ice Arena. Plenty of other holiday events kick off that evening, and in the days following.

Below is a schedule of events for the HolidayFest kick off on November 21st:

5:30 -- Ice Skating Extravaganza At Headwaters Park
333 South Clinton Street

6:15 -- Annual Lighting Of Santa And His Reindeer
National City Bank On Main Street

6:45 -- Lighting Of The Wells Fargo Holiday Tree
Wells Fargo Building On Calhoun Street

7:00 -- Lighting Of The Indiana Michigan Power Christmas Wreath
One Summit Square On Wayne Street

7:15 -- Harrison Street Windows
Embassy Theatre on Harrison Street

Other events, such as the Festival of Trees, and the Festival of Gingerbread also kick off that evening. For more information on HolidayFest '07, go to www.downtownfortwayne.com/holidayfest

DIG Daily

2007-10-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

DIG Daily, October 17-18

Stories included:
-"Portable Sounds" Tour
-Remedy.FM launch

DIG Daily

2007-10-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Downtown Fort Wayne Fright Night

2007-10-11T13:21:00.001-07:00

Link

"Only the brave will want to weather the chilling and electrifying streets of Downtown Fort Wayne on October 27 for Downtown Fright Night. The young and old will be awed, scared and thrilled at the haunting events only to be found in Downtown Fort Wayne.

Your day of terror begins at the Downtown Library plaza for the Three Rivers Festival Coffin Races down Wayne Street. Be thrilled at the costume parade and Halloween activities at the Grand Wayne Center by WAJI. Get chills from the ARCH haunted bus and walking tours with ghost stories by the Fort Wayne library in the Indiana Hotel. Finally, be amazed at the old-time daring-do of “The Black Pirate,” a classic silent film at the Embassy accompanied by the historic Grande Page Pipe Organ.

There’s a little terror and haunting experience for every age group at the Downtown Fright Night. Admission is free for most events. Don’t miss it on October 27, 2007 at 5:00!"

For more information on the Downtown Fort Wayne Fright Night, and the Downtown Improvement District, visit www.downtownfortwayne.com

Old Holiday Inn Gets a New Look

2007-09-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

The Holiday Inn downtown has long been a Fort Wayne icon, and a prodominant point on the Fort Wayne skyline. Now, the Fort Wayne landmark is getting a makeover.

Orignially, the building operated under the Sherton brand for 7 years, until a fire in 1975 forced it to close its' doors. However, in 1980, the hotel was refurbished and reopened as a Holiday Inn, and stayed that way until 2007. Now, the hotel has been bought by the Clarion company, and is currently operating under the name of "Fort Wayne Inn".

Clarion stated that all the rooms within the hotel will be renovated, with such ammenities as flat panel televisions in each room. Also, they stated that the exterior of the building would be repainted, and shortly after would change it's name to the "Fort Wayne Metro". Within the past two weeks, the paint job on the exterior of the building started. So what are the new colors of the hotel going to be? By the looks of it so far, yellow and white. Pictures are availible above, and don't hesitate to leave your own opinion of the new colors.

"Bookstock Music Festival" Rocks Downtown

2007-09-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, the Library Plaza downtown became host to local talent of all ages. Plenty of local bands played at the Library Plaza on Saturday from 1:00 PM to about 11:00 PM, and plenty more came to listen.

Artists heard at the event include Dave Todoran, Rockefeller Four, Mike Conley, Jamcrib School of Rock, the Wailhounds, Action Jaxson, Pop-N-Fresh, and plenty of others. The event brought in dozens of people, however it was not the first event of this type that the library has hosted. Throughout the summer, the Library Plaza hosted "Rock the Plaza"- an event also featuring local talent of all ages.

Harrison Square Demolation Continues

2007-09-09T15:00:00.001-07:00

Harrison Square Demolation Continues, groundbreaking for Harrison Square could start as early as next month.

Downtown Beach Blast 2007!

2007-08-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Don't forget- Downtown Beach Blast 2007 is tommorow! Don't miss out on this fun-filled family event, featuring live beach-themed music, sand sculptures, sand castle contests, food by Don Hall's Gas House and Club Soda, and plenty more!

For their last event of the summer, the DID is bringing in over 150 tons of sand to fill the parking lot at Don Hall's Gas House.

The Downtown Beach Blast is August 18, from noon-midnight. Admission is $5 per adult, $12 per family, and free for kids 12 and under. Also, the first 500 kids at the beach blast will recieve a free beach ball.

Located in the Don Hall's Gas House parking lot downtown.

Visit http://www.downtownfortwayne.com/ for more information.

Join a DIG Group!

2007-06-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

Late June/Early July, DIG will be launching the "DIG Groups". If you're looking for a way to get more involved in downtown, and DIG as well, join a DIG group!

To join a DIG group, simply pick which group you are interested in, and send an email to info@digfortwayne.com stating your interest in joining that paticular group.

Anyone is welcome to join any group, there are no age restrictions/fees/etc. Currently there are four groups set up, and all four are still looking for plenty more members!

The Beautification Group- This group involves labor and yard work, mostly outside. Projects for the Beautification Group could include pulling/spraying weeds downtown, planting flowers/plants/trees/etc., or helping to clean up liter/graffiti downtown. The first Beautification Group meeting will be in early July.

Public Voice Group- This group is responsible for spreading the word about downtown events, helping to gain support for downtown projects, and also helping to manage The Downtown Times.

The Downtown Times Group- The Downtown Times Group will meet roughly once or twice every two weeks. They help mantain, organize, and distribute The Downtown Times, DIG's newsletter. Projects within the group could include writing articles, interviews, preparing stories and the publication itself, and delivering it to downtown locations.

DIG Events Group- This group helps to manage, organize, and carry out DIG events, and help spread the word about other events being held downtown.

Interested? Go ahead and sign up!
Click here to join a DIG group.

New renderings, fly-through

2007-06-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

On June 7th, Hardball Capital released new details and renderings of Harrison Square, as well as a "fly-through" of the park. You can view these items on the DIG website, www.digfortwayne.com, or click here to view the city's site.

Harrison Square gets another seal of aproval

2007-05-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

View full article: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17260212.htm

From the article-

"At its March 19 meeting, the Redevelopment Commission approved a resolution to expand the Economic Development Area. On March 26, the Fort Wayne Plan Commission ruled the amendment would comply with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and on April 24 City Council approved amending the Economic Development Area.

Also Monday, local residents John Kalb and Mark Gartman filed remonstrances against the Harrison Square project. Both have been outspoken critics of the project at previous public hearings, including Monday night’s."

Freimann Family Thursdays

2007-05-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Freimann Family Thursdays kicks off this Thursday at 6 PM. The event will feature family- friendly events and activities for all ages, and will last from 6 PM until 11 PM.

Freimann Family Thursdays will last from May 24 to June 28, 2007. Don't miss it!

More information is available at:
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=217

This week will feature the Yellowhammers, a modern rock group. Freimann Family Thursdays is a DID event and will be presented by Comcast.

Around Downtown launches new series

2007-05-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Around Downtown and The Downtown Times are launching a new series- the Around Downtown Business Series.

The new series will highlight local, regional, and national businesses, and their involvement/investment in downtown Fort Wayne.

The first story in the series is a story on Downtown Cards & Gifts, a great downtown shop located on Calhoun Street. The article focuses on Downtown Cards & Gifts' starts downtown, their views on Harrison Square, as well as other points.

To view this story, as well as others, visit http://www.digfortwayne.com, and click on the "Featured Articles" tab on the menu. You can find both new and old articles from this page.

The next story in the Business Series will come out with the May 30th-June 12th edition of The Downtown Times.

SAC baseball coaches' reactions

2007-05-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

An exciting development
Link: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/sports/17177896.htm

From the article-

"Excitement, mixed in with a little bit of caution, would be the best way to describe three SAC baseball coaches’ reaction to the possibility of Fort Wayne’s getting a downtown baseball stadium.

On April 24, the City Council approved the much-debated Harrison Square development, which includes a baseball stadium to be used primarily by the Wizards.

There has been talk of justifying the high price tag of the project, especially a new baseball stadium, by making the facility available to other endeavors such as high school football, soccer and concerts. The multipurpose portion of the project should also include high school and amateur baseball, Bishop Luers coach Gary Rogers said."

A 'broad' development

2007-05-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Retail to refresh Broadway corner
Link: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/17177937.htm

From the article-

"Brothers Brian and Tim Straley plan to invest about $1.5 million to construct two multi-tenant buildings at the northeast corner of Broadway and Taylor Street, Brian Straley said. The Straley family has owned the property and operated a used-car lot there for years. The redeveloped corner will fit in with plans to revitalize downtown, he said.

The brothers are selling part of the site to another developer, who plans to build a gas station and convenience store at the intersection, Brian Straley said. He declined to identify the other developer involved in the deal. The combined investment in the multi-tenant buildings and gas station is expected to be $2.3 million to $2.5 million, he said.

No tenants have signed leases for space in the multi-tenant buildings yet, but there is room for six to eight tenants, said David Nugent, a partner in the real estate firm BND Commercial. BND Commercial is the leasing agent for the development, which will be called the Shoppes on Broadway."

Harrison Square Update

2007-04-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

6-3 vote favors Harrison Square
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17131520.htm

It's a 'yes' for Harrison Square
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17132534.htm

Talkback Responses
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17132510.htm

Most at hearing favor downtown project
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17131539.htm

What's Next?
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=210

Harrison Square gets City Council's Approval
http://wane.com/Global/story.asp?S=6383143

Harrison Square: PASSES
http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/Story.aspx?type=ln&NStoryID=5880

Ft Wayne stadium plan advances
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070425/LOCAL/70425010

More on Harrison Square Vote

2007-04-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Harrison Square passes by 6-3 vote
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17129656.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

Harrison Square passes, 6-3
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17129582.htm

From the article-

"The Fort Wayne City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to approve the downtown Harrison Square project.

Councilmen Tom Didier, R-3rd; Tom Hayhurst, D-4th; Tim Pape, D-5th; Glynn Hines, D-6th; Sam Talarico Jr., R-at large; and John Crawford, R-at large; voted for the project.
Councilmen Tom Smith, R-1st; Don Schmidt, R-2nd; and John Shoaff, D-at large; voted against the project

The vote came after nearly four hours of public testimony, filled with mostly supporters of the project. Talarico said he counted 77 people speaking in favor of the project, 23 against it and 11 unsure.

Supporters and opponents on the council both previously said they believed there were enough votes to approve the development."

BREAKING

2007-04-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

City Council has passed resolution R-07-04-09 for Harrison Square with a vote of 6-3.

Those who voted yes included Tom Didier, Sam Talarico Jr., Tom Hayhurst, Glynn Hines, Tim Pape, and John Crawford.

Those who voted no included John Shoaff, Tom Smith, and Don Schmidt.

Breaking News-

2007-04-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Tonight's City Council Meeting-

Tonight's City Council meeting will start at 5:30 with a public hearing on Harrison Square. As of today, 108 people were signed up to speak at the hearing.

For the sake of time, City Council has cut the time for people to speak from 3 minutes to 2 minutes.

Tonight's City Council agenda.

Harrison Square Update

2007-04-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Harrison Square vote could be Tuesday The Proponents The Opponents On the
fence
Link

Click the link above to view the full article.

From the article-

"As of Friday afternoon, the city clerk’s office had 80 residents signed up to speak at the hearing. Each resident will be allowed to make a comment, ask a question, hear the answer and offer a rebuttal in a three-minute period. That means the hearing will be at least four hours before council begins its discussion.

Council is officially voting on an ordinance that will commit the city to more than $20 million in public money for the project. But city spokesman John Perlich said if council does not pass the ordinance, the project, as currently proposed, will not happen."

Harrison Square is a tonic to revive city’s optimism

Link

Click the link above to view the full article.

From the article-

"The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana understand how symbolic the Harrison Square project is. They understand brain drain, and we should be listening to them. We want them to have a stake in the future.

With this signature development downtown, Harrison Square, the excitement and positive vibe will continue to grow and bring us yet-unknown opportunities. Yes we will leave a stadium behind like the Pacers left Market Square for Consenco and the Colts will leave the RCA Dome for Lucas Field. Our lack of forward thinking denied the beginnings of the Interstate system crossing downtown Fort Wayne in 1947 (shot down by referendum), and the NBA Pistons moved to Detroit years later. Yet in 2007, the NBA developmental league is coming back. People even fought the Courthouse Green, and today it is a centerpiece of downtown."

Letters to the Editor

Link

See "City needs a better attraction" and "It's now or never for revival".

Letters
Link

See all three letters.

Don't miss city's historic opportunity

Link

Click the link above to view the full article.

From the article-

"The financial package Mayor Graham Richard’s administration assembled will not cause any citizen to pay higher taxes. In fact, the project will generate about $19 million in new tax revenue that will help pay for it. And the city’s investment into a parking garage and baseball stadium will result in construction of a new downtown hotel along with long-wanted downtown retails shops as well as condominiums.

Critics passionately argue for phantom alternatives. A water park. A skating rink. A fully enclosed multi-use arena. A development along the river. But where are the financing plans? Where are the developers willing to spend $5 million up front, as the Wizards owners will for the stadium, and $45 million more on building shops and housing? Critics offer a series of maybes. Mayor Richard offers a firm project with sound financing, committed developers and property in hand.

Moving the Wizards from a 14-year-old stadium that could immediately become obsolete is indeed regrettable – but worth the tradeoff."

City Council Public Hearing

2007-04-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Public to be heard, but will it matter?

Link

Click the link above to view the full article.

From the article-

"Councilman Glynn Hines, D-6th, has been a vocal supporter of the project. He said council members have attended meetings over the last several months on the issue and met with numerous residents. The hearing will mean another long night, but Hines said it is unlikely to sway any minds.

“I’ve got enough information,” he said. “I’m ready to vote for it.”
Even one of the most vocal opponents of the project, Councilman Don Schmidt, R-2nd, said the hearing will serve little more than a cathartic exercise for the public, rather than a way to gather input.

“I think the majority of the council has their minds pretty well along how they’re going to vote,” he said, agreeing he doesn’t see any issue that could sway him to support the project."

Election 2007

2007-04-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Kelty Kitty bested by Peters Cash
Link

From the article-

"Peters raised $149,182 this year, and has $103,378 left in his campaign war chest, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.

Matt Kelty, an architect and Peters’ main primary opponent, . Kelty, however, raised $85,532 this year and has $20,746 left in his campaign account, not including $148,000 in debts his campaign owes him."

Mayor's race mystery poll funding ID'd
Link

From the article-

"Frederick Rost paid $4,450 for New York-based Zogby International to ask likely voters in the Republican primary questions about mayoral candidates and Harrison Square, the public/private $125-to-$160 million downtown revitalization project proposed by outgoing Mayor Graham Richard.

Republican mayoral candidate Matt Kelty released the results of the anonymously funded scientific poll during a six-day period. A Zogby spokesman would neither reveal the cost of the poll nor who paid for it due to a confidentiality agreement."

An Interview with Tom Didier

2007-04-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Don't let Harrison Square become Stagnant Water
By Nick Arnett

Link

Click the link above to view the full article.

From the article-

"On Tuesday, April 24th, City Council will hold a public hearing on Harrison Square. The hearing will give residents a chance to make comments on the project, and give their opinions. A vote on Harrison Square may or may not take place after the hearing, with some councilmen wanting to delay the vote until May 1 or later.

"A vote to delay is a vote 'no' on this project," said councilman Sam Talarico Jr. He has been openly supportive of Harrison Square, and many are confident that he will vote yes on Harrison Square.

As for Tom Didier, who has not yet made clear what his vote will be, he said overall, he is feeling more comfortable about Harrison Square.

"I still have to look things over a bit, but overall, but I'm feeling better about, I'm feeling more comfortable and more confident with it. I'm not saying I'm voting yes, but I'm feeling more comfortable (with Harrison Square) as each day goes by." he said, with regaurds to his vote on Harrison Square. "

_________________________________________________________

This is a DIG featured article. DIG Featured articles appear in The Downtown Times (DIG's newsletter) each month.

Pick your copy of this month's edition up today!

Youth Movement

2007-04-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Link to Article

From the article-

"YLNI’s board has come out in favor of Harrison Square, and the group’s Downtown Development Committee held a heavily attended panel discussion earlier this year about the project at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library. One of the featured speakers at the discussion was Hardball Capital’s Freier.

Much of the public’s interest is centered on the proposed minor-league baseball stadium. It’s galvanized both opponents and supporters — but mostly opponents.

“Without a doubt, that is the thing that has drawn the most criticism,” said YLNI committee member Michael Barranda, an attorney at Miller Murphy LLP. “The counter to that is the baseball stadium is the keystone to the project.”

Without the baseball stadium, he said, the other elements, such as the 250-room hotel, likely wouldn’t stand on their own.

He, too, thinks the project could make Fort Wayne more attractive to younger workers. As evidence, he points to a 2006 study done by CEOs for Cities, a Chicago-based organization, that said nearly two-thirds of 25- to 34-year-old college-educated professionals decide where to live first, then look for a job in the city they’ve chosen. And more than half of the singles surveyed said they wanted to live downtown or near downtown.

“They move to a city where the amenities are there and they hope to find a job,” Barranda said.

As founder and CEO of Sweetwater Sound, Chuck Surack recruits job candidates from across the country to move to Fort Wayne and work at the company’s headquarters.

The city has a lot of things going for it — affordable housing, arts, minor-league sports teams, quality of life — but he thinks Harrison Square could make Fort Wayne even more attractive.

“I’m disappointed that there’s so much negativity about it,” Surack said. “I think it’s a great project.”

Fort Wayne City Council District 2

2007-04-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Election 2007-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17108407.htm

From the article-

"Harrison Square

Schmidt: He said his objection to the proposed $125 million downtown development is simple: He doesn’t believe a new $30 million city-owned baseball stadium is a good idea. He said the community already has a publicly financed baseball stadium on Coliseum Boulevard, so it would not make sense to build another amenity downtown. He said the city should have asked for numerous developers, not just the owner of the Fort Wayne Wizards, to submit proposals for projects to be put downtown.

Schaab: He said the existing stadium on Coliseum Boulevard should be refurbished instead of investing in a new downtown stadium. He said regardless of where the baseball stadium is located, its patrons will simply drive to the games and then drive home after them. He said a ballpark will not attract business to the downtown. Schaab said the city should look at investing its infrastructure downtown and developing vacant lots as a way to increase interest in the downtown."

An Update on Progress

2007-04-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, DIG took The Downtown Times Online off, and had it redirected to the DIG website. Well, due to some complaints, we've decided to bring the blog back.

So, a little update-

The next edition of The Downtown Times newsletter will be availible starting tommorow at select downtown locations. Features in this edition will include, but are not limited to:

-An interview with Karl Klingler (Klingler Jewelers)
-An interview with Tom Didier (Fort Wayne City Council)
-An interview with Cathy Overholt (Downtown Cards and Gifts)
-Featured articles, updates, and upcoming events

City to study North Core

2007-04-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

City to study North Core-
A task force has been established to study possible uses for the Omnisource property to the north of downtown, also known as the "North Core".

"City officials today announced they have an option to purchase the OmniSource property just north of downtown and are soliciting ideas for its development.City officials paid $25,000 in January for an option to purchase the 29-acre property for $4.3 million. The option will expire Dec. 31.Wendy Stein, of Stein Advertising, and attorney Rick Samek will chair a study group, which will have three to four months to give a recommendation for the property. An aquatic center, water park and ice rinks already have been discussed as possibilities, but Stein and Samek said "it's a clean slate" at this point."

http://www.fwdailynews.com/articles/2007/04/05/greater_fort_wayne/news/today/4-5story1.txt

Visit http://www.digfortwayne.com for more on this story.

DIG Launches New Website

2007-04-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today, DIG officially launched their new website. The website features a new message board, and other new user-friendly options.

The website will continue to be updated day to day, and new features will be added along the way. The new message board offers a way for people to express their opinions on downtown projects and happenings, or compliment a downtown restaurant or shop on it's service. However, to use the message board, you must register first. Registration is free and fast.

Also, you can join DIG by clicking on the Membership page. To join, just fill out the form, and submit it. There are no age limits on who can join, and joining is also free and fast.

To visit DIG's new website, visit-
http://www.digfortwayne.com

If you have questions or comments regaurding DIG or the new site, you can contact DIG at
info@digfortwayne.com

Restaurant Race

2007-04-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Pizza and more-
New restaurants are opening up downtown, as well as the possibility of a new multi-use development along Superior Street downtown. The development would house restaurants, condominiums, retail, and possibly other forms of entertainment.

From the article-

"A local developer is eyeing another project that could generate interest in downtown. John McKay and his brother, architect Michael McKay, are considering constructing a commercial building with condominiums on Superior Street between North Clinton Street and Club Soda, said Dan Carmody, director of the Downtown Improvement District. John McKay did not return calls seeking comment on the project.

Preliminary plans for Superior Street Row call for stores and restaurant space on the street level of the building and condominiums on the upper three levels, Carmody said. The city would need to decide whether to sell its parking lot on the site to make room for the two-phase project."

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/business/17024810.htm

What are your thoughts on Superior Street Row?

Opinions

2007-04-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Local Opinions-
First article, Harrison Square will be worth the risk

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17024883.htm

"Show faith in the city's future", and "Current stadium is a better site"

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17025947.htm

Daily Rant

2007-04-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

From the Daily Rant-

"As a supporter of Harrison Square, I am fully prepared to say I was wrong if it turns out to be a bust. However, the Harrison Square complainers should be prepared to do the same if it improves our city."

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/17020033.htm

In the News...

2007-04-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Letters-
"Exsisting Stadium needs replaced", "Improving downtown will attract young people"

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17010886.htm

More Private Money-
An article by Ed Rousseau, a former Allen County commisioner, pointing out specific details of Harrison Square.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17014155.htm

More Letters-
"Downtown racetrack would put Fort Wayne on the map", "Harrison Square won't help taxpayers", "Why not ask fans about stadium?"

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17019111.htm

City Council yeas and nays-
An article by Tracy Warner of the Journal Gazette giving an update on where council members stand with regards to Harrison Square.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17019194.htm

Belmont Closes Doors

2007-03-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

Downtown Belmont location closes its doors today for the last time-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/17005918.htm

"The liquor retailer will close its downtown retail operation permanently today, as it moves out to make room for a potential downtown hotel.

“It was a good store for us, it was a very popular store for us,” said Gary Gardner, operations manager for the company. “I think it’s disappointing that downtown Fort Wayne is losing another retailer.”

Fort Wayne is negotiating with a developer to locate a Marriott hotel where the liquor retailer sits at Harrison Street and West Jefferson Boulevard. The city bought land for a hotel in the area for $2.2 million by using the power of eminent domain. Part of that land included the downtown Belmont Beverage, which the city bought for $1.45 million."

Points of Interest

2007-03-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

Turning around Downtown-
12 Steps to revitalizing downtown

"Though every downtown is different there are still common revitalization lessons that can be applied anywhere. While any approach must be customized based on unique physical conditions, institutional assets, consumer demand, history, and civic intent, this paper lays out the fundamentals of a downtown turnaround plan and the unique "private/public" partnership required to succeed. Beginning with visioning and strategic planning to the reemergence of an office market at the end stages, these 12 steps form a template for returning "walkable urbanity" downtown."

http://www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20050307_12steps.htm

The Albuquerque Story
The story of downtown Albuquerque, and how they revitalized their downtown.

http://www.cabq.gov/aes/s5dtr.html

Council Divided on Stadium

2007-03-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Council divided-

"On the issue of Harrison Square, City Council doesn’t yet see black or white. It sees shades of gray.

Tuesday night’s meeting clearly showed the council is divided on the city’s $125 million-to-$160 million proposed downtown revitalization project.

Council and an audience of more than 50 heard two presentations with key differences regarding the project. While it would be easy to generalize and say one was in favor of and the other opposed to Harrison Square, each council member who spoke gave his own opinion on the project, emphasizing there are more than two sides to every issue.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16987137.htm

DIG Weekly Update

2007-03-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

DIG Weekly Update

Week of 3.26.07

Debates heat up again-

Councilmen are expected to give presentations on Harrison Square tonight based on their own research.

Restoration at Old Schmitz Block continues-

An article on the DID website highlights the restoration process and history of Old Schmitz Block downtown.

DIG's downtown Food For Thought-

Ever since a new Starbucks has opened its doors downtown, we've been seeing quite a few younger faces downtown, as well as some older. Could we use this as an example for the future of downtown? Youth today are more and more turning towards concert halls, coffee shops, and sports venues for entertainment. This is evident in the Fort, when the first Starbucks opened- we weren't all too fond of it. But we knew what coffee shops were, and we knew we liked them. Look at us today, we've got over 9 Starbucks locations in the city, and more opening up soon! And its not just Starbucks. Theres Aspen, Firefly, Higher Grounds, all meeting success.

Viewing from the concert point, concerts are becoming a widespread activity of choice by many youths across the country. Not only major concerts, but smaller shows as well. Of course, these smaller bands, and larger alike, need a stage to perform on. So now we're starting to see smaller youth-oriented clubs, as well as all-ages sports/concert venues geared towards providing satisfying entertainment for all ages, youth and adult both.

Harrison Square could provide all of this, and more. The addition of a downtown ballpark would create another possibility for a concert venue, but also provide quality sports entertainment. Mixed-use developement could lead to the construction of a coffee shop or two, and youth-oriented clubs/entertainment venues. So while providing many options for youth entertainment downtown, it would also likely satisfy many adults as well.

Question: What is your reaction to the above article?

Downtown DIGs-

"I like the Harrison Square proposal and the idea of mixed-use developement downtown, something that we need."

-Costin Ritter, Fort Wayne

Nick's Knick-Knack of the week-

Besides a ballpark/mixed-use development, what other kind of development would you like to see downtown? (e.i. a waterpark, amphitheater, etc.)

In the News...

2007-03-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today-

Debates heat up again

Debates over Harrison Square heat up, with two councilmen expected to give presentations about the project based on their own research at the city council meeting tonight-

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16980753.htm

When councilmen don't agree...

A column by Kevin Leininger, from the article-

"But to City Councilman John Shoaff, it’s the project’s public financing that matters most. And he doesn’t think one crucial question has been answered:

Does Harrison Square – estimated to cost between $125 million and $160 million – really represent the best possible use of those public dollars?

According to figures agreed upon by Shoaff and city officials, about $42 million in public money earmarked for the project (including interest) could be used for other projects downtown and elsewhere. Shoaff, D-at large, wants the city to evaluate other uses for that money before committing itself to a project that polls suggest has failed to win widespread support.

“I’m committed to downtown redevelopment, but the stadium is what gives people a headache,” said Shoaff, who wants council to consider alternatives before committing to a project he fears will not produce the hoped-for results. At tonight’s council meeting, Shoaff plans to cite several studies contradicting the notion that sports facilities serve as catalysts for downtown redevelopment. "

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16980915.htm

The Old Schmitz Block-

An article by Dan Carmody highlighting the history of the Old Schmitz Block downtown, and tells of its renovation.

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=208

Formulas for Success-

An article by Dan Carmody, gives the steps to success in redevelopement and revitalization.

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=201

What are your reactions to Councilman Shoaff's statements?

AP takes notice

2007-03-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

The AP took up Harrison Square, article from the Chicago Tribune focuses on hotel proposal-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/indiana/chi-ap-in-fortwaynehotel,1,2352872.story?coll=chi-newsap_in-hed

Eating in Cancun...

2007-03-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

...or at least eat like you were there.

From the DID, an article on the opening of a great downtown restaurant-

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=170

10 Things to do downtown this spring

2007-03-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

From the DID-

http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=199

Plenty of ideas of fun, free, healthy activities downtown for this spring. Some include taking a walk downtown, going to the library, going to museum, going to a concert or a show, and many more!

In the news...

2007-03-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

New downtown Marriott has gap of $6 million-

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16939585.htm

State law requires land acquired by city to still be appraised-

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16939607.htm

DIG weekly dig up.

2007-03-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

DIG weekly dig up question:

What are your opinions on the public forums recently held by the city, YLNI, and IPFW?

Did you think they were informative?

To reply to this question, leave a comment or send an email to thedowntowntimes@yahoo.com.

___________________________________________________________

The DIG weekly dig up is a weekly question to gather input from the public on recent events, announcments, or projects.

To reply to a DIG weekly dig up, send an email to thedowntowntimes@yahoo.com,

or reply to the question in a comment.

DIG Update, some changes.

2007-03-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

DIG and The Downtown Times will be making some minor changes in the next month. DIG will now be moving to a monthly Newsletter (as opposed to a bi-monthly newsletter), and the name will change from "The DIG Newsletter," to "The Downtown Times". The Downtown Times blog will now become DIG's online version of the newsletter.

So what does this mean for The Downtown Times? We will continue to run blogs and articles, but we will also be adding some new features. First off, The Downtown Times (online) and the DIG website will now be accepting "Downtown DIGs". The Downtown DIG is where you can post your ideas, comments, or whatevers on your mind concerning downtown, and submit it to DIG. Each month, DIG and The Downtown Times will select a few "Downtown DIGs" to publish in that month's edition of The Downtown Times (newsletter).

Also, we will be more frequently giving DIG updates, and will each week have a "DIG Weekly Update," where we will update you on DIG happenings, as well as downtown happenings, and select one Downtown DIG to include.

We will also be running weekly polls and surveys, of which will be pubished with the DIG Weekly Update, and The Downtown Times Newsletter.

To give your Downtown DIG, visit http://digfortwayne.tripod.com, or email us at thedowntowntimes@yahoo.com.
____________________________________________________________
The Downtown Times is DIG's online version of their monthly newsletter, The Downtown Times Newsletter.

To submit a Downtown DIG, visit http://digfortwayne.tripod.com,
email us at thedowntowntimes@yahoo.com.

Questions? Comments? Email DIG at digfortwayne@yahoo.com.

YLNI Public Forum

2007-03-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Earlier tonight, YLNI hosted a public forum focused on Harrison Square. Pictures above show new renderings from Harball Capital and HOK showing what may be a clearer picture of the final design of the project.

Some adjustments have also been made to site plan, with the residential units now to the north of the stadium, as opposed to the orginal plan to have them located to the east. Also, part of Ewing Street will be closed and a public park/plaza will be located where the street once passed through. The scoreboard/video screen will be attached to the parking garage.

Other notes mentioned tonight include the fact that the stadium will have facilities availible year-round, such as a club level, and it was also emphasized that this is not simply as stadium, its a ballpark, its retail, its mixed-use developement.

Higher Grounds offers delivery serivce

2007-02-28T14:28:00.000-08:00

The Downtown Higher Grounds is now offering delivery service to downtown area businesses. Delivery is free for orders over $15.

See the article:
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=188

McMillen hosting National tournament this week

2007-02-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

McMillen Ice Arena will be hosting a National college hockey tournament this week, bring 16 top college teams into Fort Wayne.

See article-
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=176

DID Launches Downtown Dining Club

2007-02-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, the Downtown Improvement District launched the "Downtown Dining Club", offering discounts to many downtown restaurants, along with a chance to win either $1,000 or a trip across seas.

From the article-

"Beginning February 15th through April 16th, the DID is launching our Downtown Dining Club. With 18 great Downtown restaurants participating, any member of the Dining Club is able to receive steep discounts from those restaurants."

See Article for more information, cards are limited to 5,000, so get yours today!

Article-
http://downtownfortwayne.com/story.php?cat=0&sub=&uid=180

DIG Update

2007-02-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

The DIG website has been updated, and the "News" page will also start being updated. Other things around the site have been changed, and a new newsletter will be out later today.

Plenty of things will be changing in the coming weeks, so heres a brief overview of what you can expect to see-

-New Look

-New Logo (?)

-New events

-New purpose

-Forums

-Mailing list

-DIG Update will be availible online, instead of just area businesses

-And, still, the new site.

So, stay tuned. We'll keep you updated.

From Palace to Parking

2007-02-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sure we all remember eating at the Palace restaurant (formerly Bill's Palace), their delicious hamburgers, they're large, crispy pancakes, the smell of coffee, smoke, and great food.

Well, the restaurant that goes back decades has officially sold to the city for $2.4 million, and will have a parking garage located on the site. Had The Palace not sold, the Harrison Square project would be built around it.

The Palace's sign on Monday read "Closed, thank you", and the deal was set to close at 11 AM today. Buying the restaurant could save the city up to $1.5 million on the new parking garage, and they would not have to build an L-shaped parking garage, which is more costly.

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16794311.htm

What do you think of the City's recent purchase?

And to The Palace, thank you for your many years of business and great food. We will miss you.

DIG Update

2007-02-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

We've updated the website, as well as our purpose. Whats our "new purpose"?

To be more youth-friendly.

Because after all, it is your downtown, and the youth of Fort Wayne should get a say in the future of their downtown, but they hardly get the chance, because public presentations and meetings don't always appeal to the younger generation.

So thats exactly what DIG is trying to change.

Beginning in March, DIG will be hosting a series of events/discussions that will be youth and adult friendly, and we strongly urge youth to attend. And yes, there will be cookies.

Check out the DIG Website for more details-

http://digfortwayne.tripod.com

White Lodging is no Stranger

2007-02-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

Within the past week, there has been much discussion over the proposal for a new downtown hotel made by White Lodging and Acquest. The hotel would be an 11-story, 250-room full service Marriott branded hotel that would be a key project of the Harrison Square project.

Many residents of Fort Wayne are uncertain about the developer, as well as the entire project itself. Since only one proposal was submitted by the due date, many are also questioning whether or not this is an expirienced developer.

However, many Fort Wayne residents who travel, have probably stayed at a hotel managed by White Lodging. In fact, White Lodging manages 27 different hotels in the state of Indiana alone, with one of them in Fort Wayne. The Marriott Courtyard on Washington Center Road.

Also, they manage 4 hotels in downtown Indianapolis, as well as a Hilton-branded hotel in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. So as you can see, White Lodging is no stranger to Fort Wayne, or Indiana for that matter.

Looking even larger, they manage over 100 hotels across the country, with over 10 of them located in the heart of a city. So they are most definately expirienced when it comes to downtown developement.

In July of 2006, White Loding announced plans to build a 1,000 room hotel in downtown Austin, just blocks away from the Austin convention center. The project would be 26 stories tall, and open in 2009 as Austin's largest hotel in history. And it wouldn't White Lodging's first hotel in Austin, it would be their 17th.

White Lodging isn't new to Indiana either, they're headquatered in Merriville, Indiana, just south of Gary.

The expirienced developer isn't one for below-average service either, they've won Marriott's Partnership Circle Award 6 years in a row.

After seeing this track record, according to local media, city officials are comfortable with the desicion they've made. However, should any issues arise, city officials say they may start looking for another developer again, although many are confident that won't be happening.

Dealing With Details

2007-02-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

An article in today's News Sentinal noted that though there was only proposal submitted by the due date, city officials are confident that this is a quality proposal made by an expirienced developer.

From the article:

Having only one proposal does not leave the city without any leverage, Leatherman said. If the companies are not flexible, the city could end talks and restart the search for a developer. But Leatherman does not expect that to happen.

“We really don’t have our hands tied to the point it looks like to some people,” he said.

White Lodging manages hotels in 14 states, including four Marriott-brand hotels in downtown Indianapolis. Its track record gives Mayor Graham Richard confidence.

“Our excitement is we have a very capable investor.”

Read full article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16747893.htm

What do you think of the proposal made?

What do you think of the design?

Are you comfortable with the developers of the hotel?

Details of Hotel Proposal availible

2007-02-20T14:19:00.000-08:00

City Announces Details of Response to Downtown Hotel Request for Proposals

The City of Fort Wayne today released more details on the proposal received for the downtown hotel component of the Harrison Square mixed-use development. Acquest Realty Advisors, Inc. along with White Lodging Services Corporation has submitted a response, which calls for a full-service Marriott-branded hotel. RFP highlights * $47 million private sector development
* 11-story, 250 room hotel tower
* 4,000 square foot junior ballroom
* Two 1,000 square foot meeting rooms
* 4,200 square foot signature restaurant and bar for hotel patrons and residents
* 1,200 square foot specialty coffee shop
* Outdoor pool, year-round spa and fitness center
* Developer supports the overall Harrison Square development and acknowledges the hotel, Grand Wayne Center and mixed-use development along with a baseball stadium would serve as a visitor and local destination place

Full Article:

http://http://cityoffortwayne.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1130&Itemid=634

What do you think of the recent hotel proposal made by White Lodging and Acquest?

Northside Harrison Square Meeting

2007-02-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

I was unable to find out any information about the Northside Harrison Square meeting, and was unable to call, so seeing how it seemed interesting, I decided to attend anyway.

First of all, the meeting was very well put together, in my opinion, right from the start. They discussed some (not many though) details of the project, went over the project itself as a whole, and then after about a half-hour they opened it up to questions and comments from the public for discussion.

One comment that I found interesting, was when a lady from the North Anthony (?) neighborhood association had mentioned a "sense of urgency". Mayor Graham Richards replied to this comment with different reasonings of why there is, if any, a sense of urgency, including the fact of how crucial it is to get this project underway this year, or the CRED money will be lost, as CRED will not exsist after 2007. This means that if the project hasn't gotten at least somewhat underway by the end of 2007, we loose the CRED money, which could essentially add up to a little over $10 million. This could easily bring Harrison Square to a hault.

Other questions included anything from funding to questioning of the bridges being able to take on so much traffic.

Overall, it was a very informative meeting.

City Officials that attended the meeting included Mayor Graham Richards, Deputy Mayor Mark Becker, Councilman Tom Smith, County Commissioner Bill Brown, Nelson Peters, and others.

If you were not able to attend this meeting, the Mayor's Report to the People sessions will take place next week, as well as other Harrison Square meetings to follow in the coming months.

Harrison Square Presentation

2007-01-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

North Side High School's sign now reads "Harrison Square Presentation, Thursday at 6PM"

I'm not sure of the details of the presentation, but it sounds interesting, so I will try to find out as much as possible.

Also, in addition to this presentation, you could also attend one of Mayor Graham Richard's Report to the People sessions. First Meeting:

Tuesday, February 6th- Chamber of Commerce
8 AM 826 Ewing St.

For complete schedule, visit:
http://cityoffortwayne.gov

Fort Wayne, a rust-belt Gritty City?

2007-01-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16576880.htm

An article discussing what others/visitors to Fort Wayne may think of the city, comparing the interior city to the exterior city, and talks about how Harrison Square may help change that, although it may not "perform the magic people are hoping for".

Mayor Makes Downtown Pitch

2007-01-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16576834.htm

Mayor Graham Richard spoke at the Downtown Rotary Club as a preview to his Report to the People sessions, discussing a wide range of topics, including Harrison Square.

Related Articles:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16579523.htm

Mayor re-emphasizes Support For Harrison Square

2007-01-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

Mayor Re-emphasizes Support for Harrison Square Development

Mayor Graham Richard today was the featured speaker at the Downtown Rotary where he presented a preview of his upcoming 2007 Report to the People sessions. Mayor Richard discussed the importance of investing in downtown and re-emphasized his support for Harrison Square, a proposal to bring a signature mixed-use development to downtown. “We are committed to creating jobs and attracting new businesses,” said Mayor Richard. “A downtown catalyst development will enhance economic development opportunities and create a downtown gathering place for our community and region.” The initial phase of Harrison Square calls for $125 million of investment, with approximately 50% to be privately financed. No general property taxes would be used as part of the project. The initial phase would include a hotel, residential condominiums, retail, baseball stadium, and parking garage.
Mayor Richard announced the City and Hardball Capital, the owner of the Fort Wayne Wizards, continue to make progress on a memorandum of understanding to move the residential, retail and stadium components of the project forward. Request for proposals on the hotel portion of the project are due back from developers next month. The City expects to select a hotel developer by the end of the first quarter. “We appreciate Hardball Capital’s commitment to our community,” said Mayor Richard. “We have not seen significant private investment in downtown in several years. Our community is in a unique position to have a world-class developer team wanting to make investments in our downtown.” Mayor Richard encouraged Rotary members to get involved in learning more about Harrison Square. The City has a Speakers Bureau available to make presentations to groups and organizations. Groups and organizations may contact the Deputy Mayor’s office at 427-1111 to set up a time and place for a Speakers Bureau member to lead a discussion about the project. Mayor Richard’s first Report to the People for 2007 will be at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 6 at the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, 826 Ewing St. Last week, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced its support of Harrison Square.

Read:
http://cityoffortwayne.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1102&Itemid=634

Memorial Stadium Study

2007-01-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

Potential Re-Use of Memorial Stadium to be Studied

The City of Fort Wayne, Allen County and IPFW have reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding to examine the potential re-use of Memorial Stadium. Last month, the City of Fort Wayne announced plans for a proposed mixed-use downtown development, “Harrison Square,” that would include a hotel, residential condominiums, street level retail, a baseball stadium, and parking garage. At that time, IPFW officials expressed an interest in the current Memorial Stadium serving as the home for IPFW sporting and community events.
Key components of the Memorandum of Understanding: *Conduct an analysis of the operating cost of Memorial Stadium, including an analysis of any modifications to the stadium that may be required to accommodate IPFW and other alternative community uses. *Develop a financial plan for the long-term management and maintenance of the stadium. *IPFW and Allen County will work to negotiate a lease interest in the stadium. This would depend on Hardball Capital, the owner of the Fort Wayne Wizards, terminating its lease with the stadium. *IPFW would utilize the stadium for its baseball program and promote the use of the stadium as a community multi-use facility/venue. *The City agrees to contribute funds toward the cost of the financial analysis. *Contingent on the successful negotiation of a lease interest in the stadium by IPFW; the City, County and IPFW will agree to develop and contribute to a funding plan to support possible physical modifications to the stadium and support the establishment of an endowment to assist IPFW with long-term maintenance of the stadium.

Read:
http://cityoffortwayne.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1101&Itemid=634

From Atlanta to Fort Wayne

2007-01-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

Atlanta, a blueprint for other cities

An article in today's issue of the Journal Gazette showed how the Atlanta aquarium acted as a catalyst project for downtown developement in Atlanta.

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16566663.htm

Do you think that Fort Wayne could see more private investment in downtown as a result of Harrison Square?

The hotel Holds the Key

Another article in today's Journal Gazette focused on the hotel aspect of the project-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16566659.htm

Eminent Domain

One developer of the Harrison Square Project is critical of eminent domain-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16566679.htm

Financing for Harrison Square Compaired to Southtown

Financing for Southtown Centre and Harrison Square are similar, although Harrison Square is on a much larger scale-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16566677.htm

Keeping it Quiet

The city's quest of buying more than 50 properties downtown saves money-
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16561035.htm

Do you think it was right for the city to use eminent domain to aquire property downtown?

Could Harrison Square spawn millions of dollars worth of private investment downtown in the future, such as the Atlanta Aquarium did?

DIG Meeting Schedule, March Meetings, contact information

2007-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

We've been informed that the DIG website has been updated.

DIG March meeting Schedule:
March 10th- "Restore, Renew, Revitalize" series hosted by DIG, open to public
Time and location will be released 1 week prior to the event.

Also, again we would like to inform you that DIG has no affiliation with DID, the Downtown Improvement Group, or the City of Fort Wayne. It is simply a grass-roots organization created by the public, for the public.

On another note, we now have our email address availible, so just click the link below or look at the side to send us an email!
________________________________________________________
Questions? Comments? Send us an email!
thedowntowntimes@yahoo.com

Library cost up to $54 million

2007-01-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

$54 million has been spent so far in expanding the Main Library downtown, out of a $64 million budget.

The total cost of the expansion and renovation of over half of the library branches is nearly $84.1 million.

Upon opening, the Main Library Downtown will be the largest public library in the state, larger than Indianapolis' newly renovated main library, which is larger in size, but most of that space is consumed by a massive built-in parking garage.

The Grand Re-opening of the main library will be this Saturday (the 27th) at noon. Tours and live music will be provided at the opening.

Article:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16543236.htm

Over half a million people downtown?

2007-01-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

Estimating the numbers...

In an article recently published by the Journal Gazette, it was reported that Memorial Stadium currently brings in close to 250,000 attendees per season, and that number could be increased to nearly 300,000 per season with the move downtown.

It was also reported that the Geneaology department of the Main Library brings in about 100,000 people per year, and they're hoping to increase that number to nearly 150,000 people with their move downtown.

With those given numbers, as well as taking into consideration the other projects involved in the Harrison Square project, that could equal out to a rise of 1,718 people more downtown per day for recreational activites (baseball, shopping, library) than what we have now. Now, also take into consideration that these estimates are mid-range, with the high end nearing 2,000.

So, looking at the upside of things, this could equal out to 730,000 more people downtown over the course of a year than the amount of people downtown now per year for recreational activities. That is a major rise, as compared to the fewer-than-one thousand downtown for recreational activities per day today.

So ultimately, the Harrison Square project could generate much more income than some have said, some saying it would be a total flop and end up costing more than it would be making.

Also, the numbers could be somewhat higher, considering that the hotel, and other downtown developement, was excluded from the estimates. There are already small boutiques and shops apparent in the main core, and a new mexican eatery is to open soon on Columbia Street.

So in all, these numbers possibly could be reaching the 800,000-900,000 mark once the Harrison Square project is completed.

If you ask me, a rise of 800,000 people seems like a pretty large number to me. And surely that would generate somewhat of an income.

Now, the disadvantages:

As also stated in the article, the number of cars that pass the library's current location as compared to the expanded location are significantly lower. Given the figures that were in the article, I estimated it to be about 15,500 cars less. That is a major difference, but you also have to take into consideration that Renaissance Square is in a busier part of downtown. Therefore, it's going to have more traffic. And there is also a much higher percentage rate of cars going to the library passing their original location than the percentage of cars going to the library passing their temporary location.

So in all, it balances out for the most part, and shouldn't have too much of an effect on the library's overall performance. It's location may even help it out some, since traffic in that area isn't as heavy and they now provide people with free underground parking (although when I went on a tour through the library about a year ago, the underground parking garage did seem fairly small, but reasonable).

Money money money...

The cost of the Library expansion and baseball stadium alone adds up to be about $114.1 million. Thats a fairly hefty pricetag for two projects out of the many listed in the Harrison Square project. However, with the estimated influx of nearly 800,000 people downtown, things will likely balance out there could likely be a small surplus from the overall project.

Article with Memorial Stadium information:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/16534540.htm

Article with Library information:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/special_packages/library/16489935.htm

Indianapolis, a comparable city?

2007-01-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

One thing you hear plenty of people say is "You can't compare Fort Wayne to Indianapolis."

But why not? If you think about it, and really look at the statistics, maybe we're smaller but we're not all that different. Indianapolis has recently (within the last 20 or so years) worked on improving their downtown, and I consider their efforts a good example of what Fort Wayne is working towards.

Maybe our goal isn't to get an NFL team, or some multi-billion dollar arena, but the primary focus is still there, work with what you have- and improve it.

Now look what happened when Indianapolis worked on revitalizing their downtown. They now have Circle Centre mall, the Hoosier Dome, Conseco Fieldhouse, plenty of retail, and people started to move inward again, and downtown living spaces started to appear.

Now some will argue that people aren't moving downtown at all, and that they're really moving outwards into the suburbs. However, this is also untrue. Within that past 20 years, Indianapolis has seen various residential units built, due to the sucess of their revitalization efforts. One major improvement was the construction of the Riley towers, two mamoth 300 ft. residential towers on the north side of downtown Indianapolis.

Their improvements started in the 1970's, and still continue to this day. Indianapolis today is nearly unrecognizable as compared to 30 to 40 years ago.

One thing that they started with was making their downtown more friendly towards pedestrians. This has clearly also been a starting block for Fort Wayne, as we have seen high-speed streets narrowed, Headwaters Park, sidewalks repaved, as well as beautified streetscapes.

Once you have these in place, you start aiming for reasons for people to be downtown, such as entertainment, eateries, etc.

This isn't something that just happens overnight, its a process of events.

One thing that I tend to say is that hotel downtown right now, would more than likely not be successful. Simply because there is no market for downtown hotels at this time. You need to have a strong base for a hotel to build off of first, this base is entertainment. Right now, the way I see it, Fort Wayne is working it's way towards building this base, with retail becoming more numerous, and eateries providing plenty of support. However, this "base" is not yet strong enough to support a hotel yet. Now with the addition of the Harrison Square project, I believe that it will contribute enough to create a strong enough base to support a new downtown hotel.

And basing upon the fact that a new downtown hotel is one of the key factors of the Harrison Square projects, this works quite well.

It has been reported that Hardball Capital, who owns the Fort Wayne Wizards, is only investing $5 million towards the new stadium, with $30 million being the total cost. A survey released recently stated that more than half of the community thought that Hardball Capital should be putting more towards the stadium. However, I have not yet looked into this survery, so I can't say how accurate it really is.

Also, it has been brought up that Hardball capital has built hotels in Atlanta, but says the project is a no-go if a hotel is not found for the Harrison Square project. I cannot verify that they have built any hotels in Atlanta, but I can say that I don't believe there is anything wrong with the fact that they are not putting any money towards the hotel, simply because of the millions of dollars they are investing in other areas of the Harrison Square project. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Reaction to recent opposition to Harrison Square project.

2007-01-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

A poll was taken recently by The Journal Gazette and Indiana's Newscenter regarding downtown and the Harrison Square projects.

The results aren't much of a surprise at all, with about 70% of participants saying that downtown revitalization is important, but many did not support the stadium project or a third downtown hotel. However, there was a greater amount of support for downtown parking and retail developement.

Deputy Mayor Mark Becker had the following reaction to the results-
"If all you plan to do is build a baseball stadium, don’t do it,” he said. “This is not just a baseball stadium.”

Dan Carmody, director of the Downtown Improvement District, also had a reaction to the poll results, saying “I think we have to do a much better job of selling the project,” .

On WOWO's The Pat White show, many called in with their reactions to the poll, as well as the Harrison Square project. Similar results were found.

Some, such as City Councilman Tim Pape, are questioning the accuracy of the poll, and the Journal Gazette reported him saying that even he might opose such a project if the questions were asked to him in the manner that they were asked to other Allen County Residents.

To see poll results, visit:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16513544.htm

To see reactions from city officials to the poll, visit:
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16513264.htm

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback regarding the poll and the Harrison Square project.

DIG Meeting Cancelled

2007-01-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

If you picked up a copy of DIG's January/February newsletter, or took a look at their website lately, you've probably noticed that there is a public meeting scheduled for February 10th. The location of this meeting was not announced do to a scheduling conflict, in which the only resolution would be to cancel the meeting.

We have been informed that the meeting clashed with another meeting already scheduled, therefore the DIG meeting for February 10th has been cancelled.

However, the following meetings are still in place-
-February 3rd, Board Meeting.
-March 10th, Public Meeting.

Hopeful hotels...

2007-01-04T13:39:00.002-08:00

Last I heard, the deadline for hotels to submit their proposals for the Harrison Square project was sometime in early February. Maybe around the 12th or 13th.

Now, as of this moment, there haven't been any proposals announced. Now remember this doesn't mean nothings going to happen. Last I heard, there were a couple Hotel chains looking at investing in the project and becoming downtown Fort Wayne's third hotel, although I'm not completely positive on that information and I can't verify that.

Now as it has been noted before, a new hotel downtown at the moment would be a complete flop more than likely, simply because there's no business for another hotel downtown at the moment. Look at the Holiday Inn for example, last I heard they have an average occupancy rate of 44%. And those numbers are likely to drop if a new hotel were to be added.

Now the addition of a hotel with the Harrison Square project, I honestly think is a brilliant plan, given that you need to give people a reason to stay downtown before you build a hotel, and Harrison Square could do just that.

So in short, a new hotel downtown would likely be successful, especially with the possible closing of the downtown Holiday Inn. Now we'll just have to wait and see if the proposals come in...

Holiday Inn not a done deal.

2006-12-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

So, by now, most of us have heard the bad news about the Holiday Inn plans.

Bill Bean had plans to purchase the downtown Holiday Inn from Lodgian, Inc., and transform the 208-room hotel into condos, offices, and possibly retail.

Well, after recieving results from a feasibility study being conducted by Design Collaborative, Bean announced that he would not be able to make money on the deal.

So the Holiday Inn is up in the air again.

Although, like others have said, this leaves room for the option of a developer buying the building and renovating it, keeping it as a hotel.

Of course, that still seems unlikely.
I, personally, would like to see it turn into condos, but thats just my opinion...

A little look at progress...

2006-12-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at the progress/update of some downtown projects, goals, etc.

Housing:
-Harrison Square project to include at least 60 condominiums in the first phase, more to be added.
-Three Rivers Apartments won't be going anytime soon, as the new owners have fixed up the place (although it wasn't in terrible shape beforehand).
-It has been suggested that the Anthony Wayne building be turned into a luxary apartment complex, although this seems highly unlikely, but still a possibility.
-New lofts to be unveiled by DID (Downtown Improvement District) in Spring of 2007.
-Holiday Inn could possibly be converted into a mixed-use building with residential units.

Retail:
-Several small shops downtown are extending hours.
-Some smaller new shops are starting to open (near central business district).
-Harrison Square project will include nearly 30,000 Square feet of commercial/retail space upon completetion.

Dining:
-A new mexican restaurant is to open soon on Columbia Street.
-Some eateries are starting to extend hours, Higher Grounds now open until 9PM.
-New Downtown Starbucks has gone over very well.
-Harrison Square project may require Bill's Palace to close, although there have been some rumors of the restaurant being incorperated into the project, although that seems highly unlikely.

Entertainment:
-Harrison Square project would add many attractions/entertainment venues to the Entertainment District/GWC area.
-Proposal for "Mini-mall" entrance to the Botanical Gardens, as well as downtown outdoor theater not out of the question yet.

Business:
-New small businesses starting to open in Central core.
-Current office structures are starting to "fill-up".
-Lincoln Financial has renewed their lease on the Lincoln Life building, and hired new employees.
-Harrison Square project would open the door to plenty of new jobs.
-New Fort Wayne Newspapers building to be completed this winter.

So as you can see, things really aren't as grim as they were thought to be. Maybe nothing much is happening at the current moment, but its a process of events, and there's plenty more to come. Besides, only one major catalyst project has been completed out of the three so far (GWC, ACPL Expansion, Harrison Square).

Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year

2006-12-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

Updated numbers

2006-12-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

We've now learned that the stadium will be 5,000 seats, smaller than the current Memorial Stadium.

However, the stadium will include a grassy area for other optional seating, something many new minor league (and some major league) stadiums are starting to do.

A look into the future...

2006-12-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

2006-12-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

“This is a great opportunity for our community. A major downtown catalyst development will further enhance Fort Wayne’s role as an economic leader in Northeast Indiana and the Midwest region,” said Mayor Richard.

He also said he expected the project to help bring in "new job opportunites".

DIG Vice-President Linda Butler also supports the project, along with DIG President Nick Arnett, saying "It's a great opportunity for the city to grown and expand, as well as open up the door to new jobs, and new entertainment options downtown,"

DIG has announced that it will be hosting a Public meeting next month, date and time are soon to be released. You do not have to be a member to attend this event, and anyone is welcome to come.

And the crowd roars...

2006-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

So, I don't think anyone was expecting it to be this big of a project. But here it is, and its a biggy alright-

Phase one-
-$48 million New 300 room hotel
-$12 million 60 condominiums
-$6 million 30,000 commercial space
-$30 million Baseball stadium
-$10 million Parking garage (located across from hotel)
Total: $125 million (with fees and other small expenses)

Pretty big, huh?
And just think, thats only phase one.

I guess you could say, the city gave us a little early Christmas Present today...

Well, now we know why the Mayor had his staff fly in from vacation for this one.

No word yet on how big the stadium will be (seat wise), but I think its safe to say at least 6,500. Maybe more.

There's also a possible 60,000 additional commercial space to be added in the future as part of phase two, possibly some sort of retail shopping center/mini-mall, but thats just my guess.

And who says we'll never see retail on Harrison? According to this, Street level retail also to be along Harrison.

Well, I'm pretty happy with what I see here.

Oh, and did I mention the field is supposed to be ready by 2009?

Yes, it looks like we could be seeing construction start this summer, when it gains approval from the City Plan Commision in March (or is it April?).

"Dig" into DIG

2006-12-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

So with our last post, we realized that a lot of you have no clue what DIG is.

Lets start with the basics, DIG stands for Downtown Improvement Group (not to be confused with DID, Downtown Improvement District).

It was founded in late 2005 by Nick Arnett, and is a grass-roots organization centered around gathering public input or downtown projects and what not.

Yet now, they're shifting their purpose to something they believe will be more "purposeful" (ironic, huh?).

They're still going to be a public group, focused on gathering public input, but now the main purpose will be to promote downtown and show the public that there is more to do downtown than eat.

If you would like to join, contact Nick at digfortwayne@yahoo.com

Or, just visit their website, http://digfortwayne.tripod.com

DIG Not dead

2006-12-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

DIG (Downtown Improvement Group) will be hosting a meeting in late December/early January for board members to discuss the rebuilding of the group, a board reform, as well as a new mission statement, says Nick Arnett, President of the group.

Meetings will be open to the public again in January/February.

A little look at location the location...

2006-12-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

And the reports start to trickle in...

2006-12-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

So, we all know that the city has been slowing aquiring land needed for the project. People like Pat White tend to argue that the city was going behind our backs, when they really weren't.

If they were going behind our backs, we'd wake up one day to see a ballpark sitting on top of Bill's Palace and wonder where it came from.

Yet now, we have specifics.

Jefferson and Ewing will be the outer boundries.

Sounds like this is going to be a little bigger than everyone thought...

But then again, its a ballpark. Its supposed to be big.

But what really excites me is the fact that its going to be multi-purpose, meaning it can be used year round. Maybe the field won't be used all year... but some part of the facility will.

Yet again, theres always people who complain that Harrison Square will only be used from April to September. Wrong. It'll be used year round, its not just a ballpark, why else would we dump so much money into it?

The announcement tommorow?

2006-12-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

The long awaited announcement will be tommorow at the GWC. They're saying it'll be around 10:30, but it won't be open to the public (bummer), just a news conference.

Probably to avoid protests against the project/hecklers.

Well lets see. What does this mean for downtown?

As far as we know, it would be a multi-purpose facility. It would include a baseball stadium, as well as eateries and some retail. Also condominiums are a possibility.

This could be just the project we need to reverse the movement of people from inner-city to outer-city. Its got the three main components- residential/jobs/entertainment.

Cost could be anywhere from $100 million to $225 million, with the public only paying for about $75 million of it.

Yeah, thats a hefty price tag, but I think it'll pay off in the long run.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see...