A little look at progress...

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).