DID Releases 2008 Events Schedule

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

Old Holiday Inn Gets a New Look

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.

Downtown Beach Blast 2007!

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.

Harrison Square Update

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

In the News...

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

Points of Interest

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

In the News...

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

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

10 Things to do downtown this spring

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...

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 Update, some changes.

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

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.

McMillen hosting National tournament this week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?