Arts United Seeking ‘New Look’

A major focus of the project is the renovation and preservation of the Arts United Center.

Arts United in Fort Wayne has selected four semifinalists in the search for an architectural team to create a new look for its downtown Arts Campus. The organization hopes to increase accessibility and walkability at the campus, which includes attractions such as the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

The semifinalists are:

Design Collaborative (Fort Wayne, IN) and Ennead Architects (New York, NY)
Martin Riley (Fort Wayne, IN) and Quinn Evans Architects (Washington, DC and other locations)
Mills + Schnoering (Princeton, NJ) and Bona Vita Architecture (Fort Wayne, IN)
Westlake Reed Leskosky (Cleveland, OH and other locations) and MKM architecture + design (Fort Wayne, IN)??

A major focus of the project is the renovation and preservation of the Arts United Center, which is a 660-seat performance venue completed in 1972. The organization says the effort drew interest from more than 36 firms in the United States and Europe. Arts United is also looking to increase community gathering space and enhance ADA-approved accessibility.

The campus also includes the Fort Wayne Youtheatre, Fort Wayne Ballet, Artlink, ARCH, Fort Wayne Cinema Center, the History Center, Fort Wayne Dance Collective and Fort Wayne Trails. The project aims to connect the campus to other downtown districts including the Landing, Riverfront Development and Freimann Square.

Sweetwater Sound founder Chuck Surack, a member of Arts United’s master planning committee says "this project hits the target" as Fort Wayne looks to position itself as a national destination for arts and culture.