Developer updates plans for Schaab building renovation

The developer behind the renovation of the former Schaab Metal Products building in Fort Wayne gave an update on the project this week to the Fort Wayne City Council.

The council approved a 10-year tax abatement request for the project, which will transform the three-story building into a mixed-use development near the city’s riverfront.

Schaab Riverfront LLC originally estimated the project to cost about $5 million, the documents filed with the city now say the project will take $2.6 million to complete.

The developer plans to completely update the interior of the building, which will ultimately feature a restaurant, brewpub, cafe, and an esports area, in addition to outdoor gathering spaces.

Our partners at WPTA-TV report the project will also feature a trolley system that would connect to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.

Don Steininger, leader of the development team, told WPTA they hope to be good neighbors to nearby residents.

“I learned a long time ago, you got to introduce yourself. You got to make people feel comfortable and you got to invite them and I have now done that and found that everyone is delighted,” Steininger said. “They’re delighted to see it go from an industrial building to something that’s vibrant.”

The interior work expected to be completed inside the building includes the addition of two new elevators, three new stairwells, four restrooms, a fire suppression system, and all necessary mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.

The developer said renovations could begin within 60 days and will take about 18 months to complete.