Fort Wayne Finalizes Riverfront Properties

The first phase of the Riverfront project is expected to begin this month.

Efforts to complete the $20 million Riverfront Fort Wayne project are progressing. The Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners has closed on the final three riverfront properties that make up part of the project’s first phase.

The city says the purchase, which totaled more than $2.1 million, was funded with help from the Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. The Board of Park Commissioners will take possession of the properties by August 15.

"We’re continuing to make positive progress in our collective efforts to enhance the riverfront to become a point of destination attraction for Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "I’m encouraged by the ongoing support and excitement from the public and the momentum and investments we’ll experience as a result of developing the riverfront."

The city says, as part of the transaction, condemnation lawsuits regarding the properties will be dismissed. Environmental testing will begin in the near future and construction on the project is expected to begin in July. The project remains on target for completion in late 2018.

Last month, the city began the Old Fort Bank Stabilization Project, which aims to improve water quality and user experience. The project is expected to be complete next month.