Fort Wayne to Consider Riverfront Contracts

The first phase of the Riverfront project is set to begin this month. (rendering courtesy city of Fort Wayne)

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry says more than $17 million in construction contracts for the first phase of the Riverfront Fort Wayne project are ready for approval. The contracts will be presented to the Fort Wayne City Council and the Board of Park Commissioners next week.

To date, nearly $20 million has been committed to the project, including $10 million in Legacy funding for construction, more than $5 million in Regional Cities Initiative funding and $4.8 million in private donations. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll says the city is looking forward to getting construction underway.

"Our community and region have embraced this initiative and the possibilities that exist by developing our rivers," said Moll. "The financial support we’ve received from public and private entities helps ensure riverfront development will be a world-class experience for everyone involved."

The first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne will focus on public spaces in a park setting, according to the city. Plans include a promenade, park pavilion, and an event lawn, among other amenities.

The construction contracts will be introduced to the city council May 9 with a preliminary vote possible on May 16. Final passage could occur May 23. The mayor’s office says the Board of Park Commissioners could vote to approve the contracts May 11.

The contracts include:

Demolition, Excavation and Site Work – Crosby Excavating, $2,321,190
Landscaping – Dave Harlow Enterprises, $2,498,906
Concrete Dock Walls and Tree Canopy Trail – Kenny Construction Company, $3,069,000
Site Concrete – Hamilton Hunter Builders, $1,780,629
Masonry – Hamilton Hunter Builders, $218,109
Structural Steel Fabrication – Almet, Inc., $1,966,000
Miscellaneous and Structural Steel Erection – Don Fruchey, Inc., $220,500
General Trades – Fetters Construction, $1,290,000
Roofing – C.L. Schust, $155,000
Aluminum Storefront and Glazing – Hall Aluminum Products, $327,000
Finishes – Rosema Corporation, $251,000
Fire Protection – VFP Fire Systems, $49,947
Mechanical – Project Design and Piping, $863,000
Electrical – Hambrock Electrical, $1,385,500
Trailhead Restroom, $208,662
Harrison Street Asphalt Paving – Crosby Excavating, $58,190
Playground Equipment and Surfacing, $200,000
Site Specific General Conditions, $592,251

In March, the Board of Park Commissioners closed on the final three properties that make up the first phase of the $20 million project. Construction on the project is expected to begin in July and take 18 months to complete.

You can learn more about the Riverfront Fort Wayne project by clicking here.