Artists renderings of what Columbia Street could look like.
What The Landing looks like now. (WOWO Photo)
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): City leaders have unveiled another proposed project for downtown.
Mayor Tom Henry and other officials say they've acquired properties on Columbia Street, known as The Landing, in an effort to revitalize the area. A total of seven properties will be combined as a development. Henry says the mixed-use initiative will feature entertainment, office and residential units.
The Mayor envisions an area that is active with a connecting plaza and small shops, including boutiques, a coffee shop or wine bar.
The city could begin seeking proposals by the spring with work starting in 24 months or less.
Here's the official announcement from the Mayor's Office, verbatim:
Mayor Henry announces progress being made in redeveloping The Landing
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry today was joined by community leaders to provide a progress report on efforts to redevelop The Landing along West Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne.
The City of Fort Wayne has worked with the Downtown Development Trust, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to acquire seven buildings and two parking lots. The acquisitions now position the community to move forward to attract a developer to create a new mixed-use development in the heart of the City.
There is 110,000 square feet available for first floor retail and entertainment and upper floor residential units.
“This is a great step forward as we continue to work together to invest in our City,” said Mayor Henry. “The Landing project will assist us in our ongoing efforts to meet the high demand for downtown housing. I’m also encouraged that residents and visitors will have another location to live, work, and play as we continue to build on our successes and move forward in a meaningful way.”
It’s anticipated that a request for proposals (RFP) will be issued within the next 90 days by the Downtown Development Trust for developers to submit proposals to redevelop The Landing.
