Building on efforts to energize downtown
Fort Wayne , Mayor Graham Richard and Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown formed the North River Downtown Task Force on April 5, 2007.
Its mission: to address the development of the land just north of the city center and the St. Marys River – the place known as North River; and to recommend its highest and best use for the long-term benefit of the community.
This landmark district has been of keen interest since well before the creation of
Headwaters
Park . It is linked forever by water and history to
Fort Wayne ’s metro core.
North River encompasses the OmniSource property north of the St. Marys River and alongside its banks between North Harrison and
Clinton streets. Through an option agreement with OmniSource on its 29 acres, the City has control of this primary location affording the flexibility to strategically plan for the future.
The area’s notable size, connection to downtown and extended riverfront are highly prized assets in an urban setting.
North River will complement the growth already occurring in other parts of our community’s heart, stimulate additional projects and help to strengthen our urban fabric.
As noted in the 2005 Downtown BlueprintPlus plan, the “North Core” represents a prime opportunity for transforming a near-river site into a lively, sought-out attraction; for creating a walkable, urban mixed-use locale integrated with its surrounding neighborhoods; for enhancing the image of
Fort Wayne as a family destination; and for making the river central to downtown and the region.
While the Task Force will lead the way, this extraordinary possibility is ours to envision as a community. Please join in as we imagine the future of
North River . Share your ideas. Come to the community meetings. Help shape our downtown cityscape. It’s North River Now!