City's Downtown Revitalization Efforts Earn National Award

The City of Fort Wayne earned an Award of Distinction from the International Downtown Association for planning efforts that resulted in Harrison Square and other downtown revitalization projects in Fort Wayne.

“We are starting to see the planning efforts of City officials and Fort Wayne residents paying off and turning into a tangible outcome,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “Downtown Fort Wayne has become a destination in our city and region, but only because we planned for it. I appreciate having the hard work of hundreds if not thousands of Fort Wayne residents honored by the International Downtown Association.”

Fort Wayne was one of eight communities recognized in the planning category and the only Indiana city to earn an award at the association’s annual conference.

“It’s always gratifying when our efforts are recognized by a group of experts in the field of developing strong downtowns,” said John Urbahns, director of community development, “but just as important is that our own community is seeing the success in our process and enjoying the results of thoughtful planning by both the public sector and the private sector and the input from hundreds of participants. Once again we see that the strongest results come from the commitment of many individuals.”

The City’s application focused on the Downtown Blueprint process and subsequent plans that lead to Harrison Square and Parkview Field. The narrative emphasized the many and varied partnerships and collaborations that ultimately created the inviting and welcoming public space.

Fort Wayne’s project was one of 77 award submissions IDA received this year as part of its Downtown Achievement Awards. The 2009 Downtown Achievement Award winners were recognized during IDA’s 55th Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sept.11 to15. Founded in 1954, the International Downtown Association has more than 650 member organizations worldwide in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Fort Wayne’s submission can be viewed at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/images/stories/slideshow/fortwaynedowntownachievementawardpresentation.pdf.