Electric Works: An Update
You may have felt it, a buzzing, almost charged atmosphere all over downtown Fort Wayne … you may even call it electric.
Not to be overly on the nose, but there’s no denying the new and vibrant energy radiating from the hive of activity at our city center. New construction projects and cranes dotting the skyline are now the norm, with Allen County hitting a historic high water mark of $2 billion in construction value for 2021 shattering the previous record of $1.63 billion in 2019. Although the revitalization of the former General Electric campus is not immediately downtown (it’s several blocks southwest) it has become a burgeoning hub of activity.
I first wrote about the bright future of Electric Works in the June 2018 issue of Fort Wayne Real Producers. Since then the project has steadily progressed despite some delays due to the pandemic and financing hiccups, with ongoing construction and even a new building along Broadway.
In fact, the West Campus of Electric Works is slated to open by fall of this year. With all the new developments, we thought it’d be a great time to check in on this exciting transformation from abandoned buildings to 39-acre, mixed-use innovation district.
Historic Ties
The $286 million phase one renovation project is bringing new life to the old GE plant, but not without a nod to the site’s history. The National Park Service and Indiana State Historic Preservation Office regularly monitor the work to make sure everything is in accordance with tax credit dollars, as both federal and state historic tax credits helped make the first phase of construction possible.
Anyone who has driven by the campus will have noted the impressive array and amount of windows. As such an important style component, the new windows installed by Wiegand Construction are close to exact reproductions of the originals and energy-efficient to boot.
Built in 1927, the bowling alley and gymnasium were part of a “GE Club” for workers and local lore. Both will be revitalized and modernized as part of the Electric Works entertainment options.
Look For
The illuminated GE logo was a favorite sight for decades, and could be seen for miles. A new Electric Works sign will eventually be illuminated and installed atop one of the buildings alongside a Do it Best sign.
Union Street Market, scheduled to open in the fall, will be an indoor public market and food hall open seven days a week with 25 merchant stalls. Jeff Kingsbury of RTM Ventures, the development team behind Electric Works explained they are committed to partnering with “food entrepreneurs who share our passion for increasing access to fresh, healthy food and providing a truly unique experience for the community, and those who appreciate the magic of an authentic market environment.”
It will cover more than 37,000 square feet in the space comprised of the former buildings 20, 20A and 22 featuring standout windows and garage doors which open onto an adjacent plaza.
RTM Ventures is also partnering with DC-based Carr Workplaces to develop and implement a holistic cowering experience. Occupying some 32,000 square feet of historic Building 19 with over 90 private offices, “drop-in” workspaces, and meetings rooms it will also include around 15 unique office suites in the adjacent Building 27.
Committed
The following businesses have signed letters of intent to occupy space at Electric Works:
Chapman’s Brewing: A flagship brewery and taproom with family friendly dining plus retail space with all the accoutrements needed for home brewing.
Bird and Cleaver: Reemergence of the popular restaurant that was closed due to the pandemic.
Good Riddance! Gluten-Free Bakery: A first step from home-based biz to fully equipped production kitchen.
Conjure Coffee: Fresh roasted coffees, creative espresso drinks and a new lineup of gelato.
Lunar Infusions: Rotating selection of kombucha on tap for flights, growler refills, and bottles to go.
Kekionga Craft Company: Various flavored ciders, mead, and traditional grape-based wines in addition to fresh cider, cider donuts, and other assorted apple snacks.
Deli on Main: Smoked meat sandwiches, breakfast items, and dinners to go.
Do it Best Corp. is the anchor tenant and will house their headquarters in approximately 200,000 square feet of space on multiple floors of Building 26. Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana Tech, IU Ventures, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Ruoff Mortgage, Parkview Health, and Medical Informatics Engineering have also been confirmed as tenants.
Phases
Phase II of the project is located on the north side of the campus, west of Broadway and north of the railroad tracks and Electric Works West. It has been given the green light by the Fort Wayne City Council with preliminary approval of the rezoning request needed to move forward. The $106 million Phase II will include more than 280 residential apartments, a six-deck parking garage, childcare center, workout facility as well as retail space and is on track for completion sometime in 2023.
The 12-acre West Campus constitutes the first phase. It is s projected to generate almost $300 million in economic impact throughout construction, and nearly $400 million in annual economic impact once it opens. With over 700,000 square feet of retail, entertainment, co-working, research, and office space in addition to the food hall, market, STEAM high school, pharmacy and primary care clinic—Electric Works is bound to be a hotbed of commerce, community, and connection.
“Electric Works is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our city and our region—it keeps us moving forward and continues the momentum of positive development that has been taking place in downtown for the past several years.” — Tim Ash, CEO of Ash Brokerage
*This is by no means a comprehensive account of everything going on at Electric Works, merely a brief overview given information available at the time of writing (almost 2 months prior to publication).
*All photos from Fort Wayne Electric Works.
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