FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — The City of Fort Wayne is seeking proposals from professional consulting firms to create a new downtown plan that will guide investment, growth and development over the next decade.
The Community Development Division announced that the updated plan will replace the city’s current downtown blueprint, Blueprint for the Future, which was adopted in 2003. City officials say that plan and its subsequent updates have helped spur more than $1 billion in investment in downtown Fort Wayne over the past 22 years.
Major projects influenced by the existing plan include Parkview Field, the Harrison, Ash Skyline Tower, Superior Lofts, the Urban Trail, Cityscape Flats, The Landing, The Bradley hotel, Promenade Park, Electric Works, The Pearl and Pearl Arts Center, Riverfront at Promenade Park and the Arts United Center expansion.
“It’s vital to recognize where we’ve been and where we want to go in the future,” Mayor Sharon Tucker said in a statement. “Investing resources in an updated plan for our thriving downtown will help ensure ongoing opportunities to make Fort Wayne the best city possible.”
Community Development Director Jonathan Leist said the new plan will be developed with input from downtown businesses and residents, surrounding neighborhoods and regional partners.
“It’s time to write the next chapter for downtown Fort Wayne,” Leist said. “We are excited to work with our partners to develop the next road map that will help propel our community and region to continued growth and success.”
Proposals are due by 11 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2026. The selected consulting team is expected to begin work by the end of March 2026, with the completed plan anticipated within 12 months.
