Renderings of the proposed promenade project. The city will announce a design team Thursday afternoon. (Photos contributed)

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO):A big step for downtown riverfront development. 

Saying dirt would move in 2016, Mayor Tom Henry says a team is in place to provide design and engineering for Fort Wayne's riverfront development plans.

This afternoon, Henry announced the formation of the Riverfront Design Group – a hybrid of local, state and national groups including Fort Wayne's Design Collaborative,  Hoch Association and Engineering Resources.

The group will create the formal plans for the much-awaited riverfront promenade that will stretch along the St. Marys River near the Wells Street Bridge.

The contract still has to be formal approved city council.