The Wells Street Pedestrian Bridge sits at the end of what I envision Phase II, the Shopping Boardwalk. This former vehicle/train trestle across the St. Mary’s has been beautifully restored, yet seems underutilized. I happened to be there today and didn’t see another soul during my brief visit.
The bridge offers some amazing views of downtown Fort Wayne, the St. Mary’s, and the Wells Street Corridor. It seems a shame that such a landmark does not receive the traffic and appreciation it richly deserves. Perhaps it could be put to better use.
Charlotte suggested converting a train trestle into a small restaurant or cafe. I can see potential with this particular property. Although it would be small, establishments like Cindy’s Diner have proven that success can overcome such limitations. Residents in the area could walk downtown to work, stopping by the cafe to grab their morning coffee, or meet a friend while enjoying a great view.
To the west of the bridge is the Wells Street Triangle. I don’t know who owns this property (it’s presently used as a K-9 training center), but it seems a great connection to the Wells Street Corridor to the north. I have proposed placing a giant ferris wheel and Headwaters Sky Ride terminal in this area. Although it’s at the end of the Shopping Boardwalk, tourists and residents could enjoy this stop between shopping. Want to travel to the Nightlife Boardwalk? What could be more beautiful than taking a sky ride over Headwaters Park to the other terminal near the Old Fort?
Dave:
After seeing the picture of the Wells Street Bridge, I decided to pay more attention to it as I drove around Fort Wayne the other day.
The entrance from Superior is certainly inconspicuos, and the entrance from Wells is a little off the beaten path. But let me say, that once you get to the bridge, it is an amazing sight to behold.
I love old architecture, and the bridge does not disappoint. I took a bunch of pictures and I will be doing an article over at my blog on truss bridges.
What a shame the bridge is not more visible as well as highligthed by local businesses and groups. I believe the only truss bridge in use in Fort Wayne is the one which provides rail access just behind the newspaper offices.
Using Google Earth Plus, I located two (maybe three) more truss bridges in Allen County – in the southeast portion off U.S.27. I am going to take a drive and try to find them and photograph them.
Keep up the great reporting and suggestions!
Thanks Charlotte.
The bridge is a sight to behold and I would love to see more people share the experience.
I’m struggling with that fine line of “modernizing” the appeal of our landmarks while respecting their historical integrity. Would a pedestrian cafe cheapen the bridge’s inherent value? Perhaps. And yet if no one is around to appreciate it, what’s the point?
I’ve used the line “Embracing the future…building upon our past.” Whatever we as a community decide, must strike a balance between the two.
Be sure to check out the photos of the Wells Street Bridge over at AroundFortWayne.com:
Wells Street Bridge
Stephen Parker provides a unique perspective of the bridge’s features.
Charlotte just posted a great article about area truss bridges on her blog:
SPAN-TASTIC – THE TRUSS BRIDGES OF ALLEN COUNTY