Appearing in Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly is a column by Derrick Gingery. Here are a few key quotes:
The proposed “north river” redevelopment project comes at a time when the Fort Wayne area already is saturated with shopping destinations.
Mike Dahm, a senior broker for NAI Harding Dahm had this to say:
“We’re overbuilt in retail right now,” Dahm said. “I think the water-park idea probably has some merit. The residential type has some merit. I just think the retail is a small segment of it.”
President of The Zacher Company, Steve Zacher added:
“What is different about it from what you have now?” Zacher said. “There are options already to live downtown, and you can’t claim those have flourished. People always like new (things).”
As alluded to in a previous post, my biggest disappointment is that a “regional entertainment attraction” appears to be a relatively small part of the final plan. Most residents have called for a destination to be the focus for the area. I personally believe a Fort Wayne-themed indoor waterpark makes the most sense. Bring regional tourists to the area with a unique attraction not available elsewhere, educate them about Fort Wayne’s rich history, and provide them with a memorable family experience.
Fort Wayne will never grow until it specializes in markets other than strip clubs, food, and churches.
If you build it, they still won’t come.