Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District

“Art This Way feels like a world-class art gallery that is open 24 hours a day,” says Michael Galbraith, President & CEO of the Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District, in regard to all of the public art available to enjoy throughout Downtown Fort Wayne.

Art This Way operates under the umbrella of the Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District. Art This Way Manager Alexandra Hall has helped bring Art This Way to life through alley activations. Art This Way works to raise funds and act as the liaison between property owners and artists to bring large scale professional art installations to Fort Wayne.

Get to know the “Double Plus” in Downtown Fort Wayne. The Double Plus weaves between residential areas, local shops and restaurants, and is home to numerous pieces of art, light installations, and family-friendly areas to hang out. When viewed from above, the alleys align to make two “plus” signs within the busy downtown streets.

The Double Plus can be found in the alleyways between W. Berry Street, E. Wayne Street, and W. Washington Street (that run east and west) and S. Calhoun Street and S. Harrison Street (that run north and south).

The south area of the Double Plus is home to numerous works of art including pieces by Alex Mendez, Alexandra Hall, Diane Groenert, Terry Ratliff, and Theoplis Smith placed between 2016 and 2017. There are also Art This Way murals from 1010, Matthew Plett, Arlin Graff, and Bryan Ballinger as well as a Clean Drains Fort Wayne mural by Julie Wall.

In the north area of the Double Plus, there are Art This Way murals by Shawn Dunwoody, Tammy Davis, Tim Parsley, and JUURI. The north area is also home to the 77 Steps light sculpture, the Porch Off Calhoun, and a Bryan Ballinger mural on the side of the City Center Garage adjacent to the Porch Off Calhoun.

String lights as well as furniture pieces to relax or dine at can be found throughout both the north and south areas of the Double Plus during warmer months of the year. Whether you are taking family photos during the day, or exploring the lights in the evening after grabbing a slice of pizza from 816 Pint & Slice or Big Apple Pizza, the Double Plus is accessible, colorful, and open to the public every single day.

Alexandra Hall says, “The Double Plus is always evolving. If you visit Downtown Fort Wayne, you may find new murals being created throughout the summer. What started as an art project has grown into an all-inclusive downtown experience and public space that is welcome and safe for everyone.”

2/6/20 is 260 Day in Fort Wayne. The entire day is filled with deals, specials, and lots of pride for 260. That pride is being felt throughout downtown and the surrounding area thanks to some help from First & Wilkerson Designs.

Located at 127 West Wayne Street, First & Wilkerson Designs were found in the original City Exchange Shops. Since then, they have grown their space after new construction. The store is filled with all kinds of fashions and items that really connect with the pride so many of us are experiencing in Downtown Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana at large.

Owned by John (Ambriole) who works with creative mastermind, Taryn, these two have created something special. John says that they have grown over 200% since they opened their doors that now allows them to sell both via e-commerce and directly from their brick and mortar store.

John says, “You want people to feel good in their clothing. That’s what it comes down to. We are all branding ourselves. You can tell a lot about a person by how they wear their clothes. It’s how it feels and how you feel in it. We offer a lot of the softer tri-blend materials that reflect that for our customers.”

Taryn says, “We have been under the radar, so people are pleasantly surprised to see so much Fort Wayne stuff when they come into the store. We also have so many people that order shirts for family occasion from baby showers to family reunions. You can order as little as one shirt or as many as hundreds with the design that you want.”

John adds, “Our longest lead time is a maximum of ten days but we are usually much quicker than that. You could also have your shirt in as little as 20 minutes. We are an on demand printer; a direct to garment printer.”

Their love for Fort Wayne can be felt not just in their shirts but in their daily conversations. Overhearing their chats with local shoppers, it’s not uncommon to hear them talking about the growth of Downtown Fort Wayne, the ease of connecting with locals, or how excited they are for the future.

Taryn grew up in Fort Wayne but swore she’d leave and never come back when she grew up. “But now I realize, as a thirty-something millennial, that it’s not awful at all like I thought it was. I take inspiration from growing up here and have a new appreciation for where I live. The downtown revitalization is easy to find inspiration from every single day.”

John says, “There is a real vibe here. Downtown Fort Wayne is incredible in the summer and I love seeing so many people out and about. My wife and I love getting into the city and pounding the pavement. Getting from place to place on foot with so much to do is really amazing. I am so glad that I put the store in downtown. “

We are, too, John.

Check out First & Wilkerson Designs at firstwilkerson.com! Happy 260 Day!

Waiter on the Way has moved their central headquarters to the historic Baker Street Station as a renewed commitment to downtown and the greater Fort Wayne area. Waiter on the Way owner, Derek Berkes, is currently rejuvenating the company to meet the needs of customers. 

Berkes said, “Over the next 12 months we will be launching a new website for our amazing customers as we are redefining our processes to deliver food throughout Fort Wayne. We are renewing our commitment to be the best food delivery service in the city.” 

When asked why he chooses to stay in DTFW, his response is quick and to the point. “We chose Baker Street Station because we want to remain downtown, and this centralized location is great logistically for our customers and our drivers. We are, and have been, committed to the rebirth of downtown Fort Wayne in any capacity that we can. I can’t imagine us not having our business downtown, that just is not an option,” said Berkes.

We’re glad that we will continue to see you in Downtown Fort Wayne!

Fort Wayne Food Tours is back for another summer of history and dining. With tours lasting until early October, this is an experience you don’t want to miss. An interview with father-daughter team, Randy Harter and Sarah Arnold, proves that this year expects to be the best yet as participants experience a different flavor of Downtown Fort Wayne.

The 3.5 hour walking tour of DTFW includes tastings at The Gas House, The Hoppy Gnome, Proximo, and DeBrand Fine Chocolates. In between dining locations, enjoy interesting historical commentary and stops over a 1.25 mile loop from local historian, Randy Harter. This is a great opportunity to learn about the city's rich cultural and business history as well as current events and plans for the future of Fort Wayne.

Randy says, “My wife and I had been on food tours in three cities, and Sarah did one in Charleston. We always had fun and it was a great way to see the city on foot. With my history background, it is great to combine city history and good food. Plus, I love to eat so it’s a win-win.”

Sarah (a 2019 Forty Under 40 recipient) adds, “I started going to other restaurants to get it to work. The concept kind of came into play by researching all the big cities around us with cost, time, and finding the best way for that to make sense in Fort Wayne. We love the growth of downtown and the new restaurants popping up. We wanted to match that with the rich history of our city. We brought all of that together with these tours and we are so excited about the future.”

With tours that are limited to 12 people, it keeps the group intimate and interactive with each other. The tours start at The Gas House. “I started with The Gas House because they have a great parking lot. It was key to get them first. I remember stopping by, and I got about a sentence into my spiel and they were in. Ben Hall was all for it. The Halls are such a good family and are so important to what has happened in Fort Wayne’s history and will happen in the future,” says Randy.

Fort Wayne Food Tours are completely accessible for the public and have only been rained out once since they began. Booking a tour can be done easily online and they have numerous resources including an FAQ page. One thing to remember is to show up hungry. Randy and Sarah will take care of the rest!

Book a tour online!

David Talbott Collection located at 532 West Berry Street in the West Berry Building next to Urban Hippie continues to focus on men’s designer apparel at affordable prices. Their new location opened recently after years at The City Exchange Shops a few blocks away. Their evolution is evident while browsing the store.

Owner, David Rabideau, started working in men’s tailored clothing after college. He gained experience in a clothing store on the east coast and learned the many levels of corporate clothing and men’s retail. Rabideau says, "I know designers and I know material. I wanted to offer a designer clothing store but with more realistic cost for customers.”

Rabideau says that the customers that come in from day to day "range from age 25 to age 65”. He says that “younger guys come in and focus on accessories from tie clips to sunglasses and hats and socks. A lot of these areas have really taken off.”

There is more than just accessories with everything from suits to shirts to shoes. All sports coats and blazers range in price from $99 to $125 each. Rabideau prides himself on selecting unique clothing for his customers, and selects each item one at a time to offer to the public.

Stop by and check out this unique men’s shop in Downtown Fort Wayne. They are open Tuesday - Saturday. Connect with them on Facebook and don’t miss their latest fashions!

I stopped by to chat with Alya Aldridge, owner of Meli Mei in The City Exchange Shops at 127 W. Wayne Street. Alya lived in Russia until the age of 16. She lived in Fort Wayne briefly as a teenager over a decade ago. When she returned, she was amazed out how much the city has grown in the last 10 years. Excited to be part of the rebirth of Downtown Fort Wayne, she has brought her creativity to Meli Mei that opened in August, 2017.

She created this store based around her “fashion-forward, feminine style” that is “comfortable yet edgy.” Focused on fashion options for women, you can expect to find affordable to moderate pricing on most items. Alya carries unique finds from around the globe including Paris, Russia, Ukraine, and Japan. 

Meli Mei is named in honor of her daughter Ameliya. “She has my love for fashion. At 5 years old, she will draw and style on her own and I want to be a good example for her creativity.” Alya believes “If you really want something you can have it. There are no limits. If you work hard, you can get it. I want my daughter to know she can achieve anything.”

Meli Mei is the perfect example of this belief. She sold out of most of her products during the holiday season and works hard to keep new products constantly in stock including chokers, raw stones, tops, jackets, dresses, clutch bags, and much more. She mentions that she is “selling so many items the first day they are placed on the shelf.” She plans to bring higher end brands to the store in 2018. I ask her to talk about Downtown Fort Wayne and her thoughts on The City Exchange. She quickly smiles. “I love the feel here. We have a community in the shops and everyone is so welcoming and nice. It is a great spot with a strong customer base and so many new surrounding restaurants within walking distance. When I first came to Fort Wayne a decade ago, I felt like it was small but now that I have my business here I see so much growth and so many new businesses starting. I don’t feel like we are in competition. I feel like there is so much support between businesses. I love the feel of something new within this community, so much is fresh and local.”

If you haven’t been to Meli Mei yet, now is the time. Connect with the shop on Facebook and Instagram. Keep your eyes open for a possible kids boutique in the future, too. Alya has big plans for her business, and her success (like many other local establishments) goes hand in hand with the success of Downtown Fort Wayne.

I stopped by Caliente Cuban Cafe for lunch at their new Downtown Fort Wayne location. Located at 120 W. Wayne Street, at the same location as the former Toscani Pizzeria, you will feel a familiarity with the space. It’s great to have this location filled again with smiling faces, great food, and quick service.

I was greeted right away, assisted with my order, and my appetizer was in front of me in less than 10 minutes. I enjoyed the Aguacate Relleno (avacoda halves with a delicious tuna mixture) to start off with before biting into the Cubano. Highly recommended by my server, the Cubano is made up of roasted pork, ham, cheese, pickles, onions, and mustard. It’s a delicious sandwich that is soft and warm with every bite, but it’s the taste that will keep you coming back for more. 

I finished with the Pudin De Pan (homemade bread mixed with guava and baked to a cream, caramelized consistency). It was so delicious and one of the best desserts I have ever had in the 99 block district of Downtown. It all came together for the perfect meal. It was an affordable experience, and I left full and satisfied.

As Downtown continues to grow with local businesses, it is incredible to experience the wide variety of flavors, options, and uniqueness that each business is bringing to our community. Caliente Cuban Cafe is no exception as they offer something new for our taste buds. If you haven’t tasted the Cubano yet, the time is now.

The Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center announced the opening of its new Starbucks located at 1020 S. Calhoun Street, adjacent to the Hilton Fort Wayne. Starbucks opened for business at 6 a.m. on Monday, September 18.

"Great things are happening in Downtown Fort Wayne, and we're very happy to be a part of it", said Mr. Amar Shokeen, owner of the new Starbucks and the Hilton. "With the recent addition of Features Bar & Restaurant in the Hilton lobby, Starbucks was built in space previously occupied by the hotel's restaurant. The street-level location makes it convenient to the many people who live and work nearby." 

If you haven’t taken a trip on Sweet Breeze yet, the time to book your tour is now! As summer starts to wind down, the new canal boat from Friends of the Rivers has become one of downtown’s newest and most adventurous assets after a full summer of tours. Sweet Breeze can host up to 40 people and is able to be booked for one seat or a private party.

Enjoy the 90 Minute Tour where you’ll be introduced to our three rivers including the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee. They’ll cover some river basics such as water quality, points of interest, how you can access our rivers, and the future of riverfront development. If you are looking for a shorter ride, I recommend the 45 Minutes Tour that covers the basics of our three rivers plus a bit of history and discussions on water quality and riverfront development.

The crew was made up of Dan Jones (captain), Mark Meyer (docent), and KC Jones (first mate). They took excellent care of us. They guided through the waters with ease and Mark was as informative as he was comical. He filled us in on the history and the future of our rivers, and its impact on our communities. 

You don’t want to miss this. There are several dates available in the coming weeks that have availability. Book your tour online now!

The Riverfront Fort Wayne Historic Boat tours have been a success on the rivers since they began. Every other Sunday and Thursday throughout the summer, Matt Jones takes passengers for a ride along the riverfronts that surround the Downtown Fort Wayne area. I have enjoyed the tour numerous times and Matt always makes each trip unique and interactive. 

There are ten spots available for each tour and there are only a handful of openings left for August and September. You can sign up online for $12 and then Matt will take care of the rest. After meeting at the dock at Headwaters Park West, Matt will take you up and down the rivers while filling you in on unknown history, stories, and facts like you have never heard before.

Matt is as entertaining as the tours are beautiful. It makes for a combination of both laughter and breathing in the beautiful views of the St. Marys River, the St, Joseph River, and the Maumee River. Bring a friend and sign up for a tour today before the sell out!

Albert Metel is the head of the International Village Multi-Cultural Council. His parents and grandparents were born in Estonia. After the Soviet Union took over in 1921, his family was sent to Siberia. Estonian farmers adapted to the conditions in Siberia and created farms. He told me that the male farmers were then arrested so the rest of the family would not survive. Albert’s grandfather and uncles died in prison. Later, his grandmother received a letter that they were wrongly imprisoned until their deaths. During World War II, many people escaped Siberia, including his mother. Albert was born in Georgia and then his family followed a German army into Germany. After the war, the United Nations took survivors into camps. He lived with his family in a camp for five years until they found a sponsor in America. They took a boat to the United States and lived in Pennsylvania where they worked to pay off debts to their sponsors. After, they settled in in Fort Wayne, Indiana and he has lived here since 1952.

This is one of many stories that lead families to Fort Wayne over the years. It’s his background that makes Albert not only incredibly compassionate but also passionate about the International Village at Three Rivers Festival. This year, the festival will be held over two days from Friday, July 14 until Saturday, July 15 in the Club Soda parking lot from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday to kick things off.

Over twenty countries will be represented during the festival and there will be authentic food, entertainment, story telling, dancing, and lots of music. He wants to show the different cultures that make up Fort Wayne. There are seventy-two different languages spoken and over fifty countries represented here. Albert tells me that "we are a small version of that melting pot and this is a way to learn the different traditions of all of our residents.” He explained how the people that participate in the International Village do it with a desire to be assimilated into American culture while keeping their heritage. They want to be part of America and keep their identities. This is the sixth year for the event and a great opportunity to learn and connect with others.

Margarita Monday has quickly become one of my favorite activities to enjoy not just on Riverfront Fort Wayne but in Downtown Fort Wayne in general. This weekly event is lead by Eden Lamb, who is not only a great river guide but is incredibly knowledgeable about each of our three rivers that come together right here in Downtown Fort Wayne. If Riverfront Fort Wayne is our greatest hidden treasure then Eden would be its gatekeeper.

You don’t need to know anything about our rivers or even be skilled in kayaking to enjoy Margarita Monday. In fact, it’s an incredibly laid back experience that allows you to branch out on your own and explore, or stay close to the crew and hang out with friends. Fort Wayne Outfitters will make sure you have everything you need in terms of safety and knowledge to enjoy the rivers.

You might jog the trails, drive the roads, and walk around the incredible growth that surrounds our rivers but until you are on them, you won’t know the real difference of what this feels like. Each week, I see people of different ages and backgrounds talk about how they’ve never been on the rivers before and they can’t believe what took them so long, how beautiful it really is, and how they can’t wait to come back with their friends and family. 

Join Eden and her team each Monday throughout the summer (until the cold sets in) at 5:45pm at Fort Wayne Outfitters at 1004 Cass St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. There is free parking and this event is free for anyone that brings their own kayak. If you need to rent one, they are available at the Outfitters for a small rental fee. You just have to call (260) 420-3962 and reserve one, sign a waiver, and then enjoy the rivers. After a couple hours, everyone walks up the hill to Don Chavas to enjoy a margarita and hang out. You aren’t required to do this after finishing up on the rivers but you might be surprised how many friends you will make while on the water. Find out more on their website!

Fort Wayne Food Tours is one of the best ways to make friends and enjoy the best food that Downtown Fort Wayne has to offer. The tours are designed to be small so that everyone can get to know each other. They are an intimate yet fun approach to the history and great food that you can only find in our urban core. It wasn’t just the food that made the tour so great, it was our tour guide.

Randy Harter is the creator of Fort Wayne Food Tours. He knows more about the history of Downtown Fort Wayne than anyone I’ve met in a long time. His knowledge about the fort, the creation of buildings, the story behind the layout of our downtown, and our unique heritage is astounding. He has a sense of humor that kept us giggling throughout the evening.

We started at The Gas House followed by the Hoppy Gnome and then Dash-In and The Golden with a final stop at DeBrand’s. If you know me, you know that I can eat more food than most but this tour left me the perfect amount of full. Each course was crafted for a delicious bite to eat and was ready for us within minutes of arrival.

This tour is available for adults 21 and over. Tickets are $55 each and the cost covers everything. There are still spots open on Friday and Saturday evening throughout the summer months. Bring a friend or a date, some walking shoes, and your appetite. This is a great way to explore the city and enjoy five unique locations all in one evening. This is a five out of five star experience! Book your tour: fortwaynefoodtours.com

I walked around the future of Phase 1 of Riverfront Fort Wayne with Megan Butler. Megan is the new Program and Events Manager at Riverfront Fort Wayne and has a lot of plans for us for the future. We talked about everything from recreation to construction to our attitudes towards our rivers. Below, you will find out more about her vision for the future and what we can expect to enjoy along our rivers in the days ahead. What attracted you to Riverfront Fort Wayne and this position?

I was really attracted to the convergence of a community embracing its past and simultaneously making the collective decision to move forward in an exciting and new way. I love that our rivers are an unparalleled natural asset in the middle of a very urban downtown. It's this unique position that is metaphorical for human life. We have to move forward while embracing the past. It doesn't have to be one or the other. We can be creative AND logical. Our rivers and the new designs strike a fantastic balance between natural and developed.

What role will your position play in the future of riverfront?

I see programming increasing dramatically in size and scope, and I see diverse groups making use of their riverfront.

Do you think our riverfront can be enjoyed 12 months a year?

YES! As long as you can embrace the 4 seasons and their beauty and experiences then there will always be something to enjoy. This is one more natural asset that is evolving and changing and growing. If you can enjoy each month and what it brings you can certainly experience it along our riverfront.

How will Phase 1 impact your vision for events in next two years?

I'm being stretched in a new way in regard to the experiences that I create for people on our riverfront. When Phase 1 opens it will be a massive change in the psyche of our community. People will enjoy it for what it is and can be, instead of looking at renderings. Any aspect of someone's life can be integrated into riverfront including work, education, events, wedding venues, family photos, eating lunch, and more. I want this to be the first place people want to see when they came to town and I want that for every person from every walk of life.

Do you feel like you are in the right place at the right time?

There is so much opportunity here. I have a massive diversity of experiences from my life and my career. I don't come from a common walk of life. It gives me a unique perspective that I’m fortunate to have. I have strengths in math, analysis, and communication. I can analyze and be creative when it comes to addressing our riverfront needs. I’m very excited about the future.