News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
City announces plans to relocate Anthony Wayne statue
(August 7, 2013) – Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Department leaders today announced plans that call for the General Anthony Wayne statue to be moved from Freimann Square to the Courthouse Green.
Plans for moving the statue will be presented to the Board of Park Commissioners for approval at its next meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Byron F. Novitsky Building, 705 East State Blvd.
The proposal calls for the statue to be placed on the sidewalk in the Courthouse Green facing Clinton Street.
The move of the statue is an effort to give more visibility to the statue, highlight the contributions of Anthony Wayne, and continue the positive momentum in downtown Fort Wayne.
The cost of the project to relocate the statue and build a new base is less than $75,000. The funding would be provided through the Parks & Recreation Department’s accumulated unrestricted capital reserves. The projected completion date would be the end of September, weather permitting.
The Anthony Wayne statue was originally located in Hayden Park (now Nuckols Park) in 1918 and remained there until 1973 when it was moved to Freimann Square.
“Downtown Fort Wayne is a destination place that continues to grow and succeed,” said Mayor Henry. “Having the Anthony Wayne statue in a more visible location for citizens and visitors to enjoy will be a tremendous asset. This is a great way to pay respect to our City’s history and look forward to a future that’s built for success.”
The City of Fort Wayne owns Freimann Square and the Courthouse Green, and both are City parks.
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