News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Riverfront Development Study contract goes to City Council
(October 22, 2013) – A contract between the City of Fort Wayne and SWA Group for a Riverfront Development Study will be introduced at tonight’s Fort Wayne City Council meeting. The contract amount is $499,500 and would be paid from Legacy funds. The amount is just under the $500,000 approved by City Council last year to conduct a study of the City’s rivers.
Following introduction this week, City Council will likely discuss the contract on November 5, with final passage expected on November 12. It’s anticipated the study will take 12-18 months to complete and work will begin next month.
The Riverfront Development Study will be the first comprehensive look at the City’s rivers and is intended to provide the road map to a world class investment. Areas of focus will include land use; engineering and infrastructure investment; environmental and ecological issues; watershed and flooding issues; connectivity to trails, downtown and nearby neighborhoods; access to the river; urban design guidelines; retail; entertainment; and housing.
“We’ve done our due diligence in selecting an outstanding firm and ensuring we have a solid contract, but now the real work begins,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “I’m excited to work with experts and citizens alike to craft a plan that will bring transformational change and investment to our riverfront and City.”
SWA Group, an urban planning, design and landscape architecture firm working worldwide from seven locations, was chosen to lead the study. SWA has extensive expertise in riverfront development in the U.S. and around the world. SWA’s team will include Fort Wayne-based MKM Architecture + Design; Biohabitats; Moffatt & Nichol; and AMEC. Additional information about SWA can be found at www.swagroup.com.
City leaders emphasize the public will have an important role throughout the study process. Proactive outreach efforts will be used to gather input on concepts for creating a viable and exciting riverfront action plan.
Download the ordinance
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