Electric Works has released its first Community Impact Report, detailing significant progress in economic development, community services, and environmental sustainability the former GE campus redevelopment has helped create since it opened in late 2022.
News release from Electric Works:
Report Shows Positive Impact of Electric Works
Jobs, education, healthcare and historic preservation highlighted in first report to communityFort Wayne, Indiana (November 14, 2024) – Electric Works has released its first Community Impact Report, detailing significant progress in economic development, community services, and environmental sustainability the former GE campus redevelopment has helped create since it opened in late 2022. The nearly $300 million redevelopment of the West Campus showcases a forward-thinking approach to reconnecting the community with its past while fostering an innovative, sustainable future.
The report highlights Electric Works’ transformation from a vacant and decaying industrial site into a vibrant, mixed-use campus, featuring a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and professionals. The site now offers a range of amenities, including a public market, access to healthcare and healthy food options, educational opportunities, and cultural engagement programs.
“Electric Works has been making a positive impact in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana over the last two years, and we felt it was important to share those results with the community,” said Katy Silliman, director of community engagement and partnerships for Ancora, the lead developer of Electric Works. “The campus is becoming an engine for job creation, business growth, and community wellness, setting a powerful example of how historic sites can be reimagined to serve modern needs.”
Key Report Findings:
- Jobs: Nearly 900 people come to work or school at Electric Works daily. Businesses and organizations report over 200 new jobs created in the last 24 months. West Campus is projected to support more than 2,200 daily workers on site at full occupancy, driving job growth and regional economic success. During its construction phase, Electric Works generated an estimated 3,241 direct jobs.
- Economic Impact: The project is forecasted to have an annual economic impact of $375 million upon completion and full occupancy.
- Community Services: As a critical addition to a designated food desert area, Electric Works introduced Union Street Market, a public market that incubates local food businesses and supports food access for the community. Electric Works also launched the Electric Works Public Market Trust, a non-profit focused on improving healthy food access and education. Additionally, Parkview Health offers primary care, pharmacy access, and other health services to underserved populations in the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Sustainability Efforts: The redevelopment of Electric Works has set a benchmark in sustainable building practices, with over 15,000 tons of material repurposed, achieving an 84% reduction in embodied carbon emissions. This eco-friendly approach also diverts significant waste from landfills and reduces carbon emissions by nearly 28,000 metric tons, equivalent to the annual energy use of over 3,500 homes.
- Educational Impact: Amp Lab, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) high school located on the Electric Works campus, currently enrolls 320 students and partners with regional universities to provide dual-credit opportunities. Amp Lab is also actively building relationships with over 275 community organizations, furthering its impact on the next generation of innovators.
- Cultural and Community Engagement: In its first year, Electric Works welcomed over 770,000 unique visitors and hosted more than 200 events, strengthening its role as a central gathering place for the community. Through various public art initiatives, including the largest mural in Allen County in the works, the site celebrates local culture and fosters a lively campus atmosphere.
Rebecca Ghent, owner-operator of Buyamba Sandwich Company, said that being part of Union Street Market at Electric Works has given her business a unique opportunity to grow and expand with the community’s support, allowing the company to open Buyamba Sweet Shoppe and reach more people with their mission.
“At our heart, we’re a local deli with a bigger mission: connecting with our community and supporting two amazing nonprofits, Ray of Hope Medical Missions and Empowered International. In 2024 alone, the Buyamba staff generously donated over $40,000 in tips to these causes, and 100% of our proceeds go to supporting them. As a women- and veteran-owned business, we’re proud to make a difference here,” said Ghent.
Director of Amp Lab at Electric Works Riley Johnson noted, “Amp Lab and Electric Works together are creating a space where students become the leaders of tomorrow. Through hands-on experience in an innovative environment, we’re equipping them with the skills and mindset to make a real impact in our community and beyond.”
Upcoming expansions, including The Elex mixed-use residential project, will add nearly 300 apartment homes with a focus on affordability, wellness facilities, and an early childhood learning center to support the local community’s needs. Phase III will include a new Indiana Tech advanced manufacturing and engineering center, supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., creating further opportunities for workforce development and a draw for companies relocating to Fort Wayne.
Silliman added, “In the first two years since Electric Works opened, we’ve made progress to bring the community’s vision for this former GE campus to life, but we know there is still a tremendous amount of work ahead. We will continue to engage the community as we work to fully realize the potential of this innovation district.”
Visit the Electric Works website to see the full report.
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About Electric Works
Electric Works is a mixed-use district of innovation, energy and culture, developed as a public-private partnership between Ancora Partners and the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, and the State of Indiana. A redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the former General Electric campus, the first phase of Electric Works includes more than 730,000 square feet of space and offers office, innovation, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment, residential and community uses to create new opportunities for inclusive economic growth. For more information, visit the Electric Works website at fortwayneelectricworks.com.
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