Construction is now underway for Riverfront Phase IIB, located along the north bank of the St. Marys River.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation news release:
Riverfront Phase IIb Public Open Space Update
Design plans to change due to redefined permit conditionsFort Wayne, Indiana (December 3, 2025) – Over the past decade, growing community appreciation for the social, ecological and economic value of our rivers has helped drive significant public investment in the heart of downtown. This momentum has already led to major improvements, including Promenade Park and Riverfront Phase IIA, and has been matched by a wave of successful private development throughout the district.
Building on this progress, construction is now underway for Riverfront Phase IIB, located along the north bank of the St. Marys River. This next phase continues the City’s commitment to enhancing public access, expanding recreational opportunities and strengthening the connections to the riverfront.
Recently redefined permit conditions set forth by various state and federal agencies have prompted changes to Riverfront Phase IIB construction. To maintain progress with ongoing construction efforts, adjustments to various project elements within the floodway are necessary to align with these changes. Contrary to past permit conditions, projects within the floodway are now required to adhere to a ‘no-rise’ requirement. In other words, proposed changes may not cause a rise to the base flood elevation within the project area. Riverfront Phase IIB has been designed to meet this requirement; however, hydraulic modeling illustrates that changes in the floodway within the project area over the past 20+ years have contributed to a minor rise, therefore making some project elements unfeasible at this time.
As a result, the proposed tree canopy trail addition and public docks will be removed from the project. The remainder of public space improvements will still be constructed, including the esplanade with its discovery ascent, cascading steps, urban trail, hammock grove and accessible boulder mound, as well as the north lawn amphitheater with its urban swings and connections to improved streetscapes on Calhoun and Fourth Streets. These changes will allow for a reallocation of approximately $7-8 million to other Riverfront improvement projects.
“It’s critical that we continue to be innovative and creative as we look for opportunities to continue developing along our rivers,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “Though we’ve been faced with a new challenge, we will come together as a community to make a positive and lasting difference.”
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation remains optimistic and looks forward to future public and private development projects to enhance our award-winning riverfront development efforts.
Project completion is anticipated in 2026.
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