News release from the Downtown Improvement District:
Downtown Fort Wayne, Art This Way, and Barrett Realty Investments invite the public to celebrate a new mural at The Riverfront at Promenade Park
Fort Wayne, Indiana (August 4, 2025) – Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way are pleased to announce a new large-scale mural installation by local artist Julie Wall, set to debut soon at The Riverfront at Promenade Park. The vibrant, approximately 2,000-square-foot mural will transform the cinder block walls of the east garage entrance facing South Calhoun Street, bringing new life and color to a high-traffic pedestrian corridor.
Julie Wall, a Fort Wayne-based artist known for her dynamic public art installations, including those at Jefferson Pointe and The Sidecar, was selected for this project through a competitive application and proposal process facilitated by Art This Way, a program of Downtown Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne Public Art Commission approved the mural design in July 2025.
“I’m very excited to contribute another piece to our downtown art landscape,” said Wall. “This composition is very near and dear to my heart because it contains so many natural elements from our area. I love the idea that you drive through the piece to park your car and go across the street to see some of the botanicals in person at the gorgeous Promenade Park!”
Artists submitted their interest in the Art This Way program via a request for qualifications on the Art This Way website. Several artists were invited to submit mural concepts, and Wall’s design was ultimately selected.
“We believe that great places are built not only with bricks and mortar, but also with creativity and community,” said Barrett Realty Investments Director of Acquisitions & Development Zach Barrett. “Julie’s mural brings beauty, energy, and local identity to The Riverfront at Promenade Park, and we’re proud to support public art that enhances the experience for residents and visitors.”
Funding for this project was designated through the Public Art Giveback Program. The Public Art Giveback Program is a funding instrument for the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Art Program based upon contributions from specific city-supported eligible redevelopment projects, as described in § 33.188 of the City Code of Ordinances. As part of the development of The Riverfront at Promenade Park, project management is required to spend funds on public art projects. All public art projects funded through this mechanism are subject to review and approval by the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Art Commission.
This mural is powered by Barrett Realty Investment.
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