The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission today approved a professional services agreement with PB Development for master planning on the North River District.
City of Fort Wayne Indiana news release:
Redevelopment Commission approves North River District agreement
Fort Wayne, Indiana (March 9, 2026) – The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission today approved a professional services agreement with PB Development for master planning on the North River District.
The Commission will pay $182,500, which is a 50 percent match for funds from the Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board of Managers (CIB). The CIB approved up to $1.5 million to support North River District development on Thursday, February 26. Funds not used for master planning will be spent on eligible costs at the North River site, including but not limited to master planning, architectural design, and engineering.
“I’m enthusiastic about the potential for what lies ahead for the North River District,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “It’s encouraging to see progress being made on a unique venture for Fort Wayne that will position us for current and future success. We are setting our community on a course for a brighter tomorrow.”
PB Development is headquartered in Kansas City and will begin master planning work immediately. The North River District master plan will serve as the strategic blueprint for how the 29-acre site will be used and how it will be funded. It will set plans for:
- public infrastructure (roads, public transportation, utilities, sidewalks, trails);
- a variety of housing types (for rent, for purchase, multi-unit and single-family, affordable and market-rate);
- commercial uses (businesses, hotels, restaurants, shops);
- recreation and green spaces; and
- public facilities (the North River Fieldhouse and other possible attractions).
The master plan will also move forward planning for the North River Fieldhouse, which will establish Fort Wayne as a key youth and adaptive sports tourism destination. Spanning 160,000 square feet, the facility is anticipated to accommodate various indoor sports and activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, pickleball, baseball, flag football and more.
Recent feasibility studies estimate the fieldhouse will generate approximately $36 million in economic activity annually, primarily from visitors coming to Fort Wayne for tournaments. This will support nearly 900 jobs and contribute approximately $12.9 million in labor income each year. It is expected to create demand for 54,000 hotel nights annually and generate an estimated $733,000 in food and beverage and innkeepers tax revenue annually.
For more information and to stay up to date on the project visit TheNorthRiverDistrict.com.
The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division works to establish Fort Wayne as the Community of Choice for residents, visitors and businesses by growing the economy, strengthening neighborhoods and supporting housing options. Visit CityofFortWayne.in.gov/CD for more information.
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