Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District

O’Reilly’s Irish Bar & Restaurant opened over 2...

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:35:00 -0400

O'Reilly's Irish Bar & Restaurant - Downtown Fort Wayne

O'Reilly's Irish Bar & Restaurant - Downtown Fort Wayne

O'Reilly's Irish Bar & Restaurant - Downtown Fort Wayne

O'Reilly's Irish Bar & Restaurant - Downtown Fort Wayne

O’Reilly’s Irish Bar & Restaurant opened over 2 months ago in The Harrison. Since its grand opening, I have heard a wide range of reviews from friends and acquaintances. Many have raved over a new place to spend time with friends after a ballgame while I have heard others tell me they expected more. I wanted to spend a good amount of time here before I wrote a review.

I have stopped in before and after TinCaps games, stopped in for drinks with friends, had a dinner date, and even taken a friend out for her birthday at O’Reilly’s. Each time the service was quality, the food was delicious, and the environment was warm and friendly. When deciding on evening or weekend plans in downtown, O’Reilly’s is now very much on the list of options.

Having more of a variety of places to dine and drink downtown was my only expectation when they opened. I know if I want fine dining, I am going to stop by Club Soda, Bourbon Street Hideaway, or Takaoka. What O’Reilly’s has supplied us with is a free view of Parkview Field, a wide open space where we can enjoy a game on the widescreen, and draft beer by the pitcher.

Honestly, the food isn’t bad either. I’ve tried everything from soups and salads to their grilled salmon sandwich. Their onion rings are delicious and if you are a hummus lover, you might want to try their homemade hummus dip. Nothing has disappointed so far.

Nearby parking can be found in the parking lot on the east side of The Harrison, to the west off of Ewing Street, or off-street parking in front of the building on Jefferson Blvd. As downtown continues to grow, having to walk an extra minute or two is going to become more common in our urban core but parking options are plentiful. I believe that these small growing pains are a fair trade-off as the variety of things to do in downtown Fort Wayne continues to evolve.

I have found that, like most things in life, O’Reilly’s is what you make of it. Bring your friends, a few good stories to share, and come thirsty. They will supply the drinks, the food, and the view. I am happy that we now have one more place to make memories in downtown Fort Wayne this summer. (Also, I highly recommend the Stephen Spinach Salad.)

By Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

I had the pleasure of stopping by LaSalle Bed & Breakfast,...

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:23:00 -0400

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast - Downtown Fort Wayne

I had the pleasure of stopping by LaSalle Bed & Breakfast, in downtown Fort Wayne, to enjoy breakfast with the owners, Clark and Rose-Aimee Butler. I was given a full tour of the beautiful property located north of the downtown Starbucks. While there, I was also able to experience a little slice of what they offer their customers during an overnight stay.

LaSalle Bed & Breakfast is made up of 2 buildings: The Thomas Snook House and the Sion Bass House. Located side by side, these properties each offer their own unique flavor to the 500 block of W. Washington Blvd. With great views of the city and economical pricing, LaSalle B&B provides a unique option to travelers in downtown Fort Wayne.

The Thomas Snook House offers 10 rooms with access to private bathrooms. A complimentary breakfast is included with the stay, which I had the privilege of enjoying during my visit. All rooms offer WIFI, cable TV, and telephone access. There is also access to sitting rooms, a computer station, library, and small meeting rooms. Made up of different rooms like the African Suite, the Anthony Wayne Suite, the Hollywood Suite, the Mediterranean Room, the Provence Room, the Fort Wayne Room, the Nottingham Room, and the Paris Room, each room has its own flavor.

The Sion Bass House is no different in its offerings of unique and spacious rooms. During its renovations, jacuzzis and saunas were added into many of the rooms. Included in Sion Bass House is the Hugh McCulloch Suite, the Sion Bass Room, the Lincoln Room, the David Foster Room, the Eliza George Room, and the Henry Lawton Room. Each room has a mix of modern and Civil War era interiors that provide a clean and calm environment.

Clark and Rose-Aimee’s son-in-law, Jason Massey, handles all of their marketing. He mentioned that, “We want to make sure every need is met. We live privately in our own quarters. You don’t have to worry about running into the owner. This place is spacious. There are over 40 rooms in total including an outdoor deck that can hold over 40 people for parties.”

Whether you are looking for a new adventure downtown, an affordable place to stay while passing through Fort Wayne, or simply want to connect with new people, La Salle Bed & Breakfast has something for everyone. Within walking distance of everything that downtown has to offer, business continues to grow with each passing year. Clark, Rose-Aimee, and Jason talked to me about their dreams for the future and I have no doubt that these will all become a reality that will add to the rebirth that downtown Fort Wayne continues to experience.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

By Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Orchid and Willow is now open inside House of Furniture in...

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:00 -0400

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow - Downtown Fort Wayne

Orchid and Willow is now open inside House of Furniture in downtown Fort Wayne. Owned by Karmen Fletcher, Orchid and Willow is a contemporary floral design store. You can find her on the second floor of House of Furniture with her own custom floral shop filled with Karmen’s one of a kind creations.

Karmen works with both fresh and silk arrangements that are perfect for homes, businesses, and events. With her own unique flavor, you will quickly understand why each arrangement is completely different from the rest. I was impressed to find such a wide range of floral arrangements in different textures, vases, and styles.

Her style ranges from classic to modern with a mix of new concepts like the incorporation of stilettos or stones into her floral designs. Her creations will inspire you and breathe new life into your space or event. You can view more of her designs on her Facebook page.

Karmen is warm, friendly, and easy to work with. Her store is open during the same hours as House of Furniture on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. She will also meet with clients privately outside of normal store hours to assist with a floral project. Stop in today or give her a call at 574-527-9447. You can reach her via email at sayhey@orchidandwillow.com.

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Forecast for the Last Saturday of April is GoodThe forecast for...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:07:00 -0400

Forecast for the Last Saturday of April is Good

The forecast for the Last Saturday of April is sunny and warmer, great weather for residents to “Experience Art. Discover Downtown.” From paintings to music, interesting exhibits or the art of cooking, there are many ways to engage the arts and a variety of activities to discover in downtown this month.

Start the day pondering whether animals think at Science Central or take in new exhibits at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and Artlink. The Conservatory’s annual live butterfly exhibit is on display and there is a special free screening of Steven Spielberg’s movie Lincoln in the theater of the Main Library in the afternoon. Take an invigorating yoga workshop or attend a fun and free workshop on historic Fort Wayne.

Saturday evening will be bustling downtown with the TinCaps vs Kane County Cougars at 5:05pm, followed by the 10th year of the Parkview Foundation’s “Cookin’ Men” charitable event at the Grand Wayne featuring extraordinary food and spirits prepared by nearly 100 of our local men.

Downtown is the heart of the music scene. There are several live music options at Club Soda, Old Gashouse and the Brass Rail. Cinema Center offers film buffs special midnight movies on the Last Saturday. This month features Plan 9 from Outer Space with a guest speaker sharing insight on the movie.

There are notable activities near downtown to consider on Saturday including the TEDx presentations at Indiana Tech and Fort Wayne’s Almost Famous Art Show featuring local high school students’ work at the former Rialto theatre.

Learn more and get the full schedule of activities online at facebook.com/lastsaturdays, DowntownFortWayne.com, or artsunited.org/lastsaturdays. A list of activities is also included at the link below.

The Cultural District of Fort Wayne is a hub of activity every weekend but the Last Saturday is full of artistic experiences for a variety of interests. Along with Arts United, Visit Fort Wayne, and the City of Fort Wayne, the Downtown Improvement District continues the Last Saturdays concept as an opportunity to promote community arts and cultural assets. Last Saturdays attracts visitors downtown to experience diverse social, arts, and cultural opportunities every month.

Check out the full listing of activities!

By Tena Woenker
Projects with a Purpose

The Fort Wayne TinCaps have given downtown Fort Wayne more than...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:39:00 -0400

The Fort Wayne TinCaps have given downtown Fort Wayne more than just entertainment and a place to enjoy our spring and summer evenings. The TinCaps have delivered an experience. After a hard day’s work or a demanding week, we all look forward to an evening at Parkview Field. Bumping into old friends at the ballpark, watching the game, drinking a cold beer, enjoying a hot dog, all with the surrounding backdrop of downtown Fort Wayne is truly priceless.

The TinCaps return to downtown Fort Wayne tonight, April 11, at 7:05 p.m. to kick off their first Parkview Field game of season five. In addition to the game, great food, and seeing old friends, Johnny will be giving away $5,000 to one lucky fan! It is going to be a night that no one will want to miss.

Opening night at Parkview Field is always a sell-out event. It is more than just enjoying some good old fashioned baseball, it is an appreciation for everything that Parkview Field has done for downtown Fort Wayne. The stadium is front and center when it comes to the revitalization that started to sweep through downtown a few years ago.

With the construction of the new stadium came new businesses, restaurants, places to live, and a renewed optimism in downtown life that only continues to grow with each passing year. The hopes and dreams of what people have in store for the next five years will deliver something unique and special to the downtown scene.

In honor of the TinCaps return, Office1 Solutions is giving away 4 free Box Level Tickets and parking passes to Sunday’s game. Anyone can enter on their Facebook page! The DID will also be offering a unique TinCaps contest later today on the DID’s Facebook page. Everyone is looking forward to enjoying Thirsty Thursday in downtown Fort Wayne this evening at Parkview Field! See you there!

Article By Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Bortolo’s Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream is one of...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:44:00 -0400

Bortolo's Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream

Bortolo's Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream

photo by john wriston

Bortolo's Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream

Bortolo's Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream

Bortolo's Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream

Bortolo's Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream

Bortolo's Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream

Bortolo’s Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream is one of downtown Fort Wayne’s favorite pizza spots. In addition to their delicious pizza and one of a kind ice cream, they also offer a full menu of sandwiches, grinders, and more. Family owned and operated, the staff is friendly and helpful. The location and indoor/outdoor dining offers something for everyone.

Larry and Jernice Watson put their time and energy into every pizza they make and every customer that they come into contact with. They always greet me with a smile. I know many people that will stroll down to the corner of West Berry and Fulton Street just to buy their ice cream. Depending on the season, they usually carry between 10 and 20 different flavors of ice cream.

Located on the first floor of the West Berry Building, they are a favorite hotspot of the building’s tenants, and locals. With St. Joe Hospital and the Fort Wayne Newspapers located nearby, they are a favorite downtown lunch spot. They even offer delivery to downtown businesses during the lunch hour.

If you are looking to try one of their delicious pizzas, you can pick your pizza up, eat in their cafe, or have your pizza delivered via Waiter on the Way. They offer everything from Borty’s Chicken Club Pizza to the Borty’s Veggie Pizza. My favorite is the Borty’s BBQ Chicken Pizza and I always recommend it to my friends during movie nights and summer strolls through downtown. Don’t forget to try their bread sticks, chicken wings, and awesome grinders, too! Where else can you get a 1 topping, large pizza for $7.99?

Stop by and meet Larry and Jernice. Enjoy the pizza and everything that Bortolo’s Downtown Pizza & Ice Cream has to offer as they get ready to celebrate their second anniversary! You will not only be glad that you stopped by but you might just get hooked on their BBQ Chicken Pizza. You’ve been warned!

Phone: (260) 424-2030

Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 11am - 8pm
Friday: 11am - 9pm
Saturday: 4pm - 9pm

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for Downtown Improvement District

Last Saturday of March Brings Spring Fever Relief Fort Wayne,...

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 02:17:00 -0400

Last Saturday of March Brings Spring Fever Relief

Fort Wayne, IN – It’s time to get relief from spring fever with a TinCaps open house. Another way to shed the winter blahs is taking a Rejuvenation Workshop at Pranayoga. The Last Saturday of March downtown also features the Mighty Jungle Adventure at the Botanical Conservatory and Lemonade Day registration at Science Central to inspire thoughts of spring.

On the Last Saturday, several museums and attractions are free or offer a discounted rate including the History Center, which will be hosting their annual trivia game, Fool Hardy History, in addition to their regular exhibits.

There are a variety of activities for residents to “Experience Art. Discover Downtown.” Art lovers can take in Elizabeth Balzer’s collages at the 3R Gallery or the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, which also has the Mystery of Stillness: Photographs by Paul Caponigro on display.

Downtown is the heart of the music scene. JK O’Donnells’ will offer music by Matt Capps in their family room on Saturday afternoon then in the evening there are several live music options from jazz at Club Soda and the Old Gashouse to Pink Droyd at the C2G Music Hall. The Wickersham Brothers & the Hope Arthur Orchestra bring a unique and creative sound to Pint & Slice followed by a high-energy set of bands at the Brass Rail.

Cinema Center offers film buffs special midnight movies on the Last Saturday. This month features Iron Sky, a 2012 Finnish-German-Australian comic science fiction action film. The Cultural District of Fort Wayne is a hub of activity every weekend but the Last Saturday is full of artistic experiences for a variety of interests.

Along with Arts United, Visit Fort Wayne, and the City of Fort Wayne, the Downtown Improvement District continues the Last Saturdays concept as an opportunity to promote community arts and cultural assets. Last Saturdays attracts visitors downtown to experience diverse social, arts, and cultural opportunities every month.

Check out the full list of Last Saturdays activities at http://www.downtownfortwayne.com.

By Tena Woenker for the Downtown Improvement District

Spring has officially arrived in downtown Fort Wayne. Even...

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:11:00 -0400

Downtown Fort Wayne - Clean and Green

Downtown Fort Wayne - Clean and Green

Downtown Fort Wayne - Clean and Green

Downtown Fort Wayne - Clean and Green

Downtown Fort Wayne - Clean and Green

Downtown Fort Wayne - Clean and Green

Downtown Fort Wayne - Clean and Green

Spring has officially arrived in downtown Fort Wayne. Even though it may not be filled with sunshine and green grass like we had hoped, we know those things are right around the corner. As we look forward to the warm weather and enjoying downtown life, there is work to be done. This includes cleaning up some of the build up of debris and branches that we discover at the end of every winter season.

I started volunteering for the Downtown Improvement District’s Clean & Green program a year ago and it is one of my favorite services to devote my time to. Cleaning up the streets, buildings, and walkways gives me a sense of ownership in downtown. When I am going about my daily life and I get to stop and see a street or a building that I helped clean up, it helps me feel connected to my surroundings.

The people that come together for Clean & Green are from all walks of life and are made up of every age, gender, and race. Everyone is welcome at Clean & Green events and there is no formal commitment. Show up when you can and leave when you have to leave. Your friends are welcome to come with you, as well. First timers are always welcome!

Our first Clean & Green event of 2013 will be held on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. - noon. We will be addressing the region surrounding the intersections, sidewalks, and alleyways of Wayne, Calhoun, Berry, Main and Harrison Streets. Parking will be available at the northern parking lot of PNC Bank at 110 West Berry Street.

You can RSVP to frank@downtownfortwayne.com or just show up! We hope to see you!

Article and pictures by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

(Information and article courtesy of and by J.K....

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:25:00 -0400

J.K. O'Donnell's - St. Patrick's Day - Party Tent

J.K. O'Donnell's - St. Patrick's Day - Party Tent

J.K. O'Donnell's - St. Patrick's Day - Party Tent

(Information and article courtesy of and by J.K. O’Donnell’s)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Just in case you’re wondering: we haven’t experienced a holiday time warp because of this recent rash of winter storms. In fact, we’re fully aware of the fact that it’s March. Which means that St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner - and you won’t be surprised to hear us say that St. Pat’s is the most wonderful time of the year for us.

So we have arranged for celebrations to fit the occasion. We’ll have our very own beer tent - it opens on March 17th at 11 am for visitors of all ages. Being the family oriented kid friendly folk, we’ll also have kid activities again: Tag Art will provide merriment for Fort Wayne’s young lads and lasses from 1 to 3 pm. And the live musical entertainment will begin at 11 am with the following lineup:

11:00 am: Bagpipers What would St. Pat’s be without them? If you can’t make it at 11, don’t worry. They’ll return a number of times throughout the day.

1:00 pm: Joyce Fry - Traditional Irish Music on Hammered Dulcimer, Tinwhistle and Guitar.

2:30 pm: The Half Step Sisters Great acoustic swing and old time band from Indy. Strong female vocals, bass, guitar, and twin fiddles. Third Place winners of the Prairie Home Companion Duet Contest.

4:30 pm: The Mighty McGuggins Traditional Irish Drinking Ballads. Local favorites Rhapsody in Wax’s side project.

6:00 pm: The Goldmine Pickers Traditional and Contemporary Irish music.

8:00 pm Soltre - 6 piece traditional Irish band w/ fiddles, tenor bajo, accordian, guitar, percussion, flutes and lots of great vocalists.

Please note that the pub will be open to guests 21 and over all day on St. Pat’s. And be warned that we’ll be closed on March 18 because we think some recovery time might be in order. We’ll reopen on the 19th with regular hours.

We sure hope you’ join us to share our enthusiasm for this great Irish holiday. And since we know how hard it is to find meaning in life after a great event such as St. Pat’s, we’ve already started planning an event for May: Beoir Go Leoir. We’ll tell you more soon.

3 Rivers FCU opened its doors in The Harrison in January, 2013....

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:17:00 -0500

3 Rivers FCU - The Harrison - Downtown Fort Wayne

3 Rivers FCU - The Harrison - Downtown Fort Wayne

3 Rivers FCU - The Harrison - Downtown Fort Wayne

3 Rivers FCU - The Harrison - Downtown Fort Wayne

3 Rivers FCU - The Harrison - Downtown Fort Wayne

3 Rivers FCU - The Harrison - Downtown Fort Wayne

3 Rivers FCU opened its doors in The Harrison in January, 2013. Having been a member since the 1990’s, I was thrilled to have such easy access to this branch. They are open six days a week, have an outdoor ATM, and a night deposit. The staff is always friendly, and the new space is state of the art and catered towards its members.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Veit, Commerical Lender, and Heidi Colone, Branch Sales Manager at The Harrison branch. Their love for 3 Rivers FCU and the new downtown location was contagious when they spoke.

I asked them to tell me about the decision to move downtown. Stephanie tells me, “We are a local organization, headquartered in Fort Wayne, and we have been looking for a location downtown. The Harrison was the perfect match for us. 3 Rivers FCU was on board with the developers from the minute it started. They needed some anchor tenants. 3 Rivers had been looking for a downtown location for quite some time and it was a perfect fit.”

I wanted to know what kind of feedback they have been hearing from members in regard to the new branch. Heidi tells me, “Our members are so glad that we took the step to move down here. A lot of our members work downtown and would drive outside of downtown to other locations to bank with us. Members have mentioned how excited they are that we’re a part of the improvement of downtown.” Stephanie adds, “They are glad that we didn’t close another branch to open a new one. We made a new one happen on it’s own.”

I ask them if they are excited for TinCaps season and they start to smile. “We have purchased tickets for opening day for sure; we are a sponsor and we have season tickets. We will be attending many of the games. There will be more to come with our marketing with the TinCaps. We’re very excited about the future!” says Heidi.

What are your thoughts on parking for your members? “There will be more parking to come in the southwest area. There will be more parking available between The Harrison and Champions. There will be more metered parking and there are the surrounding parking garages. We have heard that Ewing Street by the stadium will become a 2 way street and that will help parking and the flow of traffic surrounding The Harrison.”

Stephanie tells me that, “3 Rivers FCU is a non-for-profit and member-owned. We return this to members through dividends and low interest rates. This allows us to benefit our members and our community at large. We make decisions based on our members. We do all of our meetings as if a member is always sitting in one of the chairs in our meeting room and we want to make sure that we are putting their needs first.”

She goes on to say, “I’ve lived in Fort Wayne for 11 years. I’m not from here but we moved here from Milwaukee. 11 years ago there wasn’t a lot to do downtown. We’ve started going to the Night of Lights, Botanical Gardens, TinCaps, and the wide range of restaurants downtown. I feel like we have seen such a revitalization, recently. Now that we are working downtown, we are seeing that this is the place to be. My only wish would be for more shopping opportunities.”

Heidi tells me that she was born and raised here in Fort Wayne. “I used to come downtown only for the nightlife. Prior to the creation of Parkview Field, it seemed very business-oriented. Now, people want to live and work downtown. If you look at who is walking around downtown, it is much more diverse than it used to be.”

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Zia’s Italian Café opened in downtown Fort Wayne in October,...

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:35:00 -0500

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zias Italian Cafe - Downtown Fort Wayne

Zia’s Italian Café opened in downtown Fort Wayne in October, 2011. After several years at other locations, downtown is Zia’s final destination. The food, the wine, the tea, and the service are all excellent. The homemade Italian food is delicious and affordable. Owner, Anna Barile, is heavily involved in the daily business from customer service to wine parties. She also offers space for work parties in the evening.

“I’ve never been happier. I love the space. I love the residents. I love the friends I have made here.” You can see her love for her eatery as she talks about everything that Zia’s has to offer. “I have mainly lunch sandwiches. I try to gear it towards homemade Italian foods. We have 100% pure, olive oils from Italy, and we have gift sets. Our daily menus consist of paninis. I make meatballs and sauce, Italian bread, potato soups, and much more!

Anna is proud of her wine selection that she offers at Zia’s. “My father used to make 100 gallons of wine a year! Word is really getting out about our selection of wines. We are the only establishment that has the storefront for Artigiani Wines (served at Biaggis and Chop’s Wine Bar.) We also sell wine via our website. Customers can order online and pick it up or we can ship it. We have wines that are direct from Italy.

When I ask what she loves about Fort Wayne she doesn’t take long to answer. “I can see everybody! I love looking out the windows; it’s so close to everything. People can get out and just walk around the city. It’s open and I enjoy the walking traffic. If you go to the suburbs you don’t see that as much. It is definitely becoming more popular with new living opportunities downtown. There is more life and activities than there used to be. Now more people are able to keep their post work-activities downtown. I love that we now have a baseball stadium, more people coming in from the outside, and more conventions. I feel like Fort Wayne now has a livelier center and I’ve heard people from Indianapolis tell me about how much they love our city.”

Address: 300 E. Washington Blvd.
Hours: Monday – Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tea and coffee is available on Sundays.

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Lanah Hake teaches Weekly Wednesday Yoga at...

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:14:00 -0500

Lana Hake - Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory - Yoga

Lana Hake - Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory - Yoga

Lana Hake - Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory - Yoga

Lana Hake - Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory - Yoga

Lana Hake - Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory - Yoga

Lanah Hake teaches Weekly Wednesday Yoga at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. This is open to the public from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Lanah is vibrant and incredibly knowledgeable about her craft. I have taken her class before and found her to be patient and empowering when it comes to teaching new and experienced students.

Lanah has lived everywhere from Denver to New Zealand but Fort Wayne is home for her. She is a RYT 200 and fully insured. She has Yoga for Stress Management Certification, and is an OTM Ambassador. One of the best parts about this class is the price. You can pre-register for 4 sessions a month. Pricing is $30 for 4 weeks for non-members and $24 for 4 weeks for members.

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory offers a unique experience for this weekly yoga class. Surrounded by a natural habitat, the environment is filled with pure air and a serene experience. There is usually off-street parking available or the Conservatory will validate for the parking garage across from the downtown Hilton. A few mats and blankets are available, but it is best to bring your own if possible.

The class averages a dozen people a week of all ages from 20 to 70 years old. All shapes, sizes, and skill levels are welcome! If you are in town for the night at one of the local hotels and want to stop in, Lanah can help accommodate you. However, pre-registration will be required starting in March.

If you would like to find out more about Lanah and her unique yoga opportunities, including Yoga in the Workplace, take a moment to review her website. She has details about everything from Stress Management Sessions to Yoga for Leadership Enhancement. You will find her vision for herself and downtown Fort Wayne to be powerful and inviting, a unique combination. I’m sure we will be seeing much more from Lanah in the coming months and years in downtown!

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Looking for beautiful flowers for your Valentine? Check out...

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:40:00 -0500

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Cottage Flowers - Downtown Fort Wayne

Looking for beautiful flowers for your Valentine? Check out Cottage Flowers at 236 East Wayne Street. They are a downtown staple that have stayed true and consistent to downtown Fort Wayne since they opened their doors in 1946.

Their flowers have been selected as the best in Fort Wayne by local reader’s choice awards and the staff is incredibly friendly. Sharing space with local favorite, Downtown Deli and Marketplace, Cottage Flowers has a large selection of arrangements. Their flowers are always fresh and affordable.

If you haven’t stopped in yet, they offer everything from roses to daisies and everything in-between. They have both in-person pickups, and delivery options to all of Allen County. They are open from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Cottage Flowers has long-stem rose arrangements for $65.95 or you can stop in and pick up their cash and carry dozen small-stem roses for only $10.95! Deliveries require a minimum purchase of $25 and delivery fees range from $3.95 to $8.95. Stop in and see them today or you can contact them at 260-426-3405.

By Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

I stopped by the exhibition gallery for Allen County Innovation...

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:09:07 -0500

I stopped by the exhibition gallery for Allen County Innovation that opened in October 2012 at The History Center. It has been a great addition not only to what The History Center has to offer but to downtown Fort Wayne. It was already easy to get lost in the wonder of the past while visiting The History Center, but the Allen County Innovation offers even more interaction with the patrons.

This gallery is the first permanent exhibition gallery to be refurbished since the museum opened in 1980. Once inside, patrons will be able to find all kinds of interesting items that came out of the Fort Wayne area. There are a wide range of exhibits to view ranging from the original television to the latest creations from Vera Bradley.

Upon leaving the Allen County Innovation gallery, I was amazed at how much Fort Wayne has impacted not only the country but the entire world with its inventions, including the use of magnet wire. The gallery had such a large amount of information yet The History Center did a beautiful job of organizing it in a way that is both thought-provoking and orderly.

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by yet, it will not disappoint. This is something you can bring your kids to or make a day of it while exploring what downtown has to offer. The History Center is filled with treasures from the past that helps to give our city a rich heritage and strong foundation.

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Thank you to everyone that stopped by to enjoy our Celebrate...

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:12:00 -0500

Thank you to everyone that stopped by to enjoy our Celebrate Downtown event at the Cinema Center. It was great to see so many familiar faces that have helped make up the landscape of downtown over the last year. Even though we do a number of events and promotions to help promote excitements about the places downtown, the people truly are what count.

Everyone enjoyed living statue Mark Abbati, music by Solar Busker Fernando Tarango, and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Hall’s. The pictures by Dan Baker were the topic of much conversation. All of the tables were packed and conversation filled the Cinema Center.

Mayor Henry stopped by to talk with everyone. He shared his thoughts on how much progress downtown Fort Wayne has made in recent years. He even shared his knowledge of continued future plans for our downtown landscape as it continues to evolve. Our own President Bill Brown also shared his thoughts on downtown including the achievements and milestones of 2012.

The night ended with a beautiful video by Lynchpin Creative. The video shared the unique perspective of local business owners and the people that make up downtown Fort Wayne. Seeing the face of downtown Fort Wayne on the silver screen was definitely a highlight.

As we move forward into 2013, we truly can’t wait to see all of the changes that are planned for downtown Fort Wayne. Thank you to everyone for your support over the last year. We feel your support as we continue to support you!

View the picture gallery!

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Did you know that you are able to directly help women in Haiti...

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:19:00 -0500

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Creative Women of the World - Downtown Fort Wayne

Did you know that you are able to directly help women in Haiti and Kenya simply by shopping locally in Fort Wayne? Creative Women of the World, located next to J.K. O’Donnell’s on Wayne St., in downtown Fort Wayne makes this possible. Their shop is filled with unique gifts, fashion, and items that are made by hand from women across the world. Creative Women of the World then sees to it that money received for the item is given back to the source where the item was created.

I sat down with owner of CWOW, Lorelei VerLee, and learned more about her store, her mission, and her love for downtown Fort Wayne. The mission of CWOW is simple. They are a nonprofit organization that works with women around the world to help them create sustainable business so they can rise out of extreme poverty and slavery.

“Our philosophy is about making a direct connection with the artisans that produce and the consumers that buy them. Each item has a story tag attached to it. It includes who made it and how it benefits them. It’s not like going blindly into a big store and not thinking about who made it. Shopping here allows you to make a difference with the global problem of slavery and poverty. Shopping here makes a direct and positive effect on the women that made the item. It will impact their family and their entire community. Give a person a fish and they eat for a day. Teach them to fish and they feed for a lifetime. We take it a step further: teach them how the fishing industry works, and that will change the whole country.”

Lorelei has spent years in Fort Wayne but actually spent her youth in Japan. Lorelei tells me, “Having grown up in Japan, I was surrounded by the beautiful aesthetics. My parents were missionaries. Since high school I wanted to combine art with the purpose of missions. I have a master’s degree in textile design in education. I taught art for several years and started art related businesses. I went on several mission trips. I enjoyed it but I felt like there was something more out there. In 2007, I received an email and it said they were looking for an artistic type to go to Haiti and help start a greeting card company. My heart jumped because I use to run a greeting card company and I could use that to help these women.” One thing lead to another for Lorelei and it wasn’t long before she started her own mission with CWOW.

After having her business housed north of downtown and trying out new locations like Glenbrook Mall, CWOW has finally found its home downtown. “We had our grand opening on October 15, 2012. It has been phenomenal. We have quadrupoled our sales in the last 3 months compared to the previous year. We love the energy of downtown; it is just so cool down here. People stop by on their lunch breaks, and just stop in to check on us. It’s like a family down here. One night I went over to J.K.’s for supper and one of the guys at the bar came over and welcomed me to downtown with a hug! It is amazing to be around people with similar goals. We want to make this the place to be and its getting there, it really is. I am trying to talk my husband into moving downtown, actually!”

CWOW works directly with women in Kenya, Tajikistan, Haiti, and the USA. Her goals in the coming years include selling more products outside of the shop including online, wholesale accounts, and a mobile-retail truck. Lorelei says, “We are trying to get to the point where all sales are directly from artisans that we directly train. We train them in their own area and value the resources they have. If they have a viable business plan, we give them a grant to help them start their business. We help monitor it for several years until they get their feet on the ground.”

Lorelei is a living example of how we can impact both our local and global community by our daily actions. Shopping local at CWOW not only supports downtown, it also directly supports women across the globe that are faced with adverse situations daily. Businesses like CWOW that are opening up in downtown Fort Wayne are changing our urban landscape for the better. Come downtown and be a part of the movement!

By Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Geoff Paddock Celebrates 20 years at Headwaters Park Geoff...

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:44:00 -0500

Headwaters Park - Downtown Fort Wayne

Headwaters Park - Downtown Fort Wayne

Headwaters Park - Downtown Fort Wayne

Headwaters Park - Downtown Fort Wayne

Headwaters Park - Downtown Fort Wayne

Headwaters Park - Downtown Fort Wayne

Headwaters Park - Downtown Fort Wayne

Geoff Paddock Celebrates 20 years at Headwaters Park

Geoff Paddock is celebrating 20 years with Headwaters Park this week and I had the opportunity to speak with him about his experiences. I wanted to hear his views on how Headwaters Park has impacted downtown Fort Wayne and his views on the future of our urban core. Since Geoff started maintaining Headwaters Park in 1993, his impact has been felt throughout the downtown area.

Headwaters Park is a non-profit made up of over 20 acres of park, has a gazebo, historic markers, and is home of the Hamilton Sculpture. The Ash Trees are vaccinated for preservation and remain healthy and vibrant. Geoff makes sure the lawns are mowed regularly and the landscaping is kept up.

Geoff recently helped to raise $60,000 in private funds for new landscaping in Headwaters Park. Most of this was completed by November with a few new changes coming in April. Each year, the park continues to grow in beauty.

Half a million people experience Headwaters Park each year thanks to a total of 45 events that are scheduled annually including the Three Rivers Festival. This season alone, Headwaters Park will see a total of 25,000 ice skaters before it closes for the current season on Sunday, March 3, 2013.

Geoff is currently raising funds for another refrigeration unit to help keep the ice skating rink frozen on warmer winter days. The ice skating rink at Headwaters Park is the largest in our region. Since the rink opened, over 200,000 people have skated at the ice rink that is open 7 days a week.

Geoff gives me his thoughts on downtown. “I am a proponent of Parkview Field and I do feel that what it provides is second to none. Headwaters Park is at the northern end of downtown. It is something that has improved the area and brought a lot in. We have seen some riverfront development from the Legacy Fund that is earmarked; we hope that gives even more promotion for Headwaters Park. We are also a flood control component. Taking the businesses out that flooded over the years, we receive and raise public dollars to allow us to do what we do.”

I asked Geoff what his dreams are for downtown in the next year. “I would love to see more shops, a couple more restaurants, and a grocery store. I am pleased to see the development of the AWB. I know a grocery store is supposed to be located there which I think will do a lot. When we see AWB completed and the Harrison completed, I think we will see more folks doing more dining and more shopping. I think this will help with the downtown growth. I love the DID events and look forward to those events including Lunch on the Square during the summer. I am a real fan and proponent of the DID and what has been done to bring folks downtown.

Having Geoff involved with Headwaters Park for the last 20 years has truly helped shape the face of downtown. His optimism for the future of downtown, as well as his continued involvement, gives us great hope for our future. Congratulations on the last 20 years, Geoff!

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Pure Movement Our first interview of 2013 is with Tresa...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:04:00 -0500

Pure Movement - Downtown Fort Wayne

Pure Movement - Downtown Fort Wayne

Pure Movement - Downtown Fort Wayne

Pure Movement - Downtown Fort Wayne

Pure Movement - Downtown Fort Wayne

Pure Movement - Downtown Fort Wayne

Pure Movement

Our first interview of 2013 is with Tresa Meussling, owner of Pure Movement Pilates Studio, in downtown Fort Wayne. Located in the building next door to the downtown Starbucks, Tresa offers something unique to everyone that walks into her studio. Having started as a temporary teacher at the end of 2011, one thing lead to another and now the entire studio is under her direction.

Tresa grew up across the state border in Ohio. She loved dancing since she was a child and was introduced to Pilates for the first time as a way to make extra cash during her college days. 13 years later, including 5 years of formal training, Tresa is now able to share her knowledge with others.

Since taking over in 2012, her goal is to turn Pure Movement into a wellness studio. She has started making this transition by offering more than basic Pilates. Pure Movement now offers Thai body work, table massage, yoga, and mat-faced Pilates classes.

Tresa is confident and positive when she tells me, “Pilates is glorified physical therapy. We can look at a body and create a recipe for what that body needs. I have clients that are as old as 90. I offer mainly adult-themed training but I am open to working with any age. We want it to be a fun place where different body types can come and feel comfortable and we want them there and can help them be the best that they can be. We teach people how to move. It’s all about fixing pieces of the body to create as perfect as what we can make it. What I want is to not only help people physically but offer full accessibility in terms of therapy and a full-support staff based on the clients need.” She goes on to say that she “helps people relearn their balance. The more we age, the more we have these imbalances. I can fix those problems to alleviate current issues or future issues.”

Even though most of her clients are women, she is building a larger audience each week and has started to grow her customer base with millennials. In addition to her personal knowledge of Pilates, there are a total 4 Pilates teachers, 3 message therapists, and 1 gyrotonic teacher. All of the teachers have 500+ hours of certification. The Pure Movement massage therapist has been certified for over 30 years.

I asked her what her motivation for owning her own business is and she tells me, “I’ve always hated working for someone else. I did it once and I never want to do it again in my entire life. I love business and find it fascinating. I’ve always had a good mind for business. I would love to see Pure Movement grow and be able to create a co-op of different people and buy a building to support other arts and entrepreneurs. I want to continue to offer people a wide range of options.”

I asked her why she chose downtown Fort Wayne to grow her business. “Fort Wayne is only about 20 minutes from Payne, Ohio, Growing up I avoided downtown and mainly focused on Jefferson Pointe and Glenbrook. Only once I lived downtown did I start to realize what it is. Living and working downtown keeps me sane and functioning. I love how it is growing into something and I love being part of that. Fort Wayne is growing into its own identity and I love being a part of that as opposed to other cities that have already established everything.”

Pure Movement’s hours are typically Monday – Saturday with group classes operating all 6 of those days. Tresa’s goal is to make it open to the public instead of private. Her aim is to offer more accessible classes and time schedules. Currently, hours fluctuate from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. depending on the day.

Website: http://puremovementstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortwaynepilates

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District

Headwaters Junction featuring Kelly Lynch As an advocate for...

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:06:00 -0500

Headwaters Junctions - Downtown Fort Wayne

North River - Downtown Fort Wayne

The view from North River - Downtown Fort Wayne

No. 765

Kelly Lynch on No. 765

Kelly Lynch on No. 765

Kelly Lynch on No. 765

Kelly Lynch on No. 765

Headwaters Junction

Kelly Lynch

Headwaters Junction featuring Kelly Lynch

As an advocate for downtown Fort Wayne, I find myself meeting new people everyday, and everyday I hear a new plan or vision for our urban core. We all know that anything great that has happened in downtown Fort Wayne started with an idea. However, finding someone that can take an idea and make it tangible is often hard to come by. I find that one of the exceptions is Kelly Lynch, local movie maker, teacher, and entrepreneur.

Kelly, 27, produced the “My City” music video for Fort Wayne via Lynchpin Creative, and has lived and worked in both L.A. and Chicago. He was named a “creative entrepreneur” by Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, and a “community connector” by Leadership Fort Wayne. When he isn’t busy teaching cinematography at Huntington University, I find that his biggest passions are the railroad and downtown Fort Wayne. Having worked with numerous downtown businesses and having served on the advisory committee for Railroad Overpass Improvements for the City of Fort Wayne, it is no surprise that Kelly would envision and advocate for a railroad in downtown Fort Wayne.

His vision goes by the name of Headwaters Junction and he has his sights set on the North River just north of the new MLK Jr. Bridge, across from Science Central. Similar to the synergy that Parkview Field created, I believe that Headwaters Junction has the potential to stir up more positive change in downtown Fort Wayne. I have to say, after researching the details, that I truly hope that this project sees the light of day now that Legacy Fort Wayne has invested an interest in the project. Take a look at the 47 page report and try to contain your excitement regarding the possibilities.

Earlier in its history, Fort Wayne was connected to every railroad in the country by the 6 railroads it supported. The railroad was a huge part of Fort Wayne’s identity. The elevated railways that we now see above Clinton Street and Calhoun Street were built to help alleviate traffic that would backup daily as a result of the number of railcars passing through downtown Fort Wayne. Headwaters Junction is the key to unearthing the beautiful history of downtown Fort Wayne and connecting it hand in hand with its future.

Kelly tells me that, “North River is one of the blank slates of riverfront development in Fort Wayne. It has been idealized for 20 years. The city let the option to purchase it expire a few years ago. The city and stakeholders realize how important it is to downtown Fort Wayne. It is a gateway. The dirt itself in North River represents the history of Fort Wayne.”

He goes on to say that, “to make it meaningful and to make it right, Headwaters Junction only fits into the North River area. All of the elements that I feel an attraction needs, the proximity to trails and the riverfront, as well as the proximity to Wells Street Corridor, make this the perfect location.” Upon further investigation, Kelly found that the original plans for Headwaters Park called for a “Grand Central Park” that integrated railroad into the North River in connection with the trails and paths.

I ask Kelly to supply me with some numbers about what he sees when he takes No. 765 out on the rail for the public to see. He tells me that in 2009, 30,000 people bought a ticket in 4 days with a total of 50,000 tickets sold in 16 days of operating the train. Represented in those numbers are people from all 50 states and from 7 countries. Can you imagine the economical impact Headwaters Junction could have on downtown Fort Wayne?

Once I saw the train for myself, I was able to understand its appeal. The No. 765 Engine is big and bold yet friendly. It would be hard not to stop and stare as it passes by. Trying to understand why No. 765 isn’t living and breathing in downtown Fort Wayne, Kelly tells me that, “this is like Fort Wayne having the world’s most famous animals with no zoo to put them in.” He goes on to say that he “spent the bulk of my life experiencing what this attraction does to every town that it travels to. It is not a passive, static experience. It is a sensory experience. You can see it, taste it, and smell it. The ground shakes when it goes by. It is a magnet attraction. Most people that see it for the first time say that it looks like something out of a movie.”

I ask Kelly to tell me his thoughts on downtown as he sees it today. Without hesitation he says that, “Fort Wayne is a place of elbow room. That translates to me that there is room for possibilities. There is awareness for potential but we don’t really know what that looks like, yet. I have taken queues. I have taken my experiences in L.A. and Chicago, where I worked and lived, and I stood in the new Parkview Field and thought ‘If downtown Fort Wayne can do this, and bring people together, and make this connectivity, then Fort Wayne can do anything.’ That was a pure eureka moment that I don’t have often and it allowed me to believe again in Fort Wayne. People our age want a vibrant urban core. We want to create that same shared purpose and connectivity we saw in the 1940s and 1950s but updated. Headwaters Junction can become the theatrical backdrop for Fort Wayne and its experiences.“

Headwaters Junction not only speaks to the potential of downtown but it speaks to the hearts of so many dedicated, intelligent, free-thinking individuals striving to create the downtown Fort Wayne that they want to experience. Now that the Legacy Fund has taken note, the possibilities connected to Headwaters Junction could not only put downtown Fort Wayne back on the map, it could also inspire an entire generation. Which one is more important is for you to decide; maybe it’s both.

Article by Stephen J. Bailey for the Downtown Improvement District.

As the end of 2012 approaches, downtown Fort Wayne will be...

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:35:00 -0500

Downtown Fort Wayne - Holidayfest & Last Saturdays

Downtown Fort Wayne - Holidayfest & Last Saturdays

Downtown Fort Wayne - Holidayfest & Last Saturdays

As the end of 2012 approaches, downtown Fort Wayne will be celebrating with continued Holidayfest celebrations and the final Last Saturdays of the year. Take a few minutes to check out the long list of items on the Holidayfest website. After that, come enjoy downtown on December 29th. There are numerous places to eat, stay, and shop and then cap it off at the Embassy’s show, “Down the Line.”

Downtown Fort Wayne has continued to grow over the last year with the creation of The Harrison, The Anthony Wayne Building Condos, The Ft. Wayne Farmer’s Market, Founders, and a solid list of coffee shops, restaurants, stores, festivals, and events that have become valued assets of the downtown community. We can’t wait to see the progress in 2013! Thank you for your devotion to downtown Fort Wayne!