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Construction Contracts For First Phase Of Riverfront Development Ready For Approval

Progress continues to be made on riverfront development efforts. Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today joined community leaders and riverfront advocates to provide an update on the status of riverfront development in the City of Fort Wayne.

Construction contracts for the first phase of riverfront development are scheduled to be introduced to City Council on May 9. Discussion on the contracts and a preliminary vote could occur on May 16 with possible final passage on May 23. The contracts have also been reviewed by the Riverfront Advisory Committee and will be presented to the Board of Park Commissioners for approval on May 11.

The construction contracts that will be presented for approval total $17,154,559.Construction highlights:Demolition, Excavation and Site Work – Crosby Excavating, $2,321,190
Landscaping – Dave Harlow Enterprises, $2,498,906
Concrete Dock Walls and Tree Canopy Trail – Kenny Construction Company, $3,069,000
Site Concrete – Hamilton Hunter Builders, $1,780,629
Masonry – Hamilton Hunter Builders, $218,109
Structural Steel Fabrication – Almet, Inc., $1,966,000
Miscellaneous and Structural Steel Erection – Don Fruchey, Inc., $220,500
General Trades – Fetters Construction, $1,290,000
Roofing – C.L. Schust, $155,000
Aluminum Storefront and Glazing – Hall Aluminum Products, $327,000
Finishes – Rosema Corporation, $251,000
Fire Protection – VFP Fire Systems, $49,947
Mechanical – Project Design and Piping, $863,000
Electrical – Hambrock Electrical, $1,385,500
Trailhead Restroom, $208,662
Harrison Street Asphalt Paving – Crosby Excavating, $58,190
Playground Equipment and Surfacing, $200,000
Site Specific General Conditions, $592,251

Funding for the work comes from prior approvals of Legacy funds, Regional Cities money and private donations. In December 2016, City Council approved a request of $10 million in Legacy funding to assist with the construction investment for the first phase of riverfront development. In April 2017, the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) approved $5,170,480 in Regional Cities funding. To date, private commitments from foundations, corporations and individuals total $4,809,000.

“Investing in our riverfront is an example of what makes Fort Wayne a point of destination,” said Mayor Henry. “As we prepare to enter the construction phase, I’m encouraged by the support and excitement for riverfront development. By working together, we’re going to see continued momentum and investments as we move our City and region in the right direction.”“We’re looking forward to getting started on the construction work,” said Parks Director Moll. “Our community and region have embraced this initiative and the possibilities that exist by developing our rivers. The financial support we’ve received from public and private entities helps ensure riverfront development will be a world-class experience for everyone involved.”

The first phase of riverfront development will be focused on the public spaces in a park setting. Development will occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area.

Riverfront construction will begin in July and it’s anticipated to take 18 months.

The team leading the design work is Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, American Structurepoint, and One Lucky Guitar. The Hagerman Group serves as Construction Manager.