Jobs, education, healthcare and historic preservation highlighted in first report to community
FORT WAYNE, Ind., Nov. 14, 2024 – Electric Works has released its first Community Impact
Report, detailing significant progress in economic development, community services, and
environmental sustainability the former GE campus redevelopment has helped create since it
opened in late 2022. The nearly $300 million redevelopment of the West Campus showcases a
forward-thinking approach to reconnecting the community with its past while fostering an
innovative, sustainable future.
The report highlights Electric Works’ transformation from a vacant and decaying industrial site
into a vibrant, mixed-use campus, featuring a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs, innovators,
students, and professionals. The site now offers a range of amenities, including a public market,
access to healthcare and healthy food options, educational opportunities, and cultural
engagement programs.
“Electric Works has been making a positive impact in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana over
the last two years, and we felt it was important to share those results with the community,” said
Katy Silliman, director of community engagement and partnerships for Ancora, the lead
developer of Electric Works. “The campus is becoming an engine for job creation, business
growth, and community wellness, setting a powerful example of how historic sites can be
reimagined to serve modern needs.”
Key Report Findings:
- Jobs: Nearly 900 people come to work or school at Electric Works daily. Businesses
and organizations report over 200 new jobs created in the last 24 months. West
Campus is projected to support more than 2,200 daily workers on site at full
occupancy, driving job growth and regional economic success. During its construction
phase, Electric Works generated an estimated 3,241 direct jobs. - Economic Impact: The project is forecasted to have an annual economic impact of
$375 million upon completion and full occupancy. - Community Services: As a critical addition to a designated food desert area, Electric
Works introduced Union Street Market, a public market that incubates local food
businesses and supports food access for the community. Electric Works also launched
the Electric Works Public Market Trust, a non-profit focused on improving healthy
food access and education. Additionally, Parkview Health offers primary care,
pharmacy access, and other health services to underserved populations in the
surrounding neighborhoods. - Sustainability Efforts: The redevelopment of Electric Works has set a benchmark in
sustainable building practices, with over 15,000 tons of material repurposed, achieving
an 84% reduction in embodied carbon emissions. This eco-friendly approach also
diverts significant waste from landfills and reduces carbon emissions by nearly 28,000
metric tons, equivalent to the annual energy use of over 3,500 homes. - Educational Impact: Amp Lab, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and
mathematics) high school located on the Electric Works campus, currently enrolls 320
students and partners with regional universities to provide dual-credit opportunities.
Amp Lab is also actively building relationships with over 275 community organizations,
furthering its impact on the next generation of innovators. - Cultural and Community Engagement: In its first year, Electric Works welcomed over
770,000 unique visitors and hosted more than 200 events, strengthening its role as a
central gathering place for the community. Through various public art initiatives,
including the largest mural in Allen County in the works, the site celebrates local culture
and fosters a lively campus atmosphere.
Rebecca Ghent, owner-operator of Buyamba Sandwich Company, said that being part of Union
Street Market at Electric Works has given her business a unique opportunity to grow and
expand with the community’s support, allowing the company to open Buyamba Sweet Shoppe
and reach more people with their mission.
“At our heart, we’re a local deli with a bigger mission: connecting with our community and
supporting two amazing nonprofits, Ray of Hope Medical Missions and Empowered
International. In 2024 alone, the Buyamba staff generously donated over $40,000 in tips to
these causes, and 100% of our proceeds go to supporting them. As a women- and veteran-owned business, we’re proud to make a difference here,” said Ghent.
Director of Amp Lab at Electric Works Riley Johnson noted, “Amp Lab and Electric Works
together are creating a space where students become the leaders of tomorrow. Through
hands-on experience in an innovative environment, we’re equipping them with the skills and mindset to
make a real impact in our community and beyond.”
Upcoming expansions, including The Elex mixed-use residential project, will add nearly 300
apartment homes with a focus on affordability, wellness facilities, and an early childhood
learning center to support the local community’s needs. Phase III will include a new Indiana
Tech advanced manufacturing and engineering center, supported by a grant from Lilly
Endowment Inc., creating further opportunities for workforce development and a draw for
companies relocating to Fort Wayne.
Visit the Electric Works website to see the full report
About Electric Works
Electric Works is a mixed-use district of innovation, energy and culture, developed as a public-private
partnership between Ancora Partners and the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, and the
State of Indiana. A redevelopment and adaptive reuse of the former General Electric campus, the
first phase of Electric Works includes more than 730,000 square feet of space and offers office,
innovation, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment, residential and community uses to create
new opportunities for inclusive economic growth. For more information, visit the Electric Works
website at fortwayneelectricworks.com.