Centrally located and steeped in history and innovation, the Electric Works campus offers a condensed yet comprehensive view into Fort Wayne’s past, present and, most importantly, its future.
The historical significance and impact of the campus upon the economy of Fort Wayne, northeast Indiana and the entire country is well known. The campus traces its origins back to the creation of the Fort Wayne Electric Company by entrepreneur Ranald T. MacDonald in the late 19th century; the oldest building on the campus is believed to date back to 1893. General Electric acquired the company at the turn of the 20th century, and drove its impressive growth and expansion over the next several decades, including the construction of four large-scale manufacturing buildings. At its peak in the late 1940s, the campus employed roughly 40% of the city’s workforce. The architect for most of the buildings on campus was the renowned firm Harris & Richards of Philadelphia. During its heyday, the campus housed the manufacture of electrical apparatus, notable fractional electrical motors (typically used for electrical appliances) and electrical transformers and was a vital manufacturing facility for the country’s efforts during World War II.
Today, the campus encompasses 39 acres, 18 historic buildings and more than 1.2 million square feet of space. Brick exteriors, cavernous rooms, wood planked ceilings and industrial-size gears whisper the story of its deep roots in innovation. The “bones” of the existing structure are full of potential, inviting restoration and revitalization. Electric Works is poised to revive and carry on a dynamic legacy of innovation and economic impact.
Our vision for the reimagined space is for a well-conceptualized, mixed-use district of innovation, culture and community that is seamlessly integrated with other downtown development projects currently underway.
Anchor institutions will offer the spectrum of education offerings on and around the campus, as well as research and commercialized opportunities.
Opportunity to build potential relationships with area universities and provide nursing, dentistry, and culinary programs.
Creative workspaces woven into an active environment to cluster and connect start-ups and new ventures.
Restaurants and food will create the retail foundation, complemented by diverse specialty retail and neighborhood commercial as more people live and work in the district.
A historic building will bring together culinary education and training, a restaurant incubator, and a food market.
A district wellness strategy will create health and fitness opportunities for the neighborhood.
A boutique hotel, unique to Fort Wayne, will support the city’s visitor strategy
Activating the district and neighborhood with arts, food, and specialty retail.
A range of affordable, inventive living spaces.
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