Intern Research: Breathing New Life into Downtown Fort Wayne

September 26, 2024

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Intern Research, Community, Architecture, Engineering

This summer, our team of talented interns, hailing from various disciplines including architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, interior design, and environmental graphics, embarked on an ambitious project to reimagine a key section of downtown Fort Wayne.

Their target? The block of Main, Calhoun, Berry and Harrison Streets, just north and west of the PNC Bank building.

Our interns’ goal was simple but impactful—to enhance the vibrancy of downtown Fort Wayne by creating a space that would provide an amazing experience for pedestrians and seamlessly integrate with the existing urban fabric. Situated between vital downtown areas such as The Landing, Promenade Park, and the Allen County Courthouse, this site holds immense potential to contribute to the city’s vitality.

Data-Driven Design Principles

To ensure their design was rooted in the needs and desires of the community, the interns utilized findings from two recent studies:

The Gehl Action Plan Study (2018) highlighted the need for the provision of local foods, access to nature, public seating, bike connectivity and safe, engaging spaces. Similarly, All in Allen results (2020-2022) emphasized food systems and access, equity and community health, transportation connectivity, poverty support and community education.

Key Design Priorities

Addressing Food Accessibility

Recognizing the critical need for healthy food access downtown, the team proposed a co-op based grocery store. This store would offer affordable, healthy food options, helping bridge the gap for those with limited access to transportation.

Enhancing Urban Connectivity

To improve urban mobility, the design includes dedicated bike paths that connect existing but disjointed routes. This not only fosters a sense of community but also provides convenient, non-motorized access to downtown resources.

Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Design

The design aims to create an equitable environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of social or economic status. By integrating sustainable practices and focusing on inclusivity, the design ensures a welcoming and functional space for all.

A Vision of “Let’s Stay Downtown.”

The concept of “Let’s stay downtown” drove the project’s vision, focusing on creating spaces where people feel comfortable lingering and enjoying the downtown area. The plan targeted four key areas for redesign.

Downtown Fort Wayne Grocery Store Site Master Plan

Downtown Fort Wayne PNC Park Site Master Plan

Courthouse Run – Calhoun St. Looking Southeast

Calhoun Street is bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops south of the PNC Bank building. However, the area between the building and the courthouse lacks life and interaction. The team proposed:

Tactile Zoning with varied materials to create distinct zones
Local Art Showcases to add color and highlight architecture
Pedestrian-Scale Lighting for safety and ambiance
Activating Crosswalks with artistic designs for visual connectivity
Bike Paths to condense traffic lanes and improve urban accessibility
Green Edges to soften hardscapes and enhance microclimates

PNC Yard – Northeast Corner of the Block

This parking lot, famous for its Santa light display in the winter, can be transformed into an engaging space year-round by:

Highlighting Local Features with colorful, interactive murals
Play and Exploration areas with mounds, hammocks, and a climbing wall
Public Restrooms for convenience
Seating Zones for dining and relaxation
Variant Seating Options for all ages and abilities
Green Barriers to create a relaxed environment and buffer noise

PNC Alley – Harmony Ct. Looking Northeast

Connecting PNC Yard and the co-op grocery, this alleyway can become a vibrant passageway with:

Artful Connections using creative wayfinding
Community Displays like LED murals showcasing local pride
Interactive Canopies for shaded, inviting spaces
Green Integration to soften the alley’s industrial feel
Open Interaction Zones with flexible seating
Activating Wayfinding to guide visitors creatively

Downtown Fort Wayne Grocery Store Streetview

Downtown Fort Wayne PNC Yard Geothermal Layout

Grocery Store Mechanical and Electrical Designs

The grocery store incorporates a smart HVAC system that adjusts based on occupancy and external weather conditions. This design also includes passive cooling and natural ventilation with automated operable windows and folding panels.

Energy-efficient fixtures and smart lighting with continuous dimming and daylight controls would help reduce energy consumption. Occupancy sensors and time clocks would optimize receptacle lighting.

The plan features a geothermal system consisting of three main components: a ground loop, heat pumps, and an air distribution system.

Ground Loop System – This system includes vertical pipe loops installed beneath the PNC Yard. The pipes would be placed in boreholes drilled 250 to 300 feet deep, with spacing of 15 to 25 feet depending on site and soil conditions. Acting as heat exchangers, the pipes transfer thermal energy between the ground and the fluid circulating through them and are concealed from view. They connect to heat pumps inside the grocery store.

Heat Pumps – Two 23-ton heat pumps would regulate the store’s air temperature by heating or cooling the air as it circulates over their coils.

Air Distribution System – This system ensures that the conditioned air is evenly distributed throughout the store, maintaining a consistently comfortable environment for all occupants.

Our interns’ innovative design for downtown Fort Wayne brings together community needs, sustainable practices, and urban connectivity. By addressing food accessibility, enhancing mobility, and promoting inclusivity, their vision truly encapsulates the spirit of “Let’s stay downtown.”

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