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New Bus Shelter Brings Safety and Community Spirit to the Harvester Neighborhood

April 2, 2025
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In the heart of Fort Wayne, residents of the Harvester Neighborhood have access to a new bus shelter that promises to enhance both safety and community spirit. The modern addition is located at the northeast corner of New Haven and Holly Avenues.

 
Harvester Bus Shelter
Harvester Bus Shelter

A SYMBOL of growth and unity

In 2023, Design Collaborative teamed up with the Harvester Neighborhood Association and the City of Fort Wayne for a master plan study aimed at revitalizing the area. This partnership, which included work sessions with local residents, led to a series of recommendations that would help shape the future of the neighborhood, including the development of the new bus shelter.

The Harvester Neighborhood proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, and the new bus shelter serves as a symbolic marker of both the neighborhood’s past and its promising future. The larger master plan identified the need to replace an outdated bench located outside the Jesus Named Church on New Haven Avenue with a new bus shelter. The result is a modern, aesthetically pleasing bus shelter that offers a safer and more comfortable waiting space for commuters.

The thoughtfully designed bus shelter is much more than a simple stop—it’s an embodiment of community spirit and collaboration.

a balance of practicality and artistry

The design process for the bus shelter was guided by a commitment to safety, accessibility, and the integration of local culture into the space. The shelter’s unique design is a reflection of the neighborhood’s identity, featuring elements inspired by the community’s rich history and future aspirations.

The final design of the shelter strikes the perfect balance between practicality and artistry, showcasing:

  • Safety Enhancements: The structure offers a secure place for commuters to safely wait for their ride and stay protected by the elements.
  • Accessibility: Designed for everyone, the shelter ensures that individuals with varying mobility needs can use the space comfortably.
  • Sustainability: The use of solar power contributes to a more environmentally friendly design.

At the heart of the design is a steel structure adorned with custom panels that display the Harvester Neighborhood logo. These panels serve as a nod to the iconic arches of the Harvester International tower, a beloved landmark in the area. Crafted by Custom Engineering and Fabrication, with the help of students from Fort Wayne Community School’s Career Academy Welding Technology program, the panels are a true testament to the power of collaboration and community involvement.
Harvester Bus Shelter Panel
Harvester Bus Shelter Panel

powered by partnership and generosity

Turning the bus shelter from a concept into reality required a community effort. The new bus shelter was made possible through the generous in-kind donations and support of numerous community partners. Weigand Construction, O’Neil’s Glass, Schust Construction, O’Neal Steel, and C Henry Steel all played pivotal roles in bringing the project to life. Additionally, representatives from the Southeast Area Partnership and Jesus Name Church were integral in transforming the vision into reality, helping to ensure the project met the needs of the community.

The new bus shelter in the Harvester Neighborhood is not just a functional structure—it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together to create positive change. As residents and commuters begin to enjoy the new shelter, they can take pride in knowing it represents both the past and the promising future of their neighborhood.

It’s only through collaboration on projects such as this that we can build safer, more connected neighborhoods. Interested in learning more about how Design Collaborative approaches community-focused projects? Browse through our Community Projects for more insights and inspiration.

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