Hoch Associates and Michael Kinder and Sons, both Fort Wayne firms have teamed together to provide Design Build services for Northeast Indiana Public Radio, the owner and operator of WBOI and WBNI radio respectively. The stations unveiled plans this past week for its new building located at 210 East Jefferson Street in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne.
The project, which is expected to be completed sometime in 2019 will nearly double the size of the radio stations current space which is located on Claremont Court in the northwest part of the city. The newly renovated 14,000 square foot location will house several new state-of-the-art features that aren’t only unique to the community, but the Midwest as a whole. One of the most prominent spaces will be the Podcast Café, a facility where the public is welcome to use recording technology to make podcasts and other audio productions. A complete, new, digital newsroom with high-tech recording and broadcast equipment will ensure the radio station’s position as a leader in regional and local news delivery. A public theater, large public gathering space for events and plentiful administrative offices are welcomed additions to the space which was once utilized as the I.O.O.F. Lodge in the late 1940’s.
Quite an upgrade from the current space, Station General Manager Peter Dominowski says he’s excited about the opportunity to move into a vibrant and active downtown adding to the daily life, sights and sounds. “Working with Hoch Associates and Michael Kinder and Sons is a great partnership. They understand that this building will be a community resource and are doing a fantastic job of translating our vision for the future into a reality.” Fundraising, which still needs to be completed in addition to the on-air fund drives for operation expenses, will provide the means necessary to renovate and relocate the station. The organization plans to raise $4.5 million to complete the task.
Proposed view from Jefferson Street/Clinton Street Intersection
Proposed view of Podcast Cafe on First Level