Project Type: Urban Design/Community Based Projects

Size: 7.73 Acres

Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Professional Services: Architecture & Engineering

Awards: 2021 AIA Indiana Design Award: Honor Award, ULI Americas: Awards for Excellence – Finalist for the Urban Land Institute’s Americas Award for Excellence, 2020 ASLA STL: Merit Award – Constructed Projects, 2020 ASLA IL: Merit Award – General Design, 2020 ASLA Central States: Award of Excellence, 2020 INASLA: Excellence Award

Building on a series of successful public and private investments in downtown Fort Wayne over the last decade, Riverfront Fort Wayne Phase 1 (completed summer of 2019) is a critical piece to bring together the excitement of downtown Fort Wayne and quality of life enhancements for the city. Creating the civic open space for residents to enjoy, the transformation of Fort Wayne’s riverfront focuses on a central point located near the intersection of Harrison and Superior and stretches to the Historic Wells Street Bridge.

The three phased project is to create a space that is seen as both an opportunity for social interaction and recreation for all age groups and abilities in the city. Hoch is part of a larger consortium of two local architectural firms, a nationally recognized landscape architectural firm and local engineering firms that form the Riverworks Design team. This particular project highlights the Tree Canopy Trail spearheaded by Hoch. The trail gracefully weaves in between existing trees along the north bank of the St. Mary's River spaning between Harrison Street and the Historic Wells Street Bridge. Pedestrians are able to walk alongside the newly developed riverfront while being elevated 20 feet above grade with amazing views of downtown Fort Wayne to the south.