HARRISON SQUARE GROUNDBREAKING

Mayor Graham Richard and people from across the city gathered to break ground on Harrison Square. The public celebration marked the formal beginning of construction for the signature downtown Fort Wayne catalyst project.

“Harrison Square is breaking ground for Fort Wayne because Harrison Square signals our commitment to building a better city,” said Mayor Richard. “We are nurturing a vibrant downtown that reflects both our pride and our purpose.”

Jason Freier, CEO of Hardball Capital and Fort Wayne Wizards owner said, “This project will only cement Fort Wayne’s standing as the best Minor League sports town in America. With this project we will be able to provide a true first-class experience for families, baseball fans and our corporate partners. We are excited by the many different events we will be able to host at the new ballpark and are committed to working with the Grand Wayne Center, the Embassy Theater, the downtown hotels, the Downtown Improvement District and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to leverage this remarkable facility to bring conventions and businesses into downtown for the Fort Wayne area and beyond.”

Harrison Square is a signature private-public initiative in the community’s efforts to energize downtown Fort Wayne and foster new opportunities to live, work and enjoy the heart of the community.

The location for the initial phase of the development is the area bounded by Jefferson Boulevard, Harrison, Brackenridge and Ewing Streets.

The groundbreaking event took place less than one year from the date the project was first unveiled to the public on December 21, 2006. Harrison Square is on pace to have the ball park ready for the Fort Wayne Wizard’s 2009 opening game.