Making History, Again
PROJECT
The Landing
LOCATION
Fort Wayne, Indiana
SIZE
100,000 SF Renovation
35,000 SF New Construction
Utopian Coffee
2,000 SF
Landing Beer Co.
6,400 SF
3BG Supply Co.
11,000 SF
(5,500 SF on 3rd and 4th Floors)
Rooftop Patio: 1,000 SF
Rooftop Conference Room: 360 S
COMPONENTS
70 apartments, 8 restaurants,
and 6 large commercial
tenant spaces, streetscape design
Team Leaders
Zach Benedict
AIA, LEED AP, Principal
Jordan Owens
Senior Associate
For more than 185 years, The Landing has been a central figure in Fort Wayne’s history. After lying dormant for years, its rebirth will make history all over again.
Columbia Street (affectionately referred to as “The Landing” for generations) has a long history in downtown Fort Wayne. As one of the oldest commercial districts in northern Indiana, the area had been underutilized for decades. Recent resurgence in downtown redevelopment sparked a renewed interest in the area.
Envisioned as a mixed-use development designed for work-live-play, this public/private partnership between the City of Fort Wayne and The Model Group (developer of “Over-the-Rhine” district in downtown Cincinnati) utilizes a complex financial model to make this complicated project a reality.
While the historic buildings were carefully restored, a new four-story mixed building was positioned in the heart of the development. The new construction honors the scale and character of its historic neighbors while clearly moving The Landing into the 21st century.
With the commencement of riverfront development one block north, and the projected growth of the Arts District one block to the east, the location of The Landing perfectly fits its goal – to be a catalyst for continued interest and growth in downtown Fort Wayne.
The Landing Gateway Markers
Rather than a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of The Landing streetscape, there was a lifting of the gates. In addition to the careful restoration and reuse of numerous buildings, MKM led the design of The Landing Gateway Markers. Designed as a place to work, live, and play, special importance was given to the streetscape as a gathering and pedestrian-friendly place.
The street, buzzing with new businesses ranging from boutiques to restaurants is designed as a complete street, with calming automobile traffic and heightened pedestrian mobility. The district gateway system protects pedestrians from regular street traffic, but allows for street access as needed.
The design for the Gateway Markers was inspired by industrial age canal lanterns calling back to The Landing’s history. The challenge was to marry the design inspiration with a functional gating system.
Branded gate arms nest into a latticed metal structure on each end of the historic district. When lowered, the gates create a barrier indicating vehicles are unable to pass through. At night, the tops of the Gateway Markers are illuminated, reminiscent of the canal lanterns that once guided boats on their way to The Landing.
The coffee roaster known for transitioning farmers from coca to coffee production in the Cauca region has opened its first retail location in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana on The Landing.
Utopian Coffee + Kitchen is one of the newest additions to The Landing historic district in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana. The design highlights the historic origins of the space by exposing original wood beams and flooring. Near the back of the coffee shop, a small tasting room is framed by original factory windows repurposed to add natural light through from the dining area. The interior is anchored by a curved coffee bar lined with seating where guests can watch baristas pour drinks.
The dining areas for Utopian Coffee + Kitchen and Landing Beer Company share a kitchen connected by a common service corridor. Between the two buildings, a lobby for residential tenants on the upper floors of the building features a second entrance to the coffee shop.
MKM produced final design and construction documents and led the coordination of the design team, including MEP, interior design, and food services consultants.
The tech-focused sales company for Industrial MRO Products has found a new home on The Landing.
3BG Supply Company’s new office embraces its historic space by exposing the original brick, beams, and wood flooring. Exposed ductwork and the open office floorplan compliment the historic features with an industrial look. Conference rooms throughout the office feature glass partitions allowing natural light to pass through to the open office. The design required close coordination with electrical engineers to run the necessary conduit and data cables for workstations at the high-tech company. 3BG’s new space also features a rooftop patio with striking views of the downtown skyline. The paver patio also features and enclosed conference room.
Landing Beer Company offers beer and barbeque on the newly restored historic district. The fresh interior fit-out exposes over 100 years of building history.
Approaching the entrance, patrons are invited inside by large storefront windows with view of the vibrant interiors. The windows are framed by restored limestone bays, providing views of the outdoor seating and the revitalized streetscape. The newly constructed addition to The Landing, 111 W. Columbia Street, can be seen in the background. Original terrazzo floors from 1914 were restored to their former glory after years under carpeting. Custom wood countertops and tables, subtle modern mood lighting, and a prominent industrial-age light fixture over the main bar are juxtaposed against exposed historic brick and large round columns, creating an engaging balance between old and new. The custom light fixture, inspired by historic outdoor markets, shines over an exterior advertisement for New York Salt uncovered during construction.
