April 30, 2019

Contact:    Rob Hines

                 260-427-6028

                 Public Information Officer

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Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, community leaders and funding partners came together today to move dirt at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory to officially kick off a construction project to connect the Conservatory lobby to the lower level of the Embassy Theatre and other popular downtown destinations.

“Fort Wayne continues to be an innovative community that’s committed to making a positive difference,” said Mayor Henry. “The new connector from the Conservatory to the Embassy is going to have a tremendous impact. We want everyone to have an enjoyable and memorable experience in our revitalized downtown. It’s important to have additional connectivity opportunities for residents and visitors to get the most out of their time in the heart of our city.”

Director McDaniel added, “With events happening all year long in the Conservatory, we wanted to give citizens a way to visit without having to brave the elements, and this project will do that. We have been anxiously anticipating this moment for many years, and we are so appreciative of the donors and community support to finally make it a reality.”

The Connector will allow residents and visitors to park once in covered parking garages and access a wide variety of downtown entities without ever venturing outside into inclement weather. Construction is scheduled to be completed by November. 

The project investment is $560,240 and is made possible by contributions from the AWS Foundation, the Edward M. and Mary McCrea Wilson Foundation, the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, the Grand Wayne Center and Allen County-Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board, the Journal Gazette Foundation, the Magee-O’Connor Foundation, PNC Charitable Trusts, and the Auer Foundation.

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