“The Junction Deserves Due Diligence”

In Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s address to City Council last week, he presented an overview of the Legacy Fort Wayne process and recommendations for where it should head next. Riverfront development took center stage as the one most deserving of immediate action and investment and we are proud to report that Headwaters Junction remains … Continue reading →

World Renown Architect Proposed “Central Park Station” for North River Property

History does repeat itself. In the early-to-mid 1990s (and even before) the conceptualization and realization of Headwaters Park was one of Fort Wayne’s first modern redevelopment efforts, turning acres of flood-plain back into a public space. Headwaters Park was originally intended to encompass over 200 acres of riverfront property, but the sheer size and scope … Continue reading →

A Rocket Ship Down Main Street: Fort Wayne’s Own “Endeavour”

One of the best descriptions of what its like to share Fort Wayne steam locomotive no. 765 with the country is that it’s a lot like taking a rocket ship down Main Street. We’ve used this comparison for several years and its evocative of the unusual wonder the locomotive inspires. As Space Shuttle Endeavor ventured … Continue reading →

The Following of a Fort Wayne Landmark

The following of Fort Wayne’s steam locomotive has never been more evident. Last weekend, the locomotive’s caretakers experienced their biggest open house in history with thousands of attendees, over 1500 passengers, and consistent crowds for two days. Though modest in scope, the opportunity provides the public the chance to get up close and personal with … Continue reading →

Harnessing the “Truly Powerful” – National Accolades for Fort Wayne Idea

Jim Wrinn, editor of TRAINS Magazine with 90,000 subscribers, recently submitted this letter to the City of Fort Wayne. Thanks for the support, Jim. Sept. 4, 2012 The presence of an operating steam locomotive is a powerful tool. It is a symbol nationwide of the great effort that it took to build America, the labor … Continue reading →

“The Engine That Still Does” – Fort Wayne Locomotive a Tourism Draw Wherever it Goes

Pittsburgh newspapers captioned a photo “the engine that still does.” Fostoria, Ohio reported boosted tourism, Toledo, Ohio confided “it’s really going to give Toledo a shot in the arm — I think Toledo needs a lot of this”, Altoona, Pennsylvania recalls that “interest was intense.” Others called it a “once in a lifetime” opportunity that … Continue reading →

“Should Not Be Overlooked” – Riverfront Champion Team Recommends Headwaters Junction

Headwaters Junction has been given an official recommendation by the Legacy Fort Wayne Champion Team. Now that several news organizations have covered the story, I offer the following quote from the riverfront recommendation letter to Mayor Tom Henry: “Headwaters Junction proved to be big, bold, and transformational. Incorporating this feature with any mixed use development … Continue reading →

Railroad to the Future

Nick Arnett’s 12 Cities project is researching how cities capitalize on Entrepreneurial Ability, Social Connectivity, and Quality of Opportunity. He offers his opinion on Headwaters Junction here: At one time, Fort Wayne was a hub for creation, innovation, and transportation. From the conception of the television to the creation of mammoth-sized locomotives, to later becoming a powerhouse … Continue reading →

Journal Gazette: Old train is leaving town on new trip

This Journal Gazette story covers steam locomotive no. 765’s test trip from Fort Wayne to Muncie and return: In the past couple of years there has been a pitch to use some of the money from the so-called Legacy Fund from the sale of the city’s electric utility to create a home near downtown for … Continue reading →

Our Very Own Polar Express

In the last three years of publicly advocating for Headwaters Junction, I’ve made trips to a variety of railroad-related attractions throughout the country to see how the most popular and successful tourist railroads and attractions do what they do. Prior visits had been to the Strasburg Railroad, which grabs 400,000 riders a year, Tennessee Valley … Continue reading →