“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 →

Foreward

Headwaters Junction represents two years of research and imagination emboldened by a year of amazing perspective gathering throughout the community. All of 2010 was spent speaking with civic, political, business, and neighborhood leaders to get their feedback, reaction, and thoughts on the idea. This work has resulted in the Headwaters Junction Conceptual Plan, which illustrates … Continue reading →

Vision

Headwaters Junction is a strategic endeavor to enrich the Fort Wayne experience by harnessing untapped potential north of 4th Street and its surrounding neighborhoods. It will: establish a new, dramatic gateway to downtown Fort Wayne create a romantic entertainment and education driven regional attraction define a new historic and cultural corridor create a walkable mixed … Continue reading →

The Junction

Recreated historic settings in a colorful, accessible park with multiple educational, performance, venue and public gathering spaces. These renderings are conceptual and offer a suggested layout. 4th Street – a walkable, mixed use urban center accessible 24/7. 1. Nickel Plate Club/Banquet Center – The Nickel Plate Club will recreate the dining experience of the 1940s. … Continue reading →

The Collection

Locomotives Two rare, local steam engines find a home among a growing stable of revenue generating locomotives that include steam, diesel, and streetcars. Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 – the centerpiece to Headwaters Junction is landmark steam locomotive no. 765, a world-famous passenger excursion locomotive restored to operating condition in 1979 and completely … Continue reading →

Beyond the Junction

Though the railroad and its operations would largely serve center-stage, it can also be the dramatic backdrop to commercial, retail, and institutional development. Farmers Market – the Nickel Plate once expedited fruits and vegetables between Chicago and New York in mere hours; restored freight cars that once carried perishables could be positioned to recreate the … Continue reading →

Questions and Answers

Q. WHAT ARE SOME FUNDING OPTIONS FOR THIS PROJECT? A broad range of funding options are available for projects of this type – federal and state grants for railroad short line and revitalization projects – transportation enhancement act  (TEA) – Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recover (TIGER) – highway safety improvements – economic development funds – … Continue reading →

Timeline

An undertaking of this magnitude and significance must be committed to with harmonious teamwork between the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, City of Fort Wayne, City Development, Redevelopment, and Economic Development Offices, the community at large, and support from city, county, and federal entities. Important to consider is what will ultimately serve the city and … Continue reading →

Conclusion

The opportunities to do remarkable things come infrequently. It is also uncommon that such a sweeping number of possibilities make themselves available within the same period or that the time is right within the community to take full advantage of them. Like all great possibilities, the time to act can be limited. The magnetic power … Continue reading →