Fort Wayne architect helps steer plans for city's riverfront
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - It may be years in the making, but architect Zach Benedict knows a vibrant riverfront is a reality.
Besides being one of those quality-of-life components boosters are always raving about, development along Fort Wayne's three watercourses - the St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee rivers - would bring about the city's urban core turnaround.
Earlier this month, more than 400 residents flocked to Grand Wayne Center to view the final concept designs. The plans featured a waterfront promenade as the centerpiece of the first phase of the project, which will undoubtedly cost millions of dollars.
"Not too long ago, you couldn't get anybody to believe in downtown revitalization, and now, I think everybody kind of knows that we need to utilize the rivers," Benedict, who was named one of the best young architects in the country last month, told The Journal Gazette (http://bit.ly/1DfwWaA ).
"It's just making sure it's done right."
That means a river system that encompass the city's trails, downtown, retail, entertainment and housing areas.
The SWA Group, the city's consultant on the project, said the first sections of the promenade could run along both the south and north sides of the St. Marys River, starting at the Wells Street Bridge and stretching east toward Harrison Street.
Retail shops, restaurants and residential space would dot the area.
Benedict's job? Be the local liaison who helps ensure SWA Group stays on point.
"Zach's not afraid to speak up if something isn't going in a direction he feels it should go," said Dodd Kattman, founding member of MKM architecture + design in Fort Wayne, where Benedict has worked for nearly 10 years.
SWA Group, of Sausalito, California, wrote a $500,000 study to create a plan of action for Fort Wayne's three rivers.
"The company he's working with is the pre-eminent firm in riverfront development," Kattman said, "but Zach's not intimidated. That's because he's well read and prepared."
Benedict was one of 14 young architects named the best by American Institute of Architects in January. "Young architects" are defined as professionals who have been licensed 10 years or less, regardless of their age.
The award has been handed out by industry professionals for 22 years. Jason Shelley, executive director of AIA Indiana, nominated Benedict for the award. It honors individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession early in their careers.
Benedict is called an urbanist at MKM. Benedict manages the firm's research efforts and community projects, focusing on designing projects for towns and neighborhoods in the Midwest in ways conducive to multigenerational living.
Attorney Michael Barranda graduated from the same northeast Indiana high school as Benedict. The two often talk about Fort Wayne's direction.
"I lean on Zach to know what's happening downtown," said Barranda, an associate lawyer at the law firm Burt, Blee, Dixon, Sutton & Bloom. "Zach is a very intelligent guy."
Along with an attractive promenade, SWA Group's vision for the riverfront includes Headwaters Junction, a rail-themed attraction that would house the 765 steam locomotive on the north side of the St. Marys River east of Wells Street, and expansions to turn Lawton Park into an adventure area for all ages. Other possibilities are an improved skate park, boat dock and a rock wall.
Based on the turnout at the Feb. 4 meeting and the positive feedback he's received, Benedict believes most residents liked the concepts they saw.
"Something I was worried about was apathy," Benedict said. "We don't have that problem anymore. When 400 people turn out, that's a pretty good litmus test. It shows there is interest. Now the private sector has to kick in."
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Information from: The Journal Gazette, http://www.journalgazette.net