Partnering with Yard & Co., &Access designed a retail strategy that champions small-scale, minority-owned businesses—turning the focus away from national chains to build an inclusive, community-driven economy. The first 12 months are primed to deliver some exciting, tangible changes: think traffic calming for a more pedestrian-friendly vibe, activating underused parking lots to become lively community spaces, and facade improvements that give local storefronts a new shine, all powered by strategic grant funding. This is Fort Wayne’s time to create a vibrant, local-first economy, and every piece of this plan is geared toward making it happen.
Fort Wayne Strategic Plan Update
Fort Wayne, IN | 2019
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Fort Wayne is shaking things up, and &Access is at the forefront of a 36-month transformation plan that’s set to bring fresh energy to four pivotal areas of the city.
OUR IMPACT
The project delivered an Equitable Retail Attraction Toolkit, specifically designed to address unmet market demand by attracting diverse, community-centered businesses. This toolkit equips stakeholders with the resources needed to fill retail gaps in an inclusive, impactful way.
To bring these strategies to life, we paired the toolkit with a comprehensive 36-month implementation plan focused on place-based improvements. This dual approach ensures that market demand is met while simultaneously enhancing the character and vibrancy of local spaces, setting the stage for sustained, equitable growth across the community.
RELATED PROJECTS
