FORT WAYNE VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE AND PONTIAC STREET MARKET RECEIVE EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

April 29, 2024 - The Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge has received the 2024 Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) Excellence in Construction Award in the "Specialty" category, and the Pontiac Street Market received the BCA Excellence in Construction Award in the $1 Million to $5 Million category.

The $5.3 million investment to renovate the signature gateway Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge (formerly the Governor Samuel Bigger Bridge) included three lanes for motorists while also providing additional pedestrian width to enhance the connectivity of downtown to The Old Fort and the adjacent neighborhoods, railing to separate vehicular traffic from pedestrian traffic, several bump-out areas for pedestrians above the pier locations to create focal points, a pedestrian plaza area at the southwest corner of the bridge, curved columns featured at the bump-out areas to accommodate accent lighting elements and lighting for illumination of the roadway as well as the pedestrian walkways. The Beacon, a sculpture by local artist Cary Shafer designed to represent the six main branches of the military, is the base for the American flag. Sixty-six percent of the funding came from federal/state resources and the remaining 34 percent from the City. R.L. McCoy was the lead contractor on the project, Engineering Resources Inc. was the bridge designer and Design Collaborative was the architect. Over 23,5000 vehicles pass over the bridge each day.

"This bridge will always serve as a wonderful monument to commemorate not only those who served and died, and those who returned with sound body and mind, but also those who returned as tortured souls, helpless, homeless, addicted and fighting demons that no medications can chase," said Public Works Director Shan Gunawardena. "They all deserve the thanks of a grateful nation."

The Pontiac Street Market provides healthy, affordable food options in an area that was previously defined as a food desert. The market included an investment of $3.4 million in construction costs. This funding included $2 million in federal funds, $700,000 from Local Income Tax (LIT), and $700,000 from the Redevelopment Capital Fund. Parkview will also contribute financially by reimbursing the City $1.4 million over 5 years and have provided upfront operating capital to keep the grocery stocked and staffed. The grocery is operated by Parkview's food service provider, Sodexo. Construction work for the market was done through Hagerman Group. Hagerman Group donated a portion of their construction services in support of this project. The full-service market carries over 9,000 items ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, canned items, fresh meats, home needs, hygiene and baby products, pet supplies and a sandwich counter.

"We are honored to receive the Excellence in Construction award for the Pontiac Street Market. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of the community, our team's hard work, and to our outstanding partners, including Hagerman Group and Hoch Associates, who helped implement the community's vision for the market. We are incredibly proud of this project; it not only meets the highest standards of quality, innovation, and collaboration, but the opening of the market was also a key milestone in the implementation of the Southeast Strategy, the neighborhood's plan for economic revitalization and growth," said Community Development Division Director Jonathan Leist

"The Fort Wayne Veterans Memorial Bridge and Pontiac Street Market were two major initiatives completed in 2023 that are already having a significant impact on our community," said Mayor Sharon Tucker. "Being recognized with awards for these projects sends a strong message that we're moving forward together in a manner that helps Fort Wayne grow and succeed with meaningful projects and ideas."