Other Fort Wayne Architecture of Note
Museum of Art
The architect of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Walter Netsch, was careful to "pay respect to Louis Kahn's performing arts center in a gentle, yet useful, forceful way." Curved skylights and the geometric configuration of the museum are his answer along with the clear unity of the museum's three functions: exhibition, education, and administration. FWMoA was Netsch's third major art museum project, as he also designed the east wing of the Art Institute of Chicago and the art museum at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Groundbreaking of the original building began on April 4, 1982, and was dedicated just over two years later on April 15, 1984. The museum stayed much the same until a major renovation of the building in 2010, which added over 10,000 square feet of gallery space and storage.
Allen County Courthouse
A National Historic Landmark, this Beaux-Arts building, designed by Brentwood S. Tolan, is the jewel of the community, with gleaming marble, stained glass, and expansive murals, just to get started. Whimiscal pediments, fantastic friezes, and intricate tiles make this a can't-miss architectural destination. The courthouse is located at Main and Clinton Streets and overlooks the beautiful Courthouse Green. During business hours, smartphones and cameras are not allowed inside the courthouse or on tours. Learn more or take a self-guided tour.
The History Center
Located at the corner of Berry and Barr Streets, the former city hall is now home to the History Center, chronicling the storied past of Fort Wayne and Allen County. The building is in the Richardsonian style and was once referred to as the "Hapsburg Horror." Today, it presides over the cityscape with wisdom collected from the nineteenth century and beyond. Learn More.
Bass Mansion
Located near Leesburg and Bass Roads, on the campus of the University of Saint Francis, the 24,000-square-foot home belonged to John Henry Bass, a wealthy industrialist, from 1902–1944. The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration bought the home and more than 65 acres of surrounding landscape from the Bass family in 1944. The university preserved the history of the building while modernizing the three floors. Now known as Brookside, the building hosts a variety of university events and is home to leadership offices. Visitors can tour all three floors with many rooms and offices to view. A special holiday flair takes over during Christmas at the Castle, where room after room is decorated.
Lincoln Tower
Indiana's first skyscraper stands at 312 feet. For decades after its completion at the start of the Great Depression, the building was the tallest in Indiana. Designed by Alvin M. Strauss, the art deco recalls New York City's Empire State Building in miniature. The inside features murals and bronze sculptures of the life of Abraham Lincoln. Learn More.
Allen County Public Library
Completely remodeled and expanded in 2007, the Main Branch of the Allen County Public Library attracts visitors from far and wide. From the plaza on Webster Street, you will enter a large, wide central atrium with abundant natural light. First, you'll see the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research on your right, with thousands of items and interactive elements to help you learn about the lift and times of Abraham Lincoln. Stroll down the Great Hall toward the Krull Gallery at the Ewing Street entrance. The library celebrates readers of all ages, with fun, interactive spaces and whimsical design accents in children's services.
Featuring the largest public genealogy collection in the United States, patrons can trace their heritage with thousands of volumes on open stacks. In the lower level, a modern auditorium hosts informative lectures and entertainment. Outside on the plaza, you can enjoy the public art from Sculptures with Purpose. The large clock tower will keep you on schedule. Learn more.
Parkview Field
Built in 2009, Parkview Field is the award-winning home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps Minor League Baseball team. Having won awards and received national recognition for both design aesthetic and fan experience, Parkview Field is considered the model Minor League Baseball ballpark.
The aesthetic and architecture of the ballpark was intended to complement existing downtown architecture and design while still creating a look and feel unique to the ballpark. Just a block away from the North Gate entrance is the Fort Wayne Fire Fighters Museum (Station #3). The station’s unique brick façade, arching entrances, and incorporation of tan accents were the inspiration for Parkview Field’s exterior look and feel. Ballpark gates emulate the arched entrances and the dark red brick and tan piping are visible around the entire exterior of the ballpark. The mix of retro and modern aesthetic fits right into a rich, vibrant, and growing downtown Fort Wayne.
Parkview Field is located at the corner of Ewing and Brackenridge Streets, and is open daily as a public park. On game days, the park will close 3 hours before start time.
What started as a flood control plan is now center stage for downtown events and activities. The architectural plan was developed by Eric R. Kuhne and Associates and implemented by Grinsfelder Associates. More than 600,000 people visit the park each year. Ice skating in the winter, annual summer events, and tree-lined trails make this beautiful park a must-see.
