FORT WAYNE, Ind. — After nearly a decade of visioning, planning, and fundraising, Arts United has officially reached—and surpassed—its ambitious $40 million capital campaign goal, clearing the way for the grand reopening of its modernized Arts United Center on October 25.

The expansion and renovation initiative, titled “A Soaring Vision,” aimed to transform one of Fort Wayne’s most iconic arts venues into a state-of-the-art, inclusive hub for performance and community engagement. On Wednesday, Arts United leadership confirmed that $41.5 million had been raised, marking a major milestone for the city’s cultural sector.

An Ambitious Vision Realized

The project was born from a 2016 needs assessment, which highlighted critical limitations in the original Arts United Center—including lack of accessibility, outdated theater infrastructure, and limited functionality for its four resident companies:

• Fort Wayne Civic Theatre

• Fort Wayne Ballet

• Fort Wayne Philharmonic

• Fort Wayne Youtheatre

Work began in earnest after the public launch of the campaign in October 2023, coinciding with the center’s 50th anniversary. Construction broke ground in August 2024, and has included structural upgrades, backstage modernization, and the construction of a new fully accessible lobby.

A key component of the effort included the “Sponsor a Seat” campaign, allowing individual patrons to leave a legacy imprint on the updated space. According to Arts United, donor enthusiasm exceeded expectations.

Community-Backed Investment in “Quality of Place”

Dan Ross, President and CEO of Arts United, emphasized the broad-based coalition of support that made the project possible.

“We are deeply thankful for the significant investment by the community in the expansion and modernization of the Arts United Center,” Ross said. “The strong commitment by both the public and private sectors indicates the value our community places on arts, culture, and quality of place in the lives of our citizens.”

City officials, private philanthropists, foundations, and local businesses are among the campaign’s major contributors. The announcement is being celebrated not only as a win for the arts, but also as a strategic quality-of-life investment in a city increasingly focused on creative placemaking and downtown revitalization.

Opening Set for October 25

The fully renovated facility is set to open October 25, with Arts United planning a community celebration and red-carpet event to mark the occasion. Details of the celebration will be released later this summer.

Upon completion, the Arts United Center will offer:

• Improved ADA accessibility throughout the venue

• Enhanced acoustics and lighting systems

• A multi-use lobby and gathering space

• Expanded backstage amenities for performers and crews

• Refreshed exterior presence along the downtown corridor

Legacy of a Cultural Anchor

Originally designed by modernist architect Louis Kahn, the Arts United Center remains one of the few Kahn-designed theaters in the world still in operation. This renovation preserves the integrity of Kahn’s design while equipping the building to meet the demands of 21st-century audiences and artists.

The project is the latest in a string of developments positioning downtown Fort Wayne as a regional cultural destination, following recent upgrades to the Embassy Theatre, the Clyde Theatre, and the ongoing development of the Riverfront area.