The revitalization of the Old Fort in Fort Wayne has officially entered its second phase, with demolition beginning this week to restore the historic landmark.
Historic Restoration Efforts Continue
On Monday morning, workers began tearing down sections of the log buildings at the Old Fort, marking the start of Phase Two in a multi-phase renovation project. Tom Grant, the Treasurer of Historic Fort Wayne, explained that weather damage over the years has left the buildings in need of significant repair. He emphasized that the goal of the demolition is to rebuild the structures to their original specifications, using materials that match the fort’s historical design.
“This is the beginning of the demolition. They’re getting ready to remove the roof,” Grant said. “By the middle of next week, the building should be down to its foundation, and then we’ll take that Lincoln log kit and build it right back up.”
Timeline and Construction Plans
Grant revealed that the construction team already has the logs needed for the rebuild, and they expect to complete the new structures by the end of January. The restoration process aims to preserve the historical integrity of the fort by using original blueprints. This will allow the rebuilt buildings to be replicas of the structures currently standing at the site.
“There’s nothing changing,” Grant added. “They’ll be able to bring it all the way back up, and it will literally be a carbon copy of what’s standing there today.”
Phases of the Project:
- Phase One: Initial preparations and assessments
- Phase Two: Demolition of the first building, to be completed by next week
- Phase Three: Tearing down the command center and continuing the rebuild
- Phases Four and Five: Rebuilding all structures at the Old Fort to their original designs
This ongoing project is part of a larger effort to preserve the Old Fort for future generations. Once completed, the restoration will ensure the fort remains a landmark for Fort Wayne, preserving its historical significance and cultural value.
Community Support
Tom Grant also expressed his appreciation for the community’s involvement in the project. He pointed out the connection between the fort and the city’s identity, referencing the fort’s image on the city’s flag.
“The fort is part of Fort Wayne’s story,” he said. “If you look at the flag, right in the middle is a picture of the fort. This is Fort Wayne.”
Grant encouraged local residents and visitors to contribute to the restoration project, ensuring the Old Fort remains an integral part of the city’s history for years to come.
