Chamber considers selling building
Idea, at this point, is just in ‘exploratory stage’
Link (GFWBW)

“The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce is thinking about selling its building at Ewing and Wayne streets.

While the idea still is in the early stages, Chamber officials have put out feelers to see if any potential buyers may emerge. A decision on a sale has not been reached.

“We don’t even have a Realtor. We’re at an exploratory stage,” said Pat Sullivan, incoming Chamber board chairman. “We’re at a very preliminary study standpoint.”

If the Chamber moves out of the building, its offices would remain downtown, Sullivan said. Potential new office locations include the Metro building and Midtowne Crossing. Sullivan said the organization is targeting the Calhoun Street area if it decides to sell.”

“Chamber officials plan to ask the foundation during a June 5 meeting for permission to create a committee to study the facility and determine space options. Chamber president and CEO Kristine Foate said part of that study likely should include whether part of the Chamber’s identity comes from its location.”

[...]

“The Chamber building is part of the historic district in the city’s west-central neighborhood. It was designed by Guy Mahurin, a well-known architect in the region who also designed what is now known as the E. Ross Adair Federal Building, Forest Park Elementary School and several other buildings and houses in the area.

Angie Quinn, executive director of the local historic preservation group ARCH, said the building is not on the local historic preservation lists, but is eligible and should be included.

The appraised value of the 15,000-square-foot building as of March 1, 2007, was $759,900 according to Allen County assessment records. It is exempt from property taxes.”