Northeast Indiana Public Radio purchased a building in downtown Fort Wayne Wednesday. It’s located across from the central branch of the YMCA at 210 E. Jefferson Blvd.
General Manager Peter Dominowski says the building cost $145,000 to purchase, but due to fire and water damage it will need to be completely renovated, which could cost $3-4 million. The money will come from donations, and most of it hasn’t been raised yet. But Dominowski says that will get easier now that the station has a physical building.
“It is just the beginning. We’ve reached a great milestone, but the future is even more exciting as we work together to make it a good one,” he said.
Dominowski says the move will have many benefits, including increased visibility and more community participation. Preliminary layouts of the building include a performance studio with a stage where the radio station can host public events.
President of the Downtown Development District Bill Brown says moving downtown is a trend for many Fort Wayne businesses.
“It is now widely recognized nationwide that downtowns matter, and they matter significantly,” Brown said.
Dominowski estimates it could take about 2-3 years to complete the renovations.
The current building is at 3204 Clairmont Ct. on the Northwest side of Fort Wayne.
