Right in Our Region
The Landing & Bradley Hotel
The Landing in Fort Wayne is a newly renovated city block within walking distance of Promenade Park, the Arts Campus and other attractions.
B y Pe g g y We r n e r
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n historic location that launched the city of Fort Wayne is now transformed into a booming block designed to attract locals and destination travelers alike, anchored by a stylish new hotel. Many new businesses have opened during the past year at The Landing, located on one city block of Columbia Street between Calhoun and Harrison streets. “Our community made a concentrated effort to buy the whole block and renovate it all at once, to attract the businesses that are here today,” explains Kristen Guthrie, vice president of marketing at Visit Fort Wayne. “It’s a very dramatic change. We’ve renovated historical spaces and added new buildings in an effort to honor our history while making the area appealing to people today.” The area was neglected for a long time but has been given new life, Guthrie explains. “As people gravitated to the outdoors during the pandemic, they learned to love it and the neighboring Promenade Park, and they want to continue to enjoy all the outside opportunities they can. People can enjoy a coffee, a cocktail, fine dining, music, do some shopping, meet friends, attend an event. It’s just a great place for people to gather and it’s always full of life.” 16
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
The biggest news coming out of the newly developed area is the recent opening of The Bradley Hotel. The hotel is a collaboration between Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, who in 1982 co-founded the women’s fashion label Vera Bradley (named for
Is anything better than gathering with friends at a bright, new location?
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