Some Things Never Change
Posted by Jeff Pruitt - 7/31/08 @ 6:34 pm - Filed Under Local Politics
From an NS story in 1992 regarding the construction that made Calhoun one-way:
Demolition of all but the frame of the former G.C. Murphy Co. building began with a loud thud and a cloud of colorful balloons yesterday. The demolition should take about six weeks.
With the pull of a lever, Mayor Paul Helmke dropped a wrecking ball through the canopy of the 1950s landmark that will anchor the $15 million NBD Center, formerly INB Center, at the northeast corner of Wayne and Calhoun streets.
[...]
After reminiscing about shopping at the Murphy department store as a youngster, Helmke said at a news conference that history is giving way to a downtown revival. The area, which used to be the commercial center of downtown, began declining in the mid-1970s, he said.
NBD Center will provide a necessary link with other revitalization efforts: Midtowne Crossing at an opposite corner, the Civic Center, Embassy Theatre and Main Street improvements, Helmke said.
”It’s a part of Fort Wayne that will show us the new heart of Fort Wayne,” he said. (4/16/92)
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8 Responses to “Some Things Never Change”
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argh….
That was the sound of my heartbreaking.
Dateline, August 1, 2024
City dignitaries, including Mayor Pape, were on hand today to witness the demolition of Harrison Square, the erstwhile ballpark stadium and more recently the venue of choice for gun shows and flea markets.
“Today,” Pape proclaimed, “with the destruction of Harrison Square and our plans for a liquor store and a restaurant that serves breakfast primarily to senior citizens, Fort Wayne finally begins the necessary steps to revitalize downtown after decades of neglect and the lack of any serious attempt at development. History will smile on our efforts.”
Across town, Deputy Mayor Didier cut the ribbon on the Coliseum roof-lowering.
Keith,
You need your own blog buddy! Keep ‘em coming…
As my good friend Keith Cumtwa often says, “I need my own blog.” I agree with him, but he then says, “I’m too damned lazy.”
Rumpole and Cumtwa, you spend a considerable amount of time patting each other on the back. Its easy to become a star on this blog by simply ridiculing any idea that my have a hint of progressive thinking. Just spout “boondoggle” “pape” “economic redistribution” and you will soon be a star on this blog.
To paraphrase Ronald Reagan (I think it as Ronald Reagan), if you accept Green Jeans’ version of change, that is all you will have left in your pocket.
The next step will probably revitalizing downtown by moving it to Perry Township. Mike, how would you feel about having Mayor Pape as a neighbor?
Mayor Pape?
(bite your tongue, Bob)
We’re not revitalizing downtown…we’re RE-RE-RE-Revitalizing downtown.
That “heart” of the downtown has needed a CRASH CART for the last TWO DECADES.
(and if first you DON’T succeed…lol)
;)
B.G.