The former General Electric campus just south of downtown, now known as Electric Works, has been included on the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s official list of properties considered worthy of preservation.
The 22 buildings in the complex were built between 1893 and 1968. The majority of the buildings were built by General Electric from 1907-1927. The largest and most iconic buildings in the district were designed in the Georgian Revival style by architects Harris & Richards of Philadelphia. Other buildings in the district are a mix of functional and industrial brick structures.
Electric Works traces its origins to the 1880s with the creation of the Fort Wayne Jenney Electric Company, which pioneered an outdoor lighting system called the Jenney Arc Light. General Electric acquired the company in 1898 and transitioned production from lighting to electric motor manufacturing.
Known for innovation and production quality, the plant and its staff helped create the first modern refrigerator and the electric garbage disposal, as well as other innovations in electric motors and transformers. At its peak in the late 1940s, GE employed roughly 40 percent of the city’s workforce. Electrical apparatus, notably fractional electrical motors (typically used for electrical appliances) and electrical transformers were among the many products manufactured at Electric Works. It was also a vital manufacturing facility supporting the war effort during World War II.
The former General Electric site is the 72nd site in Fort Wayne to be included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Indigo Studio opens space in Fort Wayne
Downtown Fort Wayne’s Indigo Studio is a locally owned studio space dedicated to providing creative opportunities for children and adults to make art through individual instruction, walk-in studio time, and classes.
“We offer a wide variety of art projects in our relaxing, comfortable studio space,” said local artist and Indigo Studio owner Jennifer Zartman Romano. “All the tools and materials are ready and available. We are there to help and we clean up the mess. The best part is that everyone leaves with something they created, a piece of art, a great experience, and the memory of creating that piece.”
During walk-in studio days, typically Fridays and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m., visitors can paint wood, ceramics, or canvases with acrylics, paint with watercolors, make slime, draw, make jewelry, experiment with air dry clay, weave, or experiment with alcohol inks. Future possibilities will include stained glass, clay, and resin.
Artists on duty at the studio are available to assist and offer support in the creative process.
Romano is hopeful she can offer more appointment-free, walk-in studio time in the near future.
Indigo Studio also has a location in downtown Columbia City, 120 N. Main St., inside Brew’ha Coffee House.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to goindigostudio.com.
Vote on your favorite window decoration
A number of downtown Fort Wayne businesses have gotten into the spring mood, participating in the Fort Wayne in Bloom window decoration contest.
Vote online for the People’s Choice Award through Friday, May 5. One lucky voter will receive a $50 gift card to a downtown business of their choice.
Window displays will also be juried in two categories: Most Thematic Window and Best Instagrammable Window. Winners will be announced on Friday, May 12.
View photos of the displays and vote at downtownfortwayne.com/bloom.
Make your own hula hoop on the riverfront
Artists and hula hoopists can finally bring their talents together at Be Your Own Artist: Hoop It Up!
This event will be held Sunday, May 7, at Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
The price is $20, which includes materials such as tubing, wrapping colors, and sound effects, to create your own custom hula hoop.
Linda Duesler (aka Linda Hooper) is a local Realtor who taught herself how to make hula hoops that are larger and heavier than those sold in stores, making them more suitable for adults. She began teaching hoop dancing, and the group Fort Wayne Hoopnotica was formed.
The workshop is for ages 13 and older and the registration deadline is Saturday, May 6. Go to visitfortwayne.com and search “hoop.”
News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
