Chuck and Lisa Surack continue working to increase downtown Fort Wayne’s arts and music scene.

It was announced on Monday, June 24, that Sweet Real Estate, a subsidiary of Surack Enterprises, had purchased Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center.

The purchase is a collaboration between the Suracks and the University of Saint Francis. The Suracks will own the Goldstine, which will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation, as well as the parking lot across the street and former Mizpah Shrine building. Saint Francis will continue to have use of the adjacent building for their Music Technology program.

Meanwhile, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will move their rehearsal, educational, and administrative offices into the former Chamber of Commerce building at 826 Ewing St. Saint Francis had used the building for its Business Center which moved to the university’s main campus on Spring Street in 2022.

“Lisa and I are thrilled to invest in another corner of downtown Fort Wayne,” Chuck Surack said in a press release. “Our vision is to uphold the building’s historical legacy, build upon the momentum initiated by Saint Francis to help grow downtown while bringing new life and energy, ensuring the building stays an important part of the community.”

It’s through an anonymous benefactor that the Philharmonic will own the historic building on the corner of Ewing and Wayne streets.

“The Philharmonic is excited about this new opportunity to move into the heart of downtown Fort Wayne,” said President and CEO Brittany Hall. “Everyone from our Board of Directors to staff and our musicians embrace this move because a downtown location offers several key advantages, such as enhanced exposure and convenient access for the community.”

Saint Francis students will continue to use the Music Education building. The school’s dance program will also continue operating downtown.

“We see this as an important step in helping integrate Allen County’s economic development focus for Fort Wayne to be a Top 10 music city, alongside the University of Saint Francis efforts to best meet the evolving needs of our students,” Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey said. “This collaboration is a winning scenario for everyone.

“We expect our Music Technology and Dance programs to grow significantly in the coming years as part of a vital arts community downtown. We are extremely excited about the future developments from the Suracks and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic as they invest in these historic buildings. Saint Francis plans to continue contributing to the enhancement of the downtown corridor and do our part to ensure Fort Wayne’s bright future.”

The purchase of the Goldstine PAC will not affect any scheduled events; the planned renovations will not happen until after May.