Then vs. Now: Historical Listings, Pt. 1

Over the summer of 2023, our brokers had a handful of listings with fascinating backstories and historical significance. We dove head-first into researching the buildings' pasts and discovered some interesting tidbits along the way. The goal—resurrect a part of Fort Wayne's forgotten history while educating any potential new tenants or buyers about the buildings' history. While sharing our findings on social media, the community not only helped in the research but engaged in sharing some nostalgic memories of their own.

Below is a compiled list of the properties we shared on social media called Fun Fact Friday!

Former J.W. Kidd Building and Factory on Fairfield Ave, Fort Wayne

The J.W. Kidd building was built in 1900, then owned and operated by, you guessed it, J.W. Kidd, as a medical and agriculture mail-order business with partner W. M. Griffin. A book published around 1908 called, "The Ills of Humanity: Their Cause and Cure" was the main source of advertisement for his business. In 1915, the business closed abruptly due to a scandal uncovered by the local postmaster. These scandals gave Fort Wayne "...an unenviable reputation as the home of some of the most impudent pieces of mail-order quackery in the world."

In the 1920s, J.W. Kidd's tenancy was replaced by Boss Manufacturing Co, producing gloves and mittens. Boss Manufacturing is one of the oldest glove manufacturers in the United States. Based in Kewanee, IL, they are still in business today making various farm and craftsman gloves, rainwear, and other items to help get the job done. Some may remember the old glove and mitten advertisement painted onto the south side of this building facing the railroad tracks.

In the 1960s, the building housed a sector of General Electric, which used it as a repair and distribution center. Between the 60s, 70s, and 80s, it changed hands and names several times as various distribution warehouses and furniture stores until finally becoming home to Karen's Antique Mall, which many fondly remember to this day.

Today, the J.W. Kidd building is undergoing renovations to house a wedding event center, brewery, retro games, and golf simulator called The Fairfield Wedding and Events! With its proximity to Electric Works and Parkview Field, The Fairfield is sure to be a destination spot in the coming years.

(Listing is no longer available.)

Former Wayne Candies Factory in Olde East End on East Berry Street

Let's take a step back in time to 1905 when the building at 1501 E Berry Street was built and occupied by the National Handle Co, dba American Fork & Hoe. The Cleveland-based company had locations throughout the Midwest, and Fort Wayne made for an optimal factory location due to the nearby railroad tracks and waterways.

However, most locals know this building as the Wayne Candies building, so let's explore the world of chocolate!

In 1902, the confections manufacturer Heit-Miller-Lau Company began producing sweet treats, such as Mary Wayne and Lady Wayne Chocolates (aptly named after Mary Penrose Wayne, General Anthony Wayne's wife).

In 1930, ownership shifted and the name of Heit-Miller-Lau Company was changed to something a bit more familiar, Wayne Candies. They continued making candies, such as vanilla cream nut clusters, and in 1947, Wayne Candies copyrighted the name "Bun Bar", and the candy as we know it was officially born! 

After having several locations throughout Fort Wayne, in the 1950s Wayne Candies moved into 1501 E Berry Street. They went through many new owners after that, from the makers of Whopper's Malted Milk Balls to Nabisco, until finally in 1995 the local plant was closed down and production moved to Pennsylvania. The beloved Fort Wayne Bun Bars were later revived by Pearson's Candy Company out of Minnesota and can be purchased at various convenience and hardware stores across the country.

Today, the Olde East End building has been refurbished thanks to the City of Fort Wayne Commercial Facade Grant, but one of the original Bun Bar billboards remains at the east end. Olde East End is now home to many businesses, including Summit City Brewerks, Hair Candy Fort Wayne, and the YLNI Winter Farmer's Market. It's also directly adjacent to Indiana Tech student housing and Rivergreenway Trails, and it could be home to your business, too!

Former Wells Theatre (Palace Theatre) in Fort Wayne's Historic Wells Street Corridor

This building, located within the Historic Wells Street Corridor, was built in 1900 and soon after was the first home of the Palace Theatre. In 1917, the name was changed to the Wells Theatre and opened on April 10th of that year showing "The Secret Kingdom." The theater boasted 275 seats and showed a variety of films and double features.

In 1920, ownership of the Wells Theatre changed hands to Alfred Borkenstein, who announced that the building would be extensively remodeled. The theater had a few different addresses over the years and also housed two small storefronts with the theater entrance being between them.

Throughout the next few decades, the Wells Theatre continued its business providing entertainment to the people of Fort Wayne, but it unfortunately closed in the 1950s. Several locals still remember frequenting the theater for only a few cents per ticket.

Much later, 1441 Wells Street was home to Koehlinger Kruse Security as an office and then was transformed into warehouse space.

Today, the classic brick building with its iconic green tile roof and green awning is available for sale or lease. It neighbors many awesome local businesses, like Honey Plant, Big Eyed Fish, Hyde Brothers Booksellers, and Klemm's On Wells!

Former Patterson-Fletcher Department Store at the Corner of Harrison and Wayne

We all know and love the beautiful 5-story brick building at the corner of Wayne and Harrison, known as Harrison Place. But do you know its history?

Harrison Place was built in 1900 and was originally home to the C.T. Pidgeon Millinery Company and eventually shared space with the Fort Wayne Drug Company. The millinery employed over 100 seamstresses to make women's hats that were sold across the United States. Advertisements for this company were seen everywhere, and one slogan included, "Why not have a hat that is becoming?"

The C.T. Pidgeon Millinery Company lasted until the mid-1920s when its spot became the Patterson-Fletcher Department Store. This department store was special, one of only a few department stores downtown at the time. It was so popular that in 1930, a group of cracksmen blew open the safe and robbed the place. Also in the 1930s, the Fort Wayne Drug Company, which remained next door, was sued over Lincoln Tea because it did not have "curative and therapeutic" properties as claimed. The 1930s were exciting times!

As the Patterson-Fletcher department store and Fort Wayne Drug Company started to move out in the mid-century, other small businesses moved in, including Pappas Law Offices, Main Auto Sports Shop, and a variety of others. Some may even remember the electronic news ticker along the building as they cruised down Wayne and Harrison.

Harrison Place sat nearly empty for quite some time, until Shindigz Party Supply Company moved its headquarters into the fourth floor in 2019, painting a large corner advertisement that brought color and life back to the building. Shindigz has since closed its doors and the bright blue mural has been sandblasted away.

Today, the intersection is lively! Harrison Place houses The FIND on the first floor, Bradley Co. on the second floor, and has upper floors available for lease. You could conduct business on one of Fort Wayne's busiest intersections, home to Big Apple Pizza, JK O'Donnell's Irish Ale House, Creative Women of the World, Visit Fort Wayne Information Center, The Downtown Wellness Spa, Próximo, and more!

Former Journal-Gazette Building in Heart of Downtown Fort Wayne

Originally built in 1871 by industrialist John Bass, the red brick Journal-Gazette building has undergone many changes, from a total remodel in 1928 to renovations in 1982. The front facade we know today was constructed by Fort Wayne architect Charles R. Weatherhogg when Court Street and the surrounding buildings were torn down to widen Clinton Street by 20 feet. The building was redesigned in the Chicago style with limestone trim. The metal window accents, trim, and awning remain to this day.

The Journal-Gazette newspaper leased space in the south end of the building in 1908 but later purchased the building to remodel in 1928. They continued to rent space there until 1958 when they moved to a new facility, along with the News-Sentinel, just a few blocks away on West Main Street.

In 1982, the Journal-Gazette building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated again to transform the interior into more office spaces. Today, the building houses many local businesses, including Chrzan Law Firm, Edison Electricians, Brothers Interior Renovation Solutions, MC Sims Racing, and more. And it could also be home to your local business as well!

Iconic Anthony Wayne Bank Building in Downtown Fort Wayne

Let's make a *mad* dash down Berry Street to the Anthony Wayne Building! While the exterior has not changed much from its construction in 1963, the interior has seen many renovations and tenants.

It all began in 1917 with the Morris Plan Company, which helped middle-class individuals obtain loans. After World War II, Morris Plan Co. restructured into the Anthony Wayne Bank. In 1964, the company moved from its original space in the Elektron Building (currently home to Barrett McNagny Law Firm) to the Anthony Wayne Building right next door. The Anthony Wayne Bank stayed until 1987 when it was absorbed by Summit Bank, which was subsequently absorbed by Chase Bank.

Since the 1980s, tenants have moved in and out, and the building experienced nearly complete emptiness for a short time. But a resurgence in downtown Fort Wayne developments has brought new life to this iconic building. 

In 2012, the entire building was renovated to include four floors of office space, seven floors of condominiums, and ground-floor retail space. Along with the renovation, the building's name was officially changed to the First Financial Center at the Anthony Wayne Building.

Today, you can find The Hoppy Gnome gastropub on the first floor, along with Premier Bank, J R Interiors, TriCore, One Eleven Design, and Snow & Sauerteig. You'll occasionally see a condo available for sale, too, offering spectacular views of downtown Fort Wayne.

(Listing is no longer available.)

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