VILLAGE PREMIER PROJECT COMPLETES PHASE ONE AND BEGINS PHASE TWO AS POSITIVE INVESTMENTS IN SOUTHEAST FORT WAYNE CONTINUE

September 5, 2024 - Mayor Sharon Tucker and the City of Fort Wayne's Community Development Division, in partnership with House Investments, LLP, today led a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction for the new neighborhood health clinic that Meridian Health Services will provide health care services in. The health clinic is the second phase of the Village Premier project to be constructed in southeast Fort Wayne.

Recognized as a vital component of the 2020 Southeast Development Strategy, the new 9,800-square-foot medical clinic will provide primary care, behavioral health, a pharmacy, and additional services. Meridian also has other offices in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area that can help give Village Premier residents additional access to specialty care for pediatrics, family dentistry, psychiatry, substance use disorders, and more.

Meridian Health Services has been providing health care for nearly 50 years. Its holistic approach combines physical, mental, and social well-being to help individuals achieve their best health.

The health clinic in the area of Joshua Lane and McKinne Avenue marks a significant next step in the Village Premier development project, representing a $4.5 million investment and affording underserved individuals and families access to a wide variety of health services who may otherwise not receive it. Meridian annually provides over $4.2 million in charity care and serves over 47,000 patients throughout Indiana. Construction is expected to be complete in Spring 2025.

In addition, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place to celebrate the completion of Park's Edge, the first phase of Village Premier in the area of South Anthony Boulevard and McKinnie Avenue. It includes 208 apartments, a clubhouse, various on-site amenities, and supporting infrastructure. Future phases will include approximately 50 affordable apartments for individuals 55+, market-rate townhomes, 12 single-family homes, and an early learning center. Once the project is complete, there will be an anticipated total investment of $55 million over three phases.

"The progress that's being made in southeast Fort Wayne is evident through so many new projects and initiatives that are uplifting and positive," said Mayor Tucker. "The Village Premier mixed-use development is having an immediate impact with much needed housing offerings, and now a medical clinic is moving forward to assist residents. By focusing on people and meeting the needs of neighborhoods, Fort Wayne is positioned as a leader in providing quality of life amenities that will help individuals and families grow and succeed."

"House Investments is excited to unveil our latest milestone in the Village Premier project with the inclusion of Meridian Health Services," said Matt Gadus, Chief Investment Officer, House Investments. "This partnership will enhance the fabric of the community by delivering essential healthcare services to the neighborhood. This collaboration underscores the power of public-private synergy, made possible by the steadfast support of the City of Fort Wayne and the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation."

"Meridian Health Services is excited to have the opportunity to work with both House Investments and the City of Fort Wayne on the Village Premier project," said Scott Riggs, Chief Financial Officer, Meridian Health Services. "Having the opportunity to expand our "whole-person" healthcare approach of integrating physical, mental and social health services to the community coincides with the group's vision for the project. The clinic will provide patients with the convenience to access their healthcare needs near their home while complementing other healthcare partners serving the area as a resource."

Project partners also include Fort Wayne-based companies MKM Architecture + Design and Michael Kinder & Sons.

Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI encourages regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The $500 million READI fund was passed by legislation during the 2021 session and was divided among 17 regions. Through READI, 17 regions across the state that represent all 92 counties are moving forward with projects and programs designed to enhance Indiana's regions for current and future generations of Hoosiers. Collectively, the state's $500 million investment is expected to yield an additional $9.86 billion public, private and nonprofit dollars invested (19.72:1 investment leverage ratio) in enhancing Indiana's quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity.