Construction to add approximately 225 much-needed parking spaces to the Civic Center Parking Garage, 100 E. Washington Blvd., will cause lane restrictions on downtown streets for the next eight months.

Beginning Monday, August 12 Jefferson Boulevard will be reduced to two lanes between Calhoun and Clinton streets through April of 2020. Calhoun’s northbound lane between Jefferson Boulevard and the west entrance to the garage will be closed from October 14, 2019 through February, 2020.

“This will undoubtedly cause frustration for motorists. However, it is absolutely necessary to maintain a safe worksite at all times so while that is and will remain the priority, we will work to minimize the disruption to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as much possible,” said Nancy Townsend, redevelopment director.

The Civic Center Parking Garage was originally built in the 1980s with the option to expand should the need arise. The City’s partners from Visit Fort Wayne, the Grand Wayne Center, Embassy Theatre, Botanical Conservatory and downtown businesses report a critical need for more “transient” parking spaces, or spaces for motorists who do not have long-term leases. During weekdays, the garage is often full because of various events taking place at downtown locations.

Construction manager MKS will oversee the work to add two additional floors to the garage, which will accommodate anywhere from 225 to 230 additional spaces. Funding for the project comes from the Fort Wayne Allen County Capital Improvement Board of Managers, and is being overseen by the City of Fort Wayne’s Redevelopment Commission, which owns and manages the Civic Center Garage.