Carmel-based company thinks about renovating historic building for affordable apartments downtown

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A Carmel-based company is thinking about renovating a historic building on Pearl and Harrison Streets in downtown Fort Wayne into 44 apartments.

A couple of businesses in the past have tried to turn the run-down Randall Building into apartments, but plans have repeatedly fallen through.

Bill Brown, Downtown Improvement District interim president, said Real America Development is the perfect company to take on the project.

“They are equipped to do a job here on this place, and make it into a really, very fresh, people-ready type facility,” he said.

Real America Development has also headed eight other affordable apartment projects here in Fort Wayne.

Condos and apartments are currently being built at The Harrison and the Anthony Wayne Building in downtown. Brown said these apartments are geared for working people.

“This is for low to moderate income and I think that means young people getting started in life. It also means people who are working regular jobs,” he said.

Brown said Real America Development leaders have until mid-November to decide if they will take on the project.