FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – As Mayor Sharon Tucker put it, “Fort Wayne’s skyline has gained another gem.”
She joined Community Development Division Director Jonathan Leist, Chuck Surack, and the executive leaders of Surack Enterprises gathered on Wednesday to mark the completion of The Pearl, a 7-story mixed-use development featuring ground floor commercial and event space, parking, residential, and live-work units.
The City released the following:
City of Fort Wayne officials joined representatives from Surack Enterprises and Weigand Construction Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening for The Pearl in downtown Fort Wayne. The Pearl is a seven-story, mixed-use, multifamily project housing 76 apartments, five live-work units, nearly 13,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 4,500-square-foot event space.
Mayor Sharon Tucker, who spoke at the ribbon cutting, said, “The Pearl is a tremendous and unique addition to our downtown skyline. The new mixed-use development is another example of how Fort Wayne continues to grow and succeed.”
The building represents a nearly $82 million private investment from Surack Enterprises founders Chuck and Lisa Surack. The streetscape was paid for through a public-private partnership between Surack and the City of Fort Wayne.
“I continue to be so grateful for Chuck and Lisa and the entire Surack Enterprises team,” added the mayor. “Chuck’s generosity, leadership skills, and his unwavering belief in Fort Wayne are helping our community provide an enhanced quality of life for all.”
“The Pearl will be another great landmark in our community,” said Chuck Surack. “The Pearl promises to benefit not just downtown Fort Wayne, but the entire region for decades. Lisa and I look forward to welcoming in the tenants who will call this beautiful building home.”
The idea for The Pearl first came about in 2019 shortly after Surack purchased the downtown Aunt Millie’s properties. By November 2021, renderings were released, and Weigand Construction began to build. Weigand estimates its workforce contributed more than 460,000 work hours toward the project, transforming The Pearl from concept to reality.
CEO Larry Weigand said, “The Pearl would not have been possible without the strong collaboration, craftsmanship, and communication from everyone involved. The Surack name embodies with it a legacy of excellence and always doing things the right way for a great customer experience. We’re thrilled for the community to experience this space firsthand and look forward to seeing how it will be enjoyed in the years to come.”
Many tenants have already moved in and embraced downtown living at The Pearl. One-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment spaces are still available in a variety of layouts. Each unit comes furnished with custom cabinets, a French door fridge, a washer & dryer set, a smart thermostat, and more. Ten-foot-tall ceilings, luxury vinyl tile flooring, expansive balconies, and quartz countertops all contribute to The Pearl’s sophisticated style.
The Pearl will provide many exciting amenities for residents, including gorgeous fourth- and seventh-floor greenspace rooftops with breathtaking views of downtown Fort Wayne. The fourth-floor space features miniature golf, space for grilling, and a relaxing water feature, while the seventh-floor space connects to an indoor lounge.
Residents can also take advantage of the self-serve pet spa; the private, on-site parking garage; the fitness center; concierge service; and more. The streetscape combines both old and new, with the original century-old bricks being refurbished and reused to finish Maiden Lane. Activities will be planned throughout the year to highlight and make use of each amenity space. Prospective tenants should visit The Pearl’s website to learn more.
Also celebrating its grand opening today, Crescendo Coffee & Café. Like its sister company, Crescendo Coffee & More in Quimby Village, this new location offers a variety of fresh, locally sourced food and drink options perfect for morning commutes, lunch breaks, and afternoon or evening treats. However, this new location distinguishes itself through unique menu items, including a new lineup of signature drinks, grab & go items, and wine slushies. Crescendo Coffee & Café is proud to be part of the downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).
Since its soft open last month, Crescendo Coffee & Café has already earned glowing recommendations from downtown visitors, with patrons expressing appreciation for the friendly service, cozy atmosphere, delicious food and drink, and availability seven days a week.
Two additional businesses are set to open inside The Pearl in the near future. Amoré – Italian, Steak, & Seafood and Ducky’s at The Pearl. Amoré, opening in November 2024, features traditional Italian cuisine paired with modern upscale dining in a comfortable and intimate setting. Ducky’s, set to open in early 2025, is a family friendly, full-service restaurant featuring duckpin bowling. It’s the latest venture of local restauranteurs Johnny Perez and Esli Barrón Perez of Te Gustó Hospitality.
Five live-work units are still available for lease. These units include living space located directly above customizable commercial space, offering entrepreneurial tenants the shortest commute in Fort Wayne.
Also on the ground floor, The Pearl Event Center is now open for booking. The Event Center has the capacity to host gatherings of up to 300 people seated at tables or 400 people seated conference style. Guests can make use of a portable stage, free Wi-Fi, an overhead projector and retractable screen, wireless microphones, and easy connectivity to the AV system. Acoustic panels in the ceiling and walls offer exceptional sound control.
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