Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Elex at Electric Works, a mixed‑use redevelopment on the former General Electric campus, received the Indiana Affordable Housing Council’s 2026 Excellence in Affordable Housing Award for Urban Housing. The award was presented at the Indiana Housing Conference in Indianapolis and highlights the project’s commitment to providing quality, affordable homes in the heart of downtown.
Project details and impact
The development comprises 296 apartments, with 89 units designated as affordable housing. Council officials praised The Elex for integrating affordable units with thoughtful design, modern amenities and coordinated services that serve residents of all income levels. By adding residential activity along the Broadway corridor, the project is expected to boost foot traffic for nearby businesses, arts organizations and other community institutions.
Support from local leaders
Kevan Biggs, president and owner of Biggs Group—one of the key partners on the development—said the project was intentionally crafted to let residents benefit from Fort Wayne’s growth without being priced out of the downtown core. “We wanted to create a place where families can live, work and enjoy the city’s cultural amenities without facing unaffordable rents,” Biggs explained.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker also lauded the award, noting that affordable housing remains a priority for her administration. “Developments like The Elex give our city more housing options for individuals and families, strengthening our community and supporting our local economy,” Tucker said.
Historical context and future outlook
The Elex takes its name from the historic association of women who worked for General Electric, honoring the site’s industrial heritage while ushering in a new era of mixed‑use development. Electric Works, the broader redevelopment plan, includes residential, office, educational, health‑care, retail and entertainment spaces, positioning the area as a vibrant, walkable district.
The Indiana Affordable Housing Council, founded in 2012, works to preserve and expand affordable housing throughout the state. Its recognition of The Elex underscores the council’s belief that affordable housing can coexist with high‑quality design and robust community services.
What this means for Fort Wayne families
For families seeking stable, reasonably priced housing in a growing urban environment, the award signals that Fort Wayne is delivering on that promise. The 89 affordable units are expected to serve a range of households, from young professionals to multi‑generational families, helping to keep the city’s neighborhoods diverse and vibrant.
Local businesses along Broadway anticipate increased patronage as new residents move into the area, while cultural institutions see an opportunity to broaden their audience base. The development’s success may also encourage further investment in affordable housing projects across Indiana.
Looking ahead
Mayor Tucker’s administration plans to continue supporting similar initiatives that expand housing choices and strengthen the city’s economic base. The award serves as both recognition of past effort and motivation for future projects that align with Fort Wayne’s vision of inclusive growth.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
