Van Wert Forward.
The Van Wert County Foundation has launched collective efforts along with other community partners to expedite the restoration and preservation of core building assets in downtown Van Wert. This initiative, VAN WERT FORWARD, is vision-driven by The Van Wert County Foundation. Van Wert Forward’s mission is to redevelop the downtown area for future economic development and investment by creating new multi-use properties that attract people to our community.
This innovative investment is an effort to focus more in-depth on the core of The Foundation’s vision to create a well-resourced and thriving quality of life for our community. We are committed to a bright future and we collaborate enthusiastically to make this vision a reality. Together, we bring experience and a commitment to downtown revitalization.
The project will spur vibrant revitalization downtown while creating community capital for generations to come. It capitalizes on the concept of IMPACT INVESTING, which re-prioritizes financial resources to generate a measurable beneficial social impact while providing a financial return. Critical downtown building assets are placed into a “downtown trust” through the course of the development process.
The Foundation has engaged the professional services of Pago USA (www.pagousa.com), a group of experienced developers with vast expertise in historic preservation. Organization members have led and developed projects like “The Landing” in Fort Wayne, IN, and “Over the Rhine” in Cincinnati, OH.
Community collaborators are Main Street Van Wert, Van Wert Area Economic Development, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Corporation, City of Van Wert, and Van Wert County. These organizations, along with The Foundation will coordinate with existing businesses to minimize impact and maximize success moving forward.
When our community is vibrant and thriving, it benefits us all. We welcome you to join us on this journey. To learn more and get involved, visit www.vanwertforward.org or contact Hall Block at hall@vanwertcountyfoundation.org / 419.238.1743.
