Collectively Creating a Vibrant Quality of Life.

The Van Wert County Foundation has launched collective efforts along with other community development partners to expedite the restoration and preservation of core building assets in downtown Van Wert. 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.

The project named Van Wert Forward 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 or environmental impact while providing a financial return.

Collaborators.

The Foundation has engaged the services of Pago USA, a group of experienced development professionals with vast expertise in historic preservation (www.pagousa.com). Organization members have led and developed projects like “The Landing” in Fort Wayne, IN, and “Over the Rhine” in Cincinnati, OH. The first step includes the acquisition of crucial downtown assets. Phase 1 is slated to begin construction in the spring of 2021.

Community Partners are Main Street Van Wert, Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Corporation, City of Van Wert, and Van Wert County.

Encourage investment in the community.

These properties will be placed into a “Downtown Trust” through the course of the development process. The Foundation will coordinate with existing businesses to minimize impact and maximize success moving forward. Once the acquisition phase is completed, The Foundation and its partners will actively engage stakeholders and the community for input throughout the project.

For more information visit www.vanwertforward.org