Historic Roots and Future Growth: Sturges Property Group’s Impact on Fort Wayne’s South Side

We are shining the spotlight on SouthTown Centre, a place with deep roots in Fort Wayne’s commercial and cultural landscape and in Sturges Property Group’s history.

Let’s rewind to July 1969, when the site opened as SouthTown Mall, developed by Melvin Simon & Associates with anchors like JCPenney, Montgomery Ward, and Wolf & Dessauer. By its September dedication, 36 stores had opened, and SouthTown was buzzing with activity.

SouthTown Cinema I & II opened in 1971, and by 1982, the mall expanded to nearly 1 million square feet and 115 tenants by adding a new Sears and Service Merchandise wing. Many locals and frequent shoppers will remember the vaulted wood ceilings and retro interior color palette.

But this rapid growth was followed by a slow decline. Some critics stated that the closing of the International Harvester plant around the same time as the expansion caused the mall to be "too big" for the area. Others stated the mall changed hands too many times in the 90s, and investors and management companies were not willing to put in the effort to revitalize the mall. Southtown also gained a reputation for truancy, violence, and theft during this time, which also kept shoppers away. Whatever the reasons, foot traffic declined and several major stores left throughout the 80s and 90s.

SouthTown Cinema, GC Murphy’s, Old Country Buffet, Kohl’s, and others eventually became nostalgic memories. The former SouthTown Mall pylon sign seen in the before/after image highlights some of these businesses.

In 2000, Mayor Grahan Richard created a task force, which included various government officials and local developers Barry Sturges and Don Steininger, to help revitalize south-central Fort Wayne. Area churches, colleges, and businesses made statements promising to lease space at SouthTown, but the task force had bigger plans.

The mall officially closed February 1, 2003, and the 113-acre site was soon condemned by the city. Once the site's environmental hazards were addressed, demolition began August 17, 2004, and the mall was officially gone by the start of 2005.

One quote from a July 2000 Journal-Gazette op-ed captured the ambition perfectly: “A salute to you, Don Steininger and Barry Sturges. You embody the spirit of Fort Wayne. We hope your wild attempt succeeds.”

With the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Redevelopment, Sturges Development Group helped reimagine the entire area, which included:

• A new traffic signal and entrance off US 27

•  New infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and water systems

• Major anchor tenants like Walmart and Menards, which opened in 2006

• A new Public Safety Academy, which opened in 2007

• Outparcel buildings for Wendy’s, AutoZone, Firestone, and more

By 2008, SouthTown was alive with commerce once again! SouthTown Centre has since become a cornerstone of South Fort Wayne’s rebirth. Sturges is proud to have helped turn a fading landmark into a thriving community hub, making Fort Wayne a better place.

Currently, there are still two parcels of land available for development within SouthTown Centre. If you are interested in seeing the remaining SouthTown parcels, click the link: https://sturgesproperty.com/properties/southtown-centre-land

(Historic image used in before/after courtesy of The Journal-Gazette.)

Written by Kendall Heiser and Amy Schuldt of Sturges Property Group.

Join Our Newsletter