Fort Wayne Depot Relocates for Riverfront Development
The building housing Pufferbelly Junction moves this week to make way for city projects, with a reopening slated for late 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Should the city relocate historic local buildings to facilitate new riverfront redevelopment projects?
The Craigville Depot, home to the ice cream shop Pufferbelly Junction, is being relocated in Fort Wayne to facilitate city riverfront redevelopment. The move allows the business to remain operational as construction progresses north of the St. Marys River.
Why it matters
For small business owners, this move illustrates the intersection of city-led urban renewal projects and local operations. Understanding municipal development plans is critical for businesses occupying legacy structures located in high-priority redevelopment zones.
The Craigville Depot is shifting to a new site at 1216 N. Harrison St. to clear space for broader city redevelopment projects near the St. Marys River.
The players
Pufferbelly Junction
An ice cream shop operating out of a relocated historic depot in Fort Wayne.
Craigville Depot
A historic structure serving as the facility for Pufferbelly Junction.
The details
The city is overseeing the structural relocation to accommodate new infrastructure plans north of the St. Marys River. This process requires moving the historic building to its new address to ensure the shop can continue operations. The relocation of the depot follows the successful transport of the associated Pufferbelly Junction train car earlier this summer.
Timeline
October 15-16, 2026: The building relocation process occurs.
End of 2026: The scheduled reopening date for Pufferbelly Junction.
Market Landscape
This move is part of the broader Fort Wayne riverfront redevelopment plan aimed at repurposing land along the St. Marys River. The project follows a precedent set by similar municipal efforts to integrate historical assets into new commercial district designs.
Operators in high-growth districts should monitor local council redevelopment agendas to anticipate potential site disruptions. Proactive engagement with city planning departments can help businesses navigate the logistics of forced relocations.
The takeaway
Large-scale urban renewal projects can trigger complex facility moves that require significant operational downtime. Business owners should review their lease agreements for clauses regarding eminent domain or city-required site shifts.
What happens next
Pufferbelly Junction is scheduled to reopen at 1216 N. Harrison St. by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local commercial site changes, visit Fort Wayne Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsChannel 15 WANE-TV Fort Wayne.
Live Poll
Should the city relocate historic local buildings to facilitate new riverfront redevelopment projects?
