FORT WAYNE, Ind.
Most of the Indiana Hotel in downtown Fort Wayne has been empty since the late 1960's. But leaders with the Embassy Theatre plan to change that in the next couple years with major renovations to the historic building.
One of the most notable renovations will be a two story ballroom on the top two floors of the hotel. Built in the late 1920s, the Indiana Hotel is the historic building that wraps around the Embassy Theatre. There's been demand for a larger event rental space, which is why part of the $10 million project includes a two story ballroom with a rooftop garden at the top of the building.
“We regularly turn down folks who want to bring 200 to 250 people to sit down,” said Kelly Updike, executive director at the Embassy. “The preliminary plans we're looking at seat at least 300 and that includes the dance floor and catering spaces. We're looking at ways to expand and enhance the patron experience as well as bring revenue into the community.”
The renovations are still very preliminary. Leaders will be using all of 2012 to gather public opinions on the plans. They hope to begin the renovations sometime in 2013.
