Hey Locals,

It's a busy time of year, and we have lots of events for your to do list, starting with a new bakery coming to Downtown that's hosting two pop-ups this weekend.

We also update you on changes at Electric Works and the Allen County jail project. Plus, we share details on a new program to help you safely recycle pesky used lithium batteries.

Don't forget: This month, all paid subscribers get $5 off any purchase at Fancy & Staple. Did you know we give our paid members a freebie every month at a local business to cover the cost of membership? See what a paid membership is all about with this 30-day trial, and you can get that discount!

Now, let's get started!

NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.

Electric Works is undergoing some changes.

Here's what we know so far.

What's happening?

If you visit the Electric Works campus, you might notice a few changes underway.

• Carr Workplaces is no longer involved. You might remember: the Washington, D.C.-based company is a national leader in the flexible workspace industry. Originally, it was both property manager and coworking operations manager for campus. Since then, Electric Works has changed property management companies to Colliers, based in Indianapolis, but continued working with Carr on coworking. As of Nov. 1, “Carr is no longer involved in managing coworking,” according to Kate Virag, an Electric Works spokeswoman. “Coworking is now being managed by Three Pillars Operations (3PO) with local leadership.” A sign on the door refers to the space as “Electric Works Coworking.”
• What is 3PO? Two weeks ago, we broke news of the recently created group of about eight people led by Scott Fergusson, owner of Chapman’s Brewing, the anchor dining tenant at Electric Works. In addition to coworking, 3PO is now managing Union Street Market, campus events, conferencing and all beverage operations on campus.
• As previously reported: two bar vendors were recently phased out of Union Street Market: Kekionga Craft Cider and the Charlie Horse Bar. Two new beverage concepts (owned by Electric Works and run by 3PO) are opening: the Neon Pear, a cocktail lounge (coming soon) in the East Hall, and The Crane, a sports bar that opened last week in the West Hall with a pool table. Union Street Market appears to be getting an overhaul under 3PO's operations. Local Apple Cart ice cream relocated to Glenbrook Square Food Court.

Stay tuned for updates as we learn more.

• Allen County commissioners secured a lower-than-expected interest rate to help fund the more than $316M new county jail project. Last week, commissioners closed on more than $203M in revenue bonds at an interest rate of 3.845% – more than a quarter of a percentage point lower than estimated, decreasing the amount the county will have to pay bondholders. A news release calls Allen County’s "growing population and role as a regional economic center for northeast Indiana" key factors in its favorable rating. Bonds will be repaid over 20 years, using local income tax revenue. "The jail funding plan also includes using $45 million of the county’s cash balance, pledging more than $5.9 million annually from the economic local income tax fund and a new 0.11% correctional local income tax," The JG* reports. The project is underway and expected to be complete by December 2027.
• Allen County is expanding recycling efforts and education on lithium-ion batteries, thanks to a new federal grant. The Allen County Department of Environmental Management (ACDEM) and Purdue University Fort Wayne were one of seven groups in the U.S. (and the only group in Indiana) awarded a grant from the Department of Energy. The 50-50 matching grant will fund a three-year, $1.7M campaign called “Stop the Spark” to bring "greater public awareness of potential lithium battery hazards and more training for first responders and workers at hazardous waste facilities," a PFW news release says. One goal is reducing lithium battery fires by 50%. (This year, Allen County had 14.) The program also provides training and research to PFW students.

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• Get a sneak peek: of a new bakery coming to Downtown. This spring, Good Bread for All (by Sarah Thompson, owner of a former Ossian-based bakery) is moving into The Hedge Studio's storefront in the historic Canton Laundry Building on Broadway. This week, Good Bread is hosting two pop-ups in the space, Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m. (for Broadway's First Fridays event) and Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m. (for Winter Art on Broadway).

• Celebrate: the Art on Broadway Holiday Party Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m., at Fancy & Staple, featuring local art by Phangear Prints, ceramics by Rock Paper Print, Face Painting by Ellie Tison and live music by Jess Thrower, as well as beer and wine for purchase. (Plus, use your $5-off Local deal to shop!)
• Dine: at Amore, a new upscale Italian eatery Downtown by Surack Enterprises, opening Monday in the Pearl. In addition to Italian, Amore's menu offers steak and seafood. Lunch and dinner hours are Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., and Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and reservations are now available.

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Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett