Fort Wayne Relocates Historic Craigville Depot Building
The historic structure housing Pufferbelly Junction moves to North Harrison Street for riverfront development.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Should the city relocate historic local buildings to facilitate new riverfront redevelopment projects?
The City of Fort Wayne has begun moving the historic Craigville Depot to its new location at 1216 N. Harrison St. The relocation clears the site for upcoming riverfront redevelopment projects north of the St. Marys River.
Why it matters
Moving the building allows the city to advance its strategic riverfront redevelopment plans while preserving the structure that houses the local Pufferbelly Junction ice cream shop.
The relocation process involves moving the depot to a new address at 1216 N. Harrison St. to facilitate redevelopment efforts near the St. Marys River.
The players
Pufferbelly Junction
This local business is an ice cream shop that operates out of the historic Craigville Depot building.
The details
Crews are transporting the structure over a two-day period to make way for city-led expansion north of the river. The shop, Pufferbelly Junction, is expected to resume operations at the new address by the end of 2026.
Timeline
January 2026: City announced the need to move the building.
July 2026: The Pufferbelly Junction train car was moved.
October 15-16, 2026: The building relocation process occurs.
End of 2026: Planned reopening date for the shop.
Market Landscape
This move represents a strategic effort by the city to consolidate space for the Fort Wayne Riverfront Development Plan. The relocation positions the area for further commercial growth while preserving historic assets that drive local foot traffic.
Residents should anticipate temporary traffic or accessibility changes near the relocation route on North Harrison Street through October 16. Customers of Pufferbelly Junction can expect the shop to remain closed until its projected reopening at the end of 2026.
The takeaway
Preserving historic buildings during urban renewal requires careful logistical planning to balance heritage with growth. Local business owners and residents should track city development updates to prepare for long-term neighborhood changes.
Further reading
For more information on commercial shifts in the area, visit the Fort Wayne Openings & Closings section.
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?
