13
ts en 28 Ev e n Pag Fu See
Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • July 2021 • No. II
The Landing: A Fun, New Space One-Stop Renovations How to Choose a New Roof Tips for Furniture Shopping A Very Special Auto Museum
Visit Fort Wayne’s Photo
Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
2
3
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
3
MEET
AGAIN
EXPLORE
AGAIN
FLY
AGAIN
PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO DO IT ALL AGAIN. So, whether you’re planning your next business trip. Or, booking that long-awaited vacation. We’ll provide the safe, sanitary, socially-distant terminal. So, you can fly…again.
4
FWAIRPORT.COM Phoenix • Orlando • Tampa • Fort Myers • Las Vegas • Myrtle Beach • Sarasota • Dallas To • Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart Living Fort Wayne July•2021 • II Chicago Charlotte Philadelphia • Atlanta • Detroit • Minneapolis
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
5
In This Issue
Right in Our Region ...............................Cover & p. 16 The Landing and Bradley Hotel: A Fun, New Space for Locals and Visitors Alike Your Outing ....................................................................11 A Very Special Auto Museum Your Home ......................................................................13 One-Stop Renovating; Tips for Buying Furniture Inspiration & Worship ................................................14 Got Hope? Your Outdoor Living ...................................................19 What to Know Before Replacing Your Roof Your Kitchen .................................................................23 Sizzling Summer Grilling Your Family Fun ...........................................................28
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living. Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
6
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Summer Bucket List
I
s it me or is this summer speeding by faster than we can say “the zucchini is ripe?” We’ve journeyed from spring blossoms to back-to-school shopping already. The good news is that we have a few more weeks to check off experiences on our 2021 summer fun bucket lists. Every person’s list is different, but I’m guessing we share a lot of items in common. Here are a few of mine. Spend Time on the Water. This is easy in the Fort Wayne region, with its three rivers and gorgeous neighboring lake communities. Don’t own a boat? No problem. Rent one or opt for a no-hassles guided tour, party barge or kayak to paddle. For no-fuss boating laced with history, head to Promenade Park and hop aboard the Sweet Breeze 1840 replica canal boat. Soak Up Fairs and Festivals. This is a rite of summer like no other. The Marshall County Fair winds up soon in Argos and the Allen County Fair will run July 27 to Aug. 1. If it’s a 250-acre fair with 400 events you crave, the Indiana State Fair runs July 30-Aug. 22. Maybe you prefer a smaller, one-day event like the ARTS in the Street festival in downtown Plymouth on July 31? There’s no lack of events to choose from this year, which is wonderful! Enjoy Local Farmers Markets. My gosh. Allen County has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to farmers markets overflowing with seasonal bounty and sociable ambiance. Check out the list at VisitFortWayne.com and savor mouth-watering fresh fare while you can. And while you’re on that website, check out the listings for .... Outdoor Concerts. What’s summer without at least a few evenings spent stretched out on a blanket listening to live music under starlight and fireflies? Whether hosted by gardens, parks or rooftop bars, there’s something very memorable about music al fresco. Maybe your list also includes a trip to the zoo, some camping, barbecues or group bicycle rides or hikes through urban jungles and natural areas. It’s all at your fingertips in Fort Wayne! Happy Summering! ❚ Janine Pumilia SL Editor
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
7
Styles That Will Floor You.
$100 OFF your flooring purchase of $999+*
FREE INSTALLATION
with your carpet purchase of $999+*
Ready to freshen up your floors? Visit your local flooring experts at Van’s Home Center! Whether you’re starting new construction or remodeling, our team of professoinals will help you find the perfect floor for your home. Browse hundreds of flooring, carpet, and tile samples on display in our Flooring Showroom.
Professional Installation
Free In-Home Estimate
FURNITURE | APPLIANCES | FLOORING MATTRESSES | CABINETS | COUNTERTOPS 20 Minutes From Fort Wayne! Just Off I-69 & State Road 8 In Auburn! www.VansHomeCenter.com 106 Peckhart Ct. Auburn, IN | 260.927.8267 *Discount applies to flooring product only, and is not a discount on labor and materials. Offer good for free basic carpet installation. 8 Exclusions Tomust Advertise Call 260-212-8968 apply. Redeem be present. Cannot be combined with other offers. See store for full details. Smart Living Fort Wayne in-store Julyonly. 2021 Full • II ad
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
9
10
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 815-316-2300
Your Outings
For Auto Lovers: Cord Duesenberg Museum By Peggy Werner
C
lassic cars have a cherished history that’s kept fresh and alive by people who love them. People who appreciate history, art, and design are often passionate about them, says Walter Fisher, marketing and communications manager at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, 1600 S. Wayne St., Auburn, Ind. “People like classic cars because they grew up with them. They remember Dad or Grandpa had one and the memories generate a lot of nostalgia not only for their own history, but for the unique style and craftsmanship of the cars,” Fisher says. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum has more than 120 cars on display in nine themed galleries on three levels in a building that’s historically significant in itself. The galleries feature classic cars (as defined by the Classic Car Club of America), racing cars and Indiana-built cars. The oldest car is an 1894 Black Prototype and the most modern car is a 2002 Ford Thunderbird Roadster. The museum’s collections are contained in three main areas: the automobile collection, the archives collection and the small artifact collection. Each has a bull’s-eye design, with artifacts closest to the center of the bull’s-eye being the most significant. The museum building itself is the museum’s largest artifact. It was constructed for the Auburn Automobile Company in 1929 and is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the Midwest. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a National Historic Landmark in 2005. The original building housed the car company’s showroom, offices and design studio until it closed in 1937. The museum hosts many community events each year that have resumed since the lifting of pandemic restrictions. The free, family-friendly Classic Car Concert Series continues this summer with Hubie Ashcraft Band playing July 29; Big Caddy Daddy on Aug. 26 and Whoa! Man (a celebration of women in rock music) on Sept. 23 at the museum plaza. Food vendor tents open at 5:30 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to display their favorite vehicles in the parking lot and bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the event. Cars and Coffee is from 9 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday of the month through September at the museum. The event is an opportunity for classic car owners to meet, while enjoying free coffee, donuts and music provided by the museum. Also on every third Saturday, an outdoor movie is shown in the parking lot. Several years ago, the museum started to digitize its archival collection to make it available to the public. It’s available online at automobilemuseum.org. Also on the website are self-guided tour videos featuring some of the best classic automobiles in the country and the stories of the cars told by people who know them best.
More than 120 cars are displayed in the 1929 Art Deco-style museum.
“The Auburns were hand-built, high-end, custom-ordered cars and some of the features that were innovations at the time are now standard features in cars today, mainly front wheel drive and hydraulic brakes,” says Fisher. The Auburn Automobile Company was founded in 1900 and grew out of the Eckhart Carriage Company, founded in Auburn in 1874 by Charles Eckhart. His sons, automobile enthusiasts Frank and Morris, entered the business, bought out other local carmakers and moved into a larger building in 1909, until shortages caused by WWI forced the business to close in 1919. The Auburn Automobile Company was sold to a group of Chicago investors, including William Wrigley, Jr. In 1926, Errett Lobban Cord, a race car driver, mechanic and car salesman, became president and owner. Duesenberg Motors Company was an American manufacturer of racing cars and luxury vehicles (nicknamed “Duesy”). Founded in 1913 in Saint Paul, Minn., the company moved to New Jersey and then to Indianapolis, establishing the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Company and debuting its first passenger car, the Duesenberg Model A. In late 1926, Cord acquired Duesenberg and continued the production of racing and luxury cars, including the 1928 Duesenberg Model J, designed to compete with the most powerful cars in the world. The Cord L-29 was the first successful mass-produced front-wheel-drive car in America. Cars built by Cord became famous for their advanced engineering and striking appearance. Auburn’s administration building was completed and opened in 1930, followed by the best sales year ever with 34,000 cars sold. Bad times for Cord and the Great Depression forced the company’s closure in 1937. The company and its remaining parts inventory were purchased by Detroit entrepreneur Dallas Winslow for $85,000 plus $25,000 for the Auburn administration building. The new company was named the Auburn-Cord Duesenberg Company, selling stock parts and offering service work to owners of the classic cars, before it opened the museum. ❚
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
11
12
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 815-316-2300
Your Home & Garden
What to Ask Before Buying Furniture By Janine Pumilia
(Taylor King photo)
ot everyone expects to own a piece of furniture for the long haul. Sometimes “starter” pieces are the best fit for your stage of life. But if you do want furniture that’s built to last, there are key questions to ask, says Arianna Vonderohe, sales manager and designer at Fairfield Galleries in Fort Wayne. “It makes sense to put more money into pieces that take a lot of hard, daily use, such as sofas, recliners, dining sets and some office furniture,” she says. “It’s less important with case goods like coffee tables or other pieces that just need to look good.” The first thing to ask is where a piece comes from, Vonderohe says. “Furniture built in North America is usually better quality than items made overseas,” she says. “U.S. and Canadian companies tend to use solid wood for frames, for example. A frame built with solid maple, birch or pine is better than one built with plywood. The key phrase to use is ‘solid wood,’ not just ‘wood,’ which can be plywood. And for furniture with moving parts, like recliners, it’s easier to get the right part and make a repair if the piece was built here. Let’s face it, if it has moving parts, it may need a repair at some point.” A dining table made of solid wood will look better longer than a plywood table covered with veneer that may crack, peel or swell from moisture, she says. And dining chairs that are screwed together as well as glued will take the weight of daily use more successfully. Be aware that some companies which boast “made in America” also have lines that are made overseas. A trained salesperson understands the differences and can help you find the best quality lines within a brand. “There are still many good brands made in the United States,” says Vonderohe. “Of the eight brands of sofas we carry, six are made in the U.S. or Canada.” With upholstered goods, be sure to ask about the coil system below the surface. “Whether it’s hand-tied or machine-made, an 8-way tied coil spring system is just better than the more Look below the surface. In upholstered furniture, common sinuous an 8-way tied coil suspension system is superior to the more common sinuous spring. spring suspension that
(Taylor King photos)
N
It’s wise to spend more for furniture that’s heavily used, like the upholstered sofa and chairs shown here, from Taylor King. Especially when purchasing furniture with moving parts, look for pieces made in North America so that parts and repair services are more readily available.
zig-zags only front to back and side to side.” When choosing fabric for your upholstered furniture, be aware that most synthetic fabrics wear better than natural ones like cotton or linen that absorb dirt more easily and are harder to clean. If it’s leather you want, “choose mid-grain or top-grain leather for the best wear,” Vonderohe recommends. “Stay away from bonded leathers, which are leather shavings melded together and applied to fabric. They look great at first but are likely to peel or crack.” An attractive new synthetic leather called Brisa offers better wear than real leather but is also more expensive, she adds. Finally, be wary of furniture sold online; it’s hard to know what you’re really getting. “In our store, the price reflects the quality. Online, you may end up paying a lot for a brand name and the piece may not even be made well.” Learn more by visiting Fairfield Galleries, 5010 US 33 North, Fort Wayne, or call (260) 489-5526. ❚
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
13
Inspiration & Worship
Got Hope? M
ost of us fear the end of our lives here on Earth. After all, we’ve never known any other kind of life. This fear of the unknown is natural. Even Jesus prayed for God to take away the impending physical death set before him. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will. (Matthew 26:39, AKJV). But after his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus made many appearances to his disciples and others for 40 days, before ascending into a cloud. As his apostles watched, two angels told them: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, NIV). Knowing that Jesus Christ will return and that we will spend eternity with him is our source of hope, joy and comfort. Writing to Christians at Thessalonica, Paul told believers: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18, NIV). Fear not. The best is yet to come. ❚
14
– Janine Pumilia Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
15
Right in Our Region
The Landing & Bradley Hotel
The Landing in Fort Wayne is a newly renovated city block within walking distance of Promenade Park, the Arts Campus and other attractions.
B y Pe g g y We r n e r
A
n historic location that launched the city of Fort Wayne is now transformed into a booming block designed to attract locals and destination travelers alike, anchored by a stylish new hotel. Many new businesses have opened during the past year at The Landing, located on one city block of Columbia Street between Calhoun and Harrison streets. “Our community made a concentrated effort to buy the whole block and renovate it all at once, to attract the businesses that are here today,” explains Kristen Guthrie, vice president of marketing at Visit Fort Wayne. “It’s a very dramatic change. We’ve renovated historical spaces and added new buildings in an effort to honor our history while making the area appealing to people today.” The area was neglected for a long time but has been given new life, Guthrie explains. “As people gravitated to the outdoors during the pandemic, they learned to love it and the neighboring Promenade Park, and they want to continue to enjoy all the outside opportunities they can. People can enjoy a coffee, a cocktail, fine dining, music, do some shopping, meet friends, attend an event. It’s just a great place for people to gather and it’s always full of life.” 16
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
The biggest news coming out of the newly developed area is the recent opening of The Bradley Hotel. The hotel is a collaboration between Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, who in 1982 co-founded the women’s fashion label Vera Bradley (named for
Is anything better than gathering with friends at a bright, new location?
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Right in Our Region
With interior design influenced by the co-founder of Vera Bradley, it’s no surprise that the new Bradley Hotel is cheerily stylish and welcoming.
her mother) with Patricia R. Miller in Fort Wayne, and Provenance Hotels, which specializes in independent hotels that reflect the character of the cities where they’re located. Baekgaard’s gift for design and hospitality is evident in the stylish, comfortable and welcoming hotel that is uniquely Fort Wayne, with local art decorating every room and the common areas, says Guthrie. The 124-room hotel has nine specialty suites, each named for an Indiana city, a rotating art gallery, a restaurant and a rooftop bar. Arbor Restaurant, on the ground floor, specializes in modern American fare, with an emphasis on homecooked favorites. Birdie’s, a nickname given to Baekgaard by a grandchild, is a rooftop bar with a central fireplace and outdoor terrace overlooking the downtown.
This bison mural welcomes both locals and city guests to The Landing.
Rental space in the hotel includes a spot for Kilwin’s, famous for chocolates, fudge and ice cream. Other businesses on Columbia Street include the city’s newest brewery, Landing Beer Company, which offers something for all ages, including craft beers, barbecue and a kid’s menu. There’s also Utopian Coffee, boutiques, and international cuisine such as tacos from Mercado, Asian fusion foods at Nawa, wood-fired pizza from Alto Grado, and Tolon, a farm-totable restaurant. The Bison is one of many landmark murals in the city and welcomes visitors to The Landing. These murals are contributing to Fort Wayne’s growing reputation as a hub for artistic expression. The Landing is also within walking distance of many other local attractions, such as the Arts Campus and Promenade Park, with its skyline views, riverfront activities, kayak rental, music, brews and a water fountain playground for kids at Trubble Riverside Café and Tap. The latter is a pet-friendly patio with water bowls, beds, and homemade treats for dogs. In the 1800s, Fort Wayne was nicknamed “The Summit City” because of its location at the highest point where canals were used to transport goods. Traders landed along the downtown streets of Canal and Columbia, hence the moniker “The Landing.” HostThemHere.com gives local residents all the tools they need to show Hoosier hospitality to their guests, with information on venues, hotels, restaurants, businesses, activities and tips for planning getaways, says Guthrie. “The site is a collection of resources that equip you to be a perfect host and roll out the red carpet for guests. Fort Wayne residents are looking forward to hosting their family and friends, who haven’t been able to get together for quite some time.” ❚
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
17
Outdoor Living
18
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Outdoor Living
What to Know Before You Replace a Roof By Janine Pumilia
A
new roof is a big investment and there’s much to consider when choosing an installer and materials. First, “A roofing warranty is only as good as the company that installs the materials,” says Kevin Hunter, coowner of Windows, Doors & More in Fort Wayne. “If a problem develops, you have to go back to the company that installed the roof to start a claims process.” If that company no longer exists, you may be out of luck. “It’s a sad fact that a lot of companies don’t have the working capital to withstand a rainy day,” says Hunter. “The average lifespan of roofing and siding companies is about two years.” Be sure your new shingles are of a sufficient weight to withstand Midwest weather. It’s also important to choose materials wisely. Avoid inferior shingles like those sold at big-box Every shingle is nailed six times to the underlayment. Alhome centers. though some building codes allow up to three roof layers, Hunt“You need a certain weight of shingle to withstand our Mider recommends no more than two. west weather,” says Hunter. “The weight of three layers can be hard on the sheeting and Along with sufficient asphalt per shingle, you’ll want shincause it to cup or dip between the rafters,” he says. “This is esgles that are treated to resist streaking and mossing. Hunter uses pecially true now that manufacturers are making better, heavier Certainteed brand premium or premier asphalt shingles treated shingles than they did 20 years ago.” with a 3M Scotchguard product. If your project requires a roofing tear-off, ask what precautions will be taken to prevent damage to landscaping. Windows, Doors & More uses a “roofer’s buggy” to catch debris. Finally, choose your shingle color carefully. “You’ll have to live with that shingle for a lot of years,” notes Hunter. He offers a photo computer program that previews how your home would look with various options. Windows, Doors & More has been in business 37 years and serves homeowners within a 60-mile radius of Fort Wayne. Along with selling and installing home exterior products, Windows, Doors & More is a full-service flooring and lighting center. It also builds room additions/decks and is a one-stop kitchen and bath center with six licensed designers and an architect on staff. Learn more by calling (260) 399-6038 or visit Windows, Doors & More at 1121 W. WashBefore hiring an installer, ask what precautions will be taken to protect landscaping from damage. ington Center Road. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
19
20
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
21
22
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Your Kitchen
A Sizzling Summertime Meal C
reated by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose, this recipe combines two favorites - seafood and burgers.
Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers
Servings: 2 Pimento Remoulade: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 TB minced pimentos 1 TB Dijon mustard 1 TB bread & butter pickles 1 pepperoncino, seeded & minced 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 TB fresh lemon juice 3 dashes hot sauce kosher salt, to taste Fried Lobster Tails: Vegetable oil, for frying cup all-purpose flour 1/2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. fresh black pepper, divided 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika 1 large egg
1 2 1/4 1/3 1 2
TB water dashes hot sauce cup potato chips, finely blended cup panko breadcrumbs TB minced flat leaf parsley lobster tails (5 oz. each)
1 2 2 2 3
lb. premium ground beef Salt & pepper to taste TB unsalted butter, room temp. brioche buns slices yellow cheddar cheese leaves romaine, shredded
Cheeseburgers:
Pimento remoulade: In small bowl, mix mayo, pimentos, mustard, chopped pickles, pepperoncino, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, lemon juice & hot sauce. Salt to taste. Fried lobster tails: Heat grill to 400 F & add 1/2-inch oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan. In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, garlic powder & smoked paprika. Set aside. Whisk egg, water, hot sauce. Set aside. Whisk chips, panko breadcrumbs &
Tell them you saw it in ...
parsley. Set aside. Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, remove meat and season with salt & pepper. Toss tails in flour mixture first, egg mixture second then potato chip mixture third, coating thoroughly. Fry tails 3-4 min. per side until golden brown. Close lid between flipping. Form 2 beef patties, each 1/2-inch thick, make a dimple in centers, season and grill 4-5 minutes per side. Add cheese and close lid about 30 seconds. Toast buttered buns on grill. Assemble burgers with lobster, sauce & lettuce. ❚ (Source: Family Features, Omaha Steaks)
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
23
24
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Your Home & Garden
One-Stop Renovating, Indoors & Out By Janine Pumilia
I
f it involves your home’s interior or exterior, Wright Brothers Renovation & Design can design it, construct it and install it. That’s what Brian Alberding would like you to know about the company he co-owns with business partner David Wright. “Our niche in the market is that we do everything,” says Alberding. “We provide the design work, structural or mechanical engineering work and the full installation, whether removing walls to open up spaces, renovating a kitchen or bath, adding extra rooms, or doing a full home exterior makeover with new roof, windows and siding or stone. That’s what sets us apart.” For homeowners, this means dealing with one contractor from start to finish, with all tradespeople in close communication and working on an agreed-upon schedule. The company’s expertise in both the aesthetic and technical aspects of a renovation allow for a one-stop, simple experience. Wright Brothers also has a deep knowledge of products. “We’ve learned a lot through trial and error. That’s part of what people pay us for – our experience,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of things go wrong with home products – shingles that fail, siding that fades, kitchen cabinets that de-laminate and so on. We stay with brands we know because we stand behind our work. We use professional-grade products from companies we trust and very seldom purchase from a big-box store.” Another advantage of the company’s longevity is its knowledge of the Fort Wayne area. “When a homeowner calls me and tells me their address, I know what the construction of homes in that neighborhood is like, and in what era the home was built. Our experience with past jobs in similar homes helps us to know what works well.” Many people are improving their homes right now, realizing they’ll earn money back when they sell their homes. “We’re seeing a lot of homeowners who want nicer kitchens and bathrooms and also want rooms connected that were previously separated by walls,” says Alberding. “The main things a realtor plays up are a newer kitchen, bathrooms, windows and roof. Some buyers want a fixer-upper, but most want a home that’s ready to live in without having to seek out a contractor.” Home renovation TV shows are fueling ideas. “They inspire people to make over their own homes. Really, the possibilities are endless for making a home more attractive, more functional, and just more enjoyable to live in.” Every homeowner considering a renovation of any kind should get references and learn how a company operates. Sadly, the home improvement market sees its share of unreliable contractors who sometimes take short-cuts, use inferior products or fail to stand behind their work. They hook customers by offering cut-rate prices that may cost more money in the long run. “I get calls every year from people whose projects were left unfinished or installed improperly,” he says. “Their building bud-
Before (right) and after renovation.
get is gone but there’s still a lot of work left to be done.” Wright Brothers offers free on-site consultations to give homeowners a general analysis of what work would be involved in their project and roughly what it would cost. If customers decide to proceed, meetings are set up with staff members who have expertise relevant to the project. For example, Lisa Habben is a kitchen and bath designer with 25 years of experience; Michal Blevins has 20 years of experience in plumbing and HVAC systems; and Mike Walters has spent two decades improving the curb appeal of home exteriors. Next, detailed estimates are provided, the staff works up drawings and a timeline is agreed upon for starting and finishing the project. “Do problems arise that impact the timeline? Yes, they do,” says Alberding, noting that pandemic-related supply chain issues have made this year particularly challenging. “But you have to have a goal for completion.” Alberding has 38 years of experience “doing what I love.” His business skill and David Wright’s talent in field operations are a winning combination. “I enjoy recruiting, developing and training good people and bringing them up to our speed,” says Alberding. “It’s all about maintaining a high level of expertise and providing excellent customer service from the moment a customer makes that first call and is greeted by a real human being on the phone. I love it when one of our consultants designs a gorgeous job and we bring that design to life and our customers are thrilled. They tell their friends and our business just keeps growing.” To learn more, stop by the office at 4227 N. Clinton St., or call (260) 434-0660. ❚
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
25
26
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
27
Your Fun
Entertainment & Events
Billy Currington July 23, 8 p.m., Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road. Currington has charted 11 No. 1 singles. (260) 747-0989, clydetheatre.com. Marshall County Fair Thru July 24. Square dancing, donkey race, Cowboy Showdown, more. 211 W. Walnut St., Argos, IN. VisitMarshallCounty.org. Community Chess at Promenade Park July 25. Noon to 6 p.m. Learn and play chess, no matter your skill level. 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne. Call (260) 433-1147 to learn more. Classic Car Concert – Hubie Ashcroft Band July 29, music at 6 p.m. Food at 5:30 p.m. Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, 1600 Wayne St., Auburn, automobilemuseum.org. Arts in the Street July 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Art, music, food, fun. 101 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, Ind. heartlandgallery.com, (574) 316-0264. Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau Thru Sept. 26 Tues.-Sat.. Learn about the
28
Smart Living Fort Wayne
Czech painter and graphic artist. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St. fwmoa.org, (260) 422-6467. Panoramic Riverfront Tours Weekends. Ride the Sweet Breeze, an 1840 canal boat replica, for a 90- or 45-minute guided tour. Learn how Fort Wayne’s history ties to the Erie shipping canal. Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St. fortwayneparks.org. Open Acoustic Jam Each second Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. at Sweetwater, 5501 US Hwy 30 West, Fort Wayne. Musicians of all skill levels welcome. sweetwater.com. Storytime on the Riverfront Mondays thru Aug. 30 at 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Enjoy fresh air and children’s literature from Allen County Public Library System in Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6000. Nashville Thursdays 7-10 p.m. every Thursday. Free live music, country, bluegrass, Americana. Club Room, Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. (260) 747-0989, clydetheatre.com.
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Don’t let the summer slip by without enjoying some fair, festival and farmers market fun.
Protests & Promises Unfulfilled Through Sept. 12. A reflection on the local struggle for Civil Rights then and now. Voices Photography by DJ E-Clyps. Allen Co. Library, Krull Gallery, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through August, then 9-5. Pet a stingray, ride the Sky Safari or Z.O.&O. Railroad. 3411 Sherman Blvd. Trek the Trails Weekly Tuesday evening bicycle rides, 6-7:30 p.m., on various trails. fwtrails.org. ❚
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
29
30
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
4
1
Smart Living Fort Wayne
July 2021 • II
To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
