Downtown Fort Wayne will soon be dressed for the holidays. City crews have begun assembling light displays and décor on several buildings and the Indiana Michigan Power Center is no exception. Many recall the large green and red wreath attached to the front of the building during the holiday season, but some might not know the treasured history behind this display.

First debuted in 1937, its concept came from a holiday post card G. Irving Latz, general manager of the Wolf & Dessauer Department Store, had received. The wreath was displayed until the new Wolf & Dessauer store opened at Washington and Lafayette Street in 1959. After that, it was put into storage in for 28 years. 

Upon the display’s removal in 1987, I&M employees played a significant role cleaning, repainting, replacing lamp sockets, rewiring circuits and installing 8,000 new light bulbs. Once fully restored, it became fixed to the One Summit Square building, now Indiana Michigan Power Center, for a ceremonial lighting that December. Invited to attend that lighting, G. Irving Latz.

Wreath Fast Facts:

• The wreath is 32 feet in diameter and weighs 3.5 tons
• Displayed from 1937 to 1958 (except during WWII)
• Features 4,000 red bulbs, 2,800 green bulbs and 1,200 white bulbs
• Initially displayed at the northeast corner of Calhoun Street and Washing Boulevard before moving to One Summit Square

In 2008, the wreath received yet another refresh, but this time to make it brighter and more energy efficient. A fresh paint job and all new LED light bulbs now allow the display to shine above the downtown streets, while being 90% more energy efficient and longer lasting.

Today, I&M is proud to be the caretakers of this Fort Wayne treasure. As families gather in the plaza or take photos of its green and red glow, this display holds a special meaning for holiday traditions within our community. Stop by the I&M plaza during the Downtown Improvement District’s Nov. 27 Night of Lights event, as we help power festive memories this season.

Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities and how staff are making a difference through volunteering for their neighbors.