Mitchell’s and Flashbacks Returning to Downtown Fort Wayne in Historic Schaab Building

The historic Schaab Building in downtown Fort Wayne is being redeveloped by local firm Steininger Development and will soon become home to two of the city’s most iconic venues. Mitchell’s Sports and Neighborhood Grill and a revived Flashbacks nightclub are set to open in the building at 312 South Harrison Street, with construction beginning in late 2025 and openings expected by mid to late 2026.

 

The project is part of Fort Wayne’s ongoing Riverfront development plan and represents a major investment in the downtown entertainment scene. The Schaab Building, constructed in the early 1900s, was once used for industrial and warehouse purposes but sat vacant for decades before being purchased in 2022 by Don Steininger, founder of Steininger Development. The company is known for its role in multiple redevelopment projects throughout Fort Wayne.

 

Local entrepreneur Todd Smith is leading the two new venues. Smith originally launched Mitchell’s in the Marketplace of Canterbury, where it quickly gained popularity as a neighborhood sports bar. After a fire destroyed the original location in 2013, Mitchell’s was later rebuilt at its current site on West Jefferson Boulevard. The upcoming downtown location will offer a similar experience with food, drinks, and sports, now in a walkable and revitalized area of the city.

 

Smith is also bringing back Flashbacks, the retro dance club that was once a central part of Fort Wayne’s nightlife. The new Flashbacks will cater exclusively to guests aged 30 and older, featuring music from the 70s through early 2000s in a relaxed, age-specific setting.

 

“We’re going to create a place where adults over 30 can come and relax, hear great music, and relive some of the best years of their lives without the chaos,” Smith told WANE in a recent interview.

 

City leaders have welcomed the project as part of Fort Wayne’s long-term efforts to breathe new life into downtown and along the riverfront. Mayor Sharon Tucker praised the investment and vision behind the redevelopment.

 

“This is a great opportunity to bring new life to a historic building in our downtown,” said Mayor Tucker. “We’re encouraged by the continued private investment in our community and the interest in being part of our ongoing proactive efforts to revitalize Fort Wayne.”

 

With the Schaab Building finally being put back into use after decades of vacancy, the return of Mitchell’s and Flashbacks marks a significant step in restoring downtown’s historic architecture while giving new life to beloved local establishments.