View Information About HSR Ratings
This bridge was designed by George Jaap, which is noteworthy because many of Fort Wayne's historic concrete arch bridges are associated with A. W. Grosvenor. It turns out even this bridge may have Grosvenor influence since when this bridge was built there was some thought that Jaap was copying Grosvenor's designs. That this bridge employs a Melan type reinforcing, which is a rare type of reinforcing but was also used by Grosvenor extensively, suggest there may be some truth to that. The extensively detailed and decorated bridge has a stone facing to enhance its aesthetic value.
In 2010, the bridge was extensively rehabilitated. Effort appears to have been made to maintain the bridge's original design and appearance.
Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge SurveyStatement of Significance Despite Drayer's attack on Japp's competence, this bridge has outlived its detractor, and retains its structural and architectural integrity. Japp may have borrowed Grosvenor's structural plans, but the very considerable decoration was his own. The stone-facing of the spandrels and piers and the design of the rails are different and noteworthy. Architectural Description The Herman Tapp Construction Company of Fort Wayne won the contract to build this 321', three-span reinforced and filled concrete arch for $56,390. George Japp, who designed the structure, endured an attack upon
his competence which C.E. Drayer of Cleveland submitted to Engineering News. Drayer accused Jaap, among other things, of plagiarizing A.W. Grosvenor's plans for the Tennessee Avenue Bridge. Other Information The Allen county commissioners accepted George Jaap's plans and specifications for the Coombs Street Bridge on 24 March 1912 and then proceeded to a letting for construction. At $56,390.40, president G. Max Hofmann of the Herman Tapp Construction Company of Fort Wayne underbid Jaap by less than $100. Construction continued well into the fall of 1913. Each of the rings is segmental with Melan-system reinforcing and a rise of 12 feet and nine inches. The rings are raised vertically upon the piers and abutments. Solid spandrel walls retain the earth fill and carry the asphalt roadway between 5-foot and 10-inch sidewalks bordered by coped parapets with neoclassical balustrades. The spandrel walls and piers are faced with sandstone. George Jaap, who designed the structure, endured a public attack upon his competence by C. E. Drayer of Cleveland in the Engineering News. Drayer accused Jaap, of among other things, plagiarizing A. W. Grosvenor's plans for the Tennessee Avenue Bridge (#539). Jaap had become experienced with concrete work in part as a result of the many contracts for bridge construction and repair that he received from the Allen county authorities. Despite Drayer's attack on Jaap's competence, this bridge has outlived its detractor and retains its structural and architectural integrity. Jaap may have borrowed Grosvenor's structural plans, but the very considerable decoration was his own. The stone-facing of the spandrels and piers and the design of the rails are different and noteworthy. 100 foot center span. References Butler, Fairman & Seufert, Inc., Bridge Inspection/Reinspection Report: Allen County (Indianapolis, 1973, 1977, 1981). SIECO, Inc., Bridge Reinspection Report: Allen County (Columbus, 1993, 1995). Bridge nameplate. Allen County, "Commissioners Record," 7: 42-44, 373; 8: 138, 171, 319, 387, 404, 434-435, 439, 464, 468, 493; "Old Bridges " (Surveyors Office), 13E: 41. "Construction News," Engineering News, 14 March 1912: 143; 4 April 1912: 186. C. E. Drayer, "Concrete Bridges with Stone and Brick Facing," Engineering News, 24 June 1915: 1214-1215. R. L. Polk and Company, Fort Wayne City and Allen County Directory: 1911, 562; Fort Wayne City and Allen County Directory: 1912, 626; Fort Wayne City and Allen County Directory: 1913, 613. Two signs carved in cement: Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):
Search For Additional Bridge Listings:
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
USGS National Map (United States Only)
Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)
Historic Aerials (United States Only)
CalTopo Maps (United States Only)
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
