Fort Worth sees busiest development year since recession
August 21,2015
Reposter from Lauren Zakalik, WFAA
FORT WORTH – Take a good, long look at Fort Worth's skyline, because it's changing.
"Every time I go someplace I haven't been, pretty much, you see new construction," said life-long Fort Worth resident Dusty Green.
It's not just perception; it's reality, says Robert Sturns, interim director of Fort Worth's Economic Development Department.
"For the past year almost, it seems like we've been on a very continuous stream of new projects and new developments coming forward," Sturns said.
He says it's the busiest year since the recession. A healthy economy and a pro-development environment are to thank.
Developments are popping up in several areas around Fort Worth, and even more are in the works. Lauren Zakalik reports.
Things have moved so quickly recently, some people can barely keep track of what's going where. Last month alone, the City of Fort Worth issued 500 permits for new construction projects.
On Lancaster, in the southern part of downtown, mixed-use retail and residential development is coming in. Some of the projects, Sturns said, are partially funded by you, the taxpayer, using TIF incentives.
A lot being redeveloped on Lancaster in Fort Worth. (Photo: WFAA)
And over on West 7th Street near Montgomery Plaza, land is being primed for possible retail and residential, and maybe even a grocery store, according to an employee of EMJ Corporation, an Irving construction company.
On top of all the projects you can already visibly notice, there are also some in the works that haven't physically popped up yet, including a spot at Main and Lancaster. That, too, will eventually be a mix of retail and residential lofts.
For some, the progress is met with both intrigue and concern.
"I just hope it doesn't get too ridiculous and cause a lot of traffic issues, and that we don't become too much like Dallas," said Lisa Lock, who works in Fort Worth but lives in Aledo.
"We hear that a lot," Sturns said, "and I don't think we really should fear that. Fort Worth has its own unique vibe."
A vibe that more and more appear to be seeking.
Sturns said most of the ongoing construction downtown should be wrapped up by 2017