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Fort Worth's Sundance Square makes bold move to revive retail spaces

See full CultureMap Fort Worth article by Stephanie Allmon Merry here.

The owners of Fort Worth's Sundance Square are bringing in outside help to lease retail space in the downtown district.

Commercial real estate firm JLL has been selected to oversee retail leasing for more than 105,000 square feet of restaurant, retail, arts, and entertainment space in Sundance Square, according to a release.

The transition comes after years of scrutiny over empty storefronts, lease struggles, and relocations of longtime tenants in Sundance Square, which is owned and operated by Fort Worth billionaires Ed and Sasha Bass.

JLL’s Fort Worth team, led by Michael Wheat and Isabella Burnette, will handle leasing for the 37-block mixed-use district, which includes 3.7 million square feet of office, retail, residential, and entertainment space centered around Sundance Square Plaza.

“We see significant opportunity to further strengthen the tenant mix in ways that reflect both Fort Worth’s identity and evolving consumer demand,” says Ed Kraus, vice president of Sundance Square, in the release. “With JLL’s experience and market insight, we’re well positioned to build on the current momentum.”

The Bass family began developing Sundance Square in the late 1970s, transforming downtown Fort Worth into a major destination for shopping, dining, offices, and events.

Ed and Sasha Bass took over management in 2019, a year before the pandemic significantly slowed business and tourism to the district. But the ensuing years have seen the closure or relocation of longtime tenants like Reata restaurant, Four Day Weekend comedy venue, and clothing giant H&M. The Basses have faced sharp criticism from residents and former tenants about leasing practices and the pace of new openings.

However, to residents, Sundance Square remains one of downtown Fort Worth’s biggest draws. It hosts concerts, festivals, markets, and other public events throughout the year at the plaza.

Photos at the Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree are a holiday tradition for many families. In Summer 2025, the Cliburn hosted a spectacular party and fireworks show there to celebrate the end of its international piano competition. A huge New Year's Eve celebration and buzzy spring Art Fair draw visitors from all over the region.

Representatives of JLL say they are confident they can help Sundance Square thrive.

“Sundance Square is where Fort Worth's Western heritage meets modern urban sophistication in perfect harmony,” says Michael Wheat of JLL in the release. “We're thrilled to partner with all those involved in ensuring Sundance Square is a vibrant source of culture and entertainment for Fort Worth residents and visitors for decades to come.”

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