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Panther Island Pavilion
Best Outdoor Venue
Local leaders have taken the next step in developing Panther Island into a robust mixed-use development that'll brings more food, drink and entertainment options to Funkytown.
Once completed, the Panther Island district, just on the outskirts of Downtown, will include a a riverwalk, a park system, roundabouts, a fixed transit line, the Trinity River promenade, a houseboat district, pedestrian bridges and the Town Lake and Marina.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced, through the support of U.S. Rep. Kay Grander and U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, that the federal government has allocated $403 million to support the project, which was first established to provide flood control along the Trinity River as part of the Central City Flood Control Project.
While the project was founded on the premise of flood control, local leaders and stakeholders have since honed their attention on the economic development phase, which aligns with the city's economic development strategic plan.
The collaborating partners — which includes the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Tarrant Regional Water District, Tarrant County College, Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, Downtown Fort Worth Inc., and Streams & Valleys — are now exploring near- and long-term opportunities for the development and has issued a request for proposal that would bring a business consultant who could offer their expertise on how Panther Island can best reach its full economic potential.
The consultant will evaluate development opportunities by reviewing current market conditions, the existing form-based code and the project’s associated plans and regulations, according to a release from the city.
"Ultimately, they will deliver a recommendation on how to bring transformational change to Panther Island – one that will be grounded in high-quality development, an extensive and engaging public waterfront and place-making of the highest order," the statement reads.
Its also among the consultant's responsibility to:
- Develop case studies featuring cities that have successfully created and implemented similar waterfront or downtown redevelopment districts
- Evaluate the strategic opportunities of existing and available real estate in the district
- Analyze nearby districts in Fort Worth to ensure Panther Island can complement those areas, and
- Provide recommendations on a governing structure to oversee the area’s long-term growth and development.
As the consultant works toward establishing short- and long-term goals, they will also host a series of public meetings to obtain citizen and business input on any changes; provide updates; and present the final plan.
