Fort Worth's Panther Island one step closer to reality
January 11,2023
See full Dallas Business Journal by Spencer Brewer here.
Fort Worth is one step closer to realizing the Panther Island dream.
HR&A Advisors has been selected to lead a team of consultants that will guide the future development of Panther Island, a project with the potential to reshape a key corridor of Fort Worth. The firm’s work will be another significant milestone in moving to make the project a reality.
Also on the consulting team are civil engineering firm Salcedo Group, urban planning and design firm Lake Flato and community engagement and outreach firm K Strategies. HR&A will serve as project manager and lead for real estate and economic development strategies.
Last year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allocated $403 million from the federal government to provide funding for the Central City Flood Control Project. Following the allocation, local groups including the city and county turned their attention towards the economic development phase of the district.
Several entities involved in the Panther Island project, including the city of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, issued a Request for Proposal in October seeking national real estate development experts to consult how Panther Island can reach its full economic potential.
HR&A has previously worked on similar districts and waterfront projects throughout the country, including the Anacostia River waterfront revitalization in Washington, D.C., Buffalo Bayou in Houston, the Ion Innovation District near Rice University, Broadway Station in Denver, Klyde Warren Park in Dallas and the master plan for the University of Texas’ research campus.
As part of its work, HR&A will examine how different development strategies could impact surrounding districts, such as Downtown and Northside.
“The pieces are really coming together for Panther Island,” said Robert Sturns, economic development director for the City of Fort Worth, in a prepared statement. “Local partners and the business community are making a strong economic development push at the district, but we want to be smart about how we do it.”
“The expertise and market knowledge that HR&A and their team will bring to the table over the next several months is critical to making sure that we have a complete picture of what’s possible for Panther Island. That way, we can make the most of this opportunity and ensure that it makes the kind of impact that has been envisioned for so many years,” he continued.
HR&A will begin work on the project in Q1 this year, and should wrap up by the end of 2023. Stakeholder and community input will be emphasized throughout the project, according to the release.
Location Mentioned: Panther Island Pavilion