The Stockyards Entertainment District, long considered a must-stop for visitors, is now in the midst of its next transformation.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Twice a day, the sound of hooves hitting cobblestone echoes through East Exchange Avenue.
Crowds gather. The street closes. The longhorns move slowly down brick streets that have defined this district for generations.
“It’s like you step back and you’re in a different area,” said Danielle, visiting from out of town. “I mean the cobblestone, everything is beautiful.”
Her uncle Tom, a Fort Worth local, took her to the district to experience both the cosmopolitan side of the city and its Western roots.
“It was amazing. It’s beautiful,” Danielle said. “I love that there are so many people here on a Monday.”
The Stockyards Entertainment District, long considered a must-stop for visitors, is now in the midst of its next transformation.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Tom said of the expansion plans. “This is a stop, it’s a must stop. So to expand it, a wonderful idea.”
A $1 billion phase two expansion that has been years in the making aims to double the size of the district by 2032. The effort is led by Fort Worth Heritage Development Co., which has overseen much of the area’s redevelopment since 2014.
The latest milestone begins April 6: a $30 million renovation of the historic Stockyards Hotel and the iconic H3 Ranch.
Both will be closed for months.
City leaders say the renovations will be extensive but respectful of the buildings’ history. H3 Ranch is expected to reopen in late 2026. The Stockyards Hotel is slated to reopen in early 2027.
“It’s something that’s going to be a legacy for years to come,” said Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores, who serves in the district. The Stockyards has been around for a lot of decades. It’s seen a lot of changes, but its core history has remained the same. We need to be respectful of that.”
Flores said development interest continues to surge. Roughly 10 million people visit the Stockyards each year, according to city data.
White Lodging has purchased land east of the district and is exploring plans for a high-level signature hotel. A boutique hotel is under discussion along West Exchange Avenue. The Texas Longhorn Association is seeking to build a museum at the corner of North Main Street. Filmmaker Taylor Sheridan has also discussed opening an art gallery in the district along West Exchange Ave.
“The momentum is there. The momentum is not going anywhere,” Flores said.
He added that the city has expanded the boundaries of the historic core and is committed to preserving what makes the Stockyards distinct while allowing it to grow.
Back on the brick streets, the cattle drive moves forward as it always has.
“I love the tradition,” Tom said. “I love the cowboy feel, and to me it’s special.”
As cranes prepare to rise nearby, city leaders and developers say their mission is clear: preserve the past while building what comes next.
“I think that’s a win-win,” Tom said.