Texas Wesleyan University — the anchor of Fort Worth’s Polytechnic Heights neighborhood — is studying ways to improve its connectivity to two major eastside streets as the campus grows.
The school’s plan for Collard Street — which runs from the north end of the campus to the east — is advancing after the Regional Transportation Council approved $150,000 on March 12 to review existing street conditions and develop a preliminary funding strategy for road improvements.
Students will help develop surveys, conduct corridor audits and make branding and marketing materials. That study is expected to be complete by December.
University officials will review safety conditions, potential streetscape projects and transportation improvements to better connect Collard to East Lancaster Avenue to East Rosedale Street, officials said. The work will build upon $250 million in funding from the transportation council for Rosedale improvements over the past two decades.
University spokesperson Karen Cantrell said implementing a plan of action will revitalize Rosedale and surrounding areas near the campus by getting a better understanding of economic, social and physical dynamics in the area. Texas Wesleyan is also involved in Main Street America beautification efforts on nearby Vaughn Boulevard.
“Its purpose is to identify opportunities for revitalization, development, placemaking and community engagement while ensuring future growth reflects the priorities of residents, businesses and local partners,” she said. “Texas Wesleyan University’s presence along the corridor brings important momentum to these efforts, as our university is the economic development anchor in this area.”
Dwala Chandler, manager of the Poly Main Street program, is heading the road project as well.
University officials are studying improvements along Collard Street to provide a vital north-south connection between East Rosedale and East Lancaster as the school seeks to become a hub of activity and economic development.
Texas Wesleyan University is planning upgrades to Collard Street to improve connectivity between East Rosedale Street and East Lancaster Avenue. (Courtesy | North Central Texas Council of Governments)
Both streets have received millions in funding for improvements, including $182 million for upgrades to Lancaster Avenue. Bus stops on Lancaster are currently located near Collard while others are located in front of the school on Rosedale.
The project would integrate the school’s Vaughn Boulevard work as well.
After the initial work is done, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff will work with an engineer to conduct a feasibility analysis and develop conceptual designs for Collard Street by December 2027. The agency would then develop a funding strategy for the corridor by December 2028.
“Through this collaboration, Texas Wesleyan continues to play a key role as a community partner and anchor institution in east Fort Worth, working alongside neighborhood leaders to strengthen economic opportunity and neighborhood vitality,” Cantrell said.
The work will be impactful as the university celebrates its 135th anniversary. Enrollment at the campus is up 8% since last spring.
“Working to revitalize and strengthen the area will provide opportunities for more businesses to come and serve the area, our students, faculty and staff,” Cantrell said.
The road project will aid in mobility since university officials expect more people to visit the campus as the school seeks to advance its football program to NCAA Division II.
Texas Wesleyan is building Karen Cramer Stadium near Rosedale and Binkley Street. It’s expected to open in 2027.
Events at the stadium are expected to attract a significant number of the school’s 27,000 alumni who live within 50 miles of the campus.
“We are in the process of creating a game-day fan experience with our newly opened Moritz Fieldhouse, Lou Baker Martin Alumni House, Karen Cramer Stadium all tied together,” Cantrell said.
Since 2020, Texas Wesleyan has invested more than $37 million to support its athletic programs and facilities.
The university, which has about 835 employees, has a total regional economic impact of $244 million, a 64% increase since 2023, officials said.
Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.
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