The Fort Worth City Council just heard an update on the Main Street America pilot districts working to revitalize their respective commercial corridors over the past three years.
Main Street America is a national program dedicated to reimagining historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts.
Fort Worth districts Polytechnic Heights and Historic Northside were selected to participate in the city’s partnership with Main Street America in 2022 following a competitive proposal process.
As part of the pilot, Main Street America provided both districts with training in community asset mapping, volunteer recruitment, zoning and development, and how to create a transformation strategy for their communities.
Each district received $270,000 in funding from the Fort Worth Local Development Corporation for administration costs and project implementation.
The pilot program aimed to increase stakeholder involvement in each community and support the execution of priority projects, while also building a strong foundation for each district to stand up fully structured, sustainable organizations to support their communities long-term.
Funding for both of the pilot districts was extended by another two years last June. The city hopes the districts will obtain external investment beyond the initial investment. City council heard an update on the work of both districts this month.
The Polytechnic Heights district is being managed by Texas Wesleyan University. The district has completed the development of its transformation strategy, established bylaws for operations, and created a nonprofit foundation to lead fundraising efforts.
Other efforts include assisting in the revitalization of two commercial buildings in the neighborhood and advancing a proposal for an outdoor fitness court and community gathering place.
As for the Historic Northside, it is managed by the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Over the past three years, it established an advisory board with five working committees, initiated rezoning efforts, and completed several beautification projects. The group is currently exploring the creation of a public improvement district for the area.
So far, the Historic Northside has seen 14 projects either planned, underway, or completed. That represents more than $84 million in capital investment and over 300 jobs. The district’s events have drawn in more than 24,000 visitors to the area over the past three years.
The district is currently collaborating with Freese & Nichols and Ash+Lime on strategic planning and working toward incorporation as an independent nonprofit to support the community’s long-term stewardship and governance.