A controversial warehouse development near Marine Creek Ranch moved forward after developers agreed to prohibit data centers and several other uses from being part of the project.
Development of the land in north Fort Worth near Sansom Park was one of several closely watched zoning cases considered by the Fort Worth Zoning Commission on May 13.
The commission also revived and approved a previously denied QuikTrip car wash proposal near Edgecliff Village. The action followed an unusual procedural reversal and lengthy debate over concerns about potential traffic, noise and neighborhood compatibility.
Warehouse project advances after negotiations
Commissioners voted to recommend City Council approval of a development plan for nearly 69 acres at 2801 NW Loop 820 and Marine Creek Parkway owned by the well-known Sansom family to allow four warehouse buildings near existing and future residential areas.
The proposal had drawn scrutiny because the site sits within a mixed-use growth area where city planners had envisioned more walkable and education-oriented development, perhaps tied to nearby Tarrant County College uses. Staff initially recommended denial of the proposal, citing concerns about compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and the city’s comprehensive plan.
But after discussions with city officials and council representatives, developers returned with a revised proposal that removed several uses incompatible with nearby homes.
Notably, data centers were excluded from the plan. Developers also agreed to increase setback sizes and add more open space. The project will include four warehouse buildings of roughly 200,000 square feet each, with truck access planned primarily from highway-adjacent routes rather than neighborhood streets.
“With all of these exclusions, it certainly sounds better,” Jeremy Raines, the commission chair, said during deliberations.
Mixed-use development near Walsh Ranch advances with data centers prohibited
Commissioners also voted to recommend approval of a mixed-use and commercial zoning request covering more than 184 acres along Farm to Market Road 3325 at Interstate 20 in far west Fort Worth.
Adjacent to Walsh Ranch, the proposal includes intensive commercial zoning on one tract and a planned development on a larger tract. The approved zoning allows a mix of commercial, light industrial and residential uses, including up to 2,000 multifamily units.
The case drew attention in part because developers agreed to specifically prohibit data centers from the project after discussions with city officials and council member Michael Crain, who represents the area.
During the hearing, developer representatives argued the site is better suited for commercial and employment-focused uses than additional single-family housing. They pointed to planned retail growth in the area, including a future H-E-B nearby.
Opponents from Walsh Ranch and neighboring areas urged commissioners to reject the industrial portions of the proposal, citing concerns about traffic, noise and preserving open landscape.
Despite those concerns, several commissioners said light industrial development often carries an unfair stigma and noted the project would bring significant roadway improvements funded by the developer as part of the voluntary annexation into Fort Worth.
QuikTrip car wash rejected — then approved
One of the day’s most contentious debates centered on a proposal for a QuikTrip “Bubble Bath” automated car wash at 1800 Altamesa Blvd., near Crowley Road and adjacent to homes and a school.
Planning staff recommended denial for the third time, arguing the project lacked sufficient sound and landscape buffering for nearby residences. Commissioners raised concerns about traffic congestion, especially during school pickup times, and the placement of approximately 30 potentially noisy vacuum stations close to homes.
Opposition speakers included Edgecliff Village Mayor Sammye Bartley and the city administrator Veronica Gamboa. Both cited concerns about noise, property values and increased traffic from the nearby development.
An initial motion to recommend City Council approval failed on a 5-5 vote. But after further discussion with city staff, the city attorney’s office and a representative of QuikTrip, commissioners reconsidered the case and ultimately approved it 9-1. Commissioner Matt McCoy cast the lone dissenting vote.
Several commissioners noted that while the proposal remained controversial, QuikTrip has operated for years on the site, and the property could otherwise be developed with uses allowed by right under existing zoning.
Historic church redevelopment moves forward
The commission unanimously recommended clearing the way for the redevelopment of the property that includes Primera Baptist Church at Circle Park Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue into a planned urban residential development focused on senior housing.
The proposal includes adaptive reuse of the historic church structure and construction of an additional residential building, ultimately creating 84 housing units primarily for residents 67 years and older.
Developers emphasized that the project preserves the historic structure while expanding affordable housing options in the Northside neighborhood. The development also includes a community-accessible pocket park, as required by urban residential zoning standards. The structure is about 100 years old.
Stockyards parking garage approved
Commissioners additionally recommended approval of a four- to five-story parking garage at 115 NW 25th St. and 2458 Ellis Ave. in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Besides the garage, the project includes a small ground-floor commercial component intended to support continued growth and tourism demand in the Stockyards area.
Because parking garages are not permitted by right in the district, the project required a conditional use permit and will also proceed through the Urban Design Commission review process.
State law updates approved
The commission also unanimously recommended council approval of two city-initiated amendments to the zoning ordinance.
The changes bring the ordinance into compliance with Senate Bills 840 and 2477, passed during the last legislative session, expanding where mixed-use and multifamily residential developments may be allowed and establishing related development standards.
Commissioners also approved a change clarifying that the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission, rather than the City Plan Commission, will serve as the exclusive body recommending historic designations and removals of designations to the City Council.
2026 Fort Worth Zoning Commission
Documenter: Lou Chapman
Date: May 13, 2026
Learn more about this meeting by clicking here. For the agenda, click here.
Lou Chapman is a member of the Fort Worth Report Documenters crew. If you believe anything in this account is inaccurate, please email us at news@fortworthreport.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.
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