{"id":191046,"date":"2026-03-05T02:08:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T02:08:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/191046\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T02:08:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T02:08:10","slug":"fort-worths-main-street-districts-share-three-year-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/191046\/","title":{"rendered":"Fort Worth\u2019s Main Street districts share three-year update"},"content":{"rendered":"

The City of Fort Worth\u2019s two Main Street America pilot districts recently gave an update to City Council on their progress revitalizing their respective commercial corridors over the past three years. Polytechnic Heights and Historic Northside \u2014 which are currently managed by the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Texas Wesleyan University, respectively \u2014 were selected to participate in\u00a0the City\u2019s partnership with Main Street America<\/a>\u00a0in 2022 following a competitive RFP process. Funding for both pilot districts was\u00a0extended by another two years<\/a>\u00a0in June 2025.<\/p>\n

As part of the pilot program,\u00a0Main Street America<\/a>\u00a0provided both districts with training in community asset mapping, volunteer recruitment, zoning and development, and how to create a transformation strategy for their communities. Additionally, the Fort Worth Local Development Corporation (LDC) provided each district with $270,000 in funding for administration costs and project implementation. The pilot program was intended 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 \u2014\u00a0including obtaining external investment beyond the initial funding provided by the City.<\/p>\n

Polytechnic Heights<\/p>\n

Management of the\u00a0Poly Main Street program<\/a>\u00a0transitioned to Texas Wesleyan University last year, where it has been championed by Dr. Dwala Chandler, Texas Wesleyan\u2019s director of service learning and the program coordinator for Poly Main Street.<\/p>\n

Chandler has pioneered an innovative \u201canchor institution model\u201d for the Poly Main Street district, launching a community-based project management course at Texas Wesleyan to help build workforce and leadership pipelines that embed local students in the community\u2019s revitalization efforts long-term.<\/p>\n

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\u201cEverything we do, from beautification to communication, is about honoring the legacy of Polytechnic Heights while creating real opportunity moving forward,\u201d Chandler said. \u201cWe are working towards a vibrant mixed-use district that supports entrepreneurship, celebrates identity and creates generational growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

The district has completed the development of their Transformation Strategy in collaboration with Main Street America, established bylaws for operations and has stood up a nonprofit foundation to lead fundraising efforts. Additionally, a logo design contest was held to engage community stakeholders in helping create the community\u2019s visual identity. Boards have been established to help implement Main Street\u2019s Four-Point Approach, and several small business support programs are being developed through Texas Wesleyan\u2019s Jack Morton Business Accelerator.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the Poly Main Street team is assisting in the revitalization of two commercial buildings in the neighborhood and is advancing a proposal for a proposed outdoor fitness court and community gathering place. Texas Wesleyan was also recently selected as a 2025 American Express Neighborhood Champion based on their \u201cShop Small\u201d efforts.<\/p>\n

Historic Northside<\/p>\n

The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce manages and administers the\u00a0Historic Northside<\/a>\u2019s Main Street district, where Dee Lara O\u2019Neal serves as the program coordinator.<\/p>\n

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\u201cOver the past three years, we\u2019ve really worked to refine a vision that reflects a shared identity for the corridor,\u201d O\u2019Neal said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we keep hearing, and what we\u2019re working towards, is a Northside known for celebrating its vibrant culture, its history of entrepreneurship and small businesses, and shared stewardship of the community where growth and change supports the neighborhood, includes residents and welcomes visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since becoming established, the Historic Northside district has created an advisory board with five working committees, including a community action committee. The district has also initiated rezoning efforts, completed several beautification projects and is currently exploring the creation of a\u00a0public improvement district (PID)<\/a>\u00a0for the area.<\/p>\n

So far, 14 projects are either planned, underway or have been completed in the Historic Northside, representing more than $84 million in capital investment and 302 jobs. Additionally, the district\u2019s events have drawn more than 24,000 visitors to the area over the past three years, with the neighborhood\u2019s annual Sonidos del Summer concert series alone drawing more than 10,000 attendees.<\/p>\n

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The Historic Northside district has also been fundraising. Smaller events have raised $7,500 in event sponsorships and generated $10,000 for local businesses, and another $535,584 has been raised over the past three years independent of the City\u2019s initial funding. Most recently, the Historic Northside received a\u00a0$250,000 multiyear grant<\/a>\u00a0from the North Texas Community Foundation in support of their work.<\/p>\n

The Historic Northside district is currently collaborating with Freese & Nichols and Ash+Lime on strategic planning and is working toward incorporation as an independent nonprofit to support the community\u2019s long-term stewardship and governance.<\/p>\n

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