<\/p>\n
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ bypass channel will cut through that area near downtown Fort Worth as seen on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2026.<\/p>\n
Amanda McCoy<\/p>\n
FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM<\/p>\n
A 12-story tower expected to be a \u201ccatalyst\u201d for development on Fort Worth\u2019s Panther Island could move forward this week.<\/p>\n
At its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13, the Fort Worth City Council is expected to weigh an agreement with Austin-based Seco Enterprises<\/a>, LLC for a mixed-use development on the canal system that will be a major component of Panther Island.<\/p>\n Nearly 300 units, retail space<\/p>\n The agreement on Tuesday\u2019s agenda is for Seco to develop the 12-story building, which is expected to contain 290 units, 9,000 square feet of retail space, and other \u201cpublic improvements,\u201d according to the council agenda.<\/p>\n The tower would be between North Main Street, North Commerce Street, and Northeast Fourth Street. It is expected to be one of the first major catalysts for Panther Island.<\/p>\n In June, the council approved up to $10 million to help Seco build the tower.<\/a> That deal is meant to help demonstrate public support for development on the island and ensure Seco earns at least a 6.5% return on its investment in the land.<\/p>\n In 2024, Seco purchased 26 acres from Houston-based Acquisition Partners. The company is the largest private landowner<\/a> on Panther Island.<\/p>\n Panther Island making progress<\/p>\n Panther Island has been purring to life<\/a> over the past few months. In late September, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the award of a $169 million contract for the construction of the northern portion of a bypass channel.<\/p>\n That bypass channel will serve as the flood control element of Panther Island. At completion, it will connect sections of the Clear and West forks of the Trinity River north of downtown.<\/p>\n The city council is set to weigh other key moves related to Panther Island this week, including changes to the city\u2019s zoning code to reflect the updated vision for the development.<\/p>\n Under the new zoning, there would be just two districts for the island \u2014 one district focused on developments along the island\u2019s edge, and the other focused on developments inside its core.<\/p>\n Buildings would have new design standards, including new limits on height. Buildings in the island\u2019s edge could be up to 15 stories tall, with buildings in the island\u2019s core allowed up to 24 stories.<\/p>\n At its meeting on Oct. 14, the Fort Worth Zoning Commission is set to review an application<\/a> for a mixed-use development with 20-story towers, a hotel, retail space, and parking on Panther Island at the former site of the Henderson Street Flea Market.<\/p>\n