Fort Worth’s long-awaited plans for the latest redevelopment phase of Panther Island are beginning to take shape, beginning with a call for help to ramp up commercial activity now that the city has boosted densities with new zoning.
The Tarrant Regional Water District issued a request for qualifications seeking a private developer for the island just north of downtown, according to an Oct. 16 announcement. The district controls more than 30 acres of developable land and expects that figure to rise once the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes $443 million of work for bypass channel construction and removes existing levees over the next decade, the Dallas Business Journal reported.
Meanwhile, the Fort Worth City Council moved Tuesday to clear the way for new density, unanimously rezoning 15.4 acres between North Commerce Street and the future Ring Road that now requires building minimums of 5 stories and maximums of 15 stories, according to city documents. Last year, the council raised height limits to 20 stories along parts of North Main Street.
The new effort comes as TRWD prepares to begin work on the next section of the island’s canal network, with a goal of creating a “distinctive waterfront experience.” The $50 million phase — encompassing canals, paseos and park improvements across six acres — is slated to break ground in mid-2026. Developers must submit their interest by Nov. 7, with applications due Nov. 26. Susan Alanis, the district’s Panther Island program director, told the outlet that a partner could be selected in spring of 2026.
“The community has been waiting on this for a long time, and it’s going to be a unique waterfront, trail-connected neighborhood… neatly between the Stockyards, the Cultural District and downtown,” Alanis said.
Tarrant County College is preparing to list the historic TXU power plant it owns on the island for sale, according to the Fort Worth Report. The eight-acre site — dominated by a 100-year-old brick structure that looms over drivers crossing the Trinity River — is expected to hit the market Oct. 23, with bids due Nov. 20. Preservationists have voiced concern, but the property could become a high-profile redevelopment at the island’s southern edge, potentially reusing the landmark structure.
Panther Island’s last major addition was the 300-unit Encore apartments in 2018.
— Eric Weilbacher
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