FORT WORTH DEVELOPMENTS

Plaza in Sundance Square

In spring of 2012 construction began on three new buildings in Sundance Square. In addition to the new developments, the district plans to replace surface parking lots with new office space, residential units, and ground-floor retail space. Also included are plans for a new 55,000 square foot public plaza that will create a compelling and inviting space in the heart of the most active area of downtown Fort Worth. Included in the plaza will be a permanent stage facing the plaza (measuring 18 feet wide by 20 feet deep). The stage can be expanded for large concerts with moveable platforms or adapted for a large movie screen. Permanent stage lighting and audio visual equipment will be positioned within the plaza.

The center of the west block of the new plaza will feature an interactive fountain. The fountain will be lively when the stage is unoccupied and at night the fountain will illuminate into a constantly shifting water sculpture. The centerpiece of the eastern block of the plaza will be an array of four giant operable umbrellas, covering more than 6,400 square feet of space. The umbrellas will provide shade, weather protection, and create an outdoor room with a canopy by day. At night, the umbrellas will be lit with bold colors and patterns using LED lighting. Construction is set be complete on the new buildings and plaza by fall 2013.

Fort Worth Bike Share Program

Fort Worth is quickly becoming one of the most bike friendly cities in the United States. On Earth Day (2013) the Fort Worth B-Cycle, the first bike sharing system in North Texas launched in Fort Worth. Run by the nonprofit organization Fort Worth Bike Sharing, the system features 300 specially designed Trek bicycles available for checkout from 30 docking stations located throughout Downtown/Sundance Square, Near Southside and the Cultural District. The new bike share program will make it easy for visitors and locals alike to make their way around Fort Worth's well-connected districts. Fort Worth is the third city in Texas to launch a bike share program.

Kimbell Art Museum Expansion (America's Best Small Art Museum) 

Due to the increasing wealth of newly acquired works of art along with educational programs, the Kimbell Art Museum has grown far beyond what was envisioned when Louis Kahn's iconic building opened in 1972. In response, the Museum is adding a $125 million new building by Renzo Piano that will provide extra galleries for exhibitions, allowing the Kahn building to showcase the permanent collection.

Scheduled to open in November 27, 2013, this new building will create classrooms and studios that are essential to a full-scale museum education department; an auditorium considerably larger than the one in the Kahn building; an expanded library and generous underground parking.

JFK Tribute

In November 2012, Fort Worth unveiled a tribute for President John F. Kennedy in downtown's General Worth Square. Kennedy spent the final night of his presidency in the Hilton Hotel after giving a speech to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. To commemorate Fort Worth's place in history and Kennedy's last speech, an eight-foot bronze sculpture of JFK now stands. The tribute also includes visuals and audio recordings.

The JFK Tribute in Fort Worth tells the story of the first half of November 22, 1963, and in the telling, resurrects the President's themes that captured the spirit of his time. Located at the southeast corner of Main and 8th Streets, the JFK Tribute is sited approximately where President Kennedy delivered his outdoor address.

The Trinity River Vision

This expansive project, now underway, will connect every neighborhood in Fort Worth directly to the Trinity River, creating a unified oasis of urban living and recreation. Some exciting projects in this development include the revitalization of Gateway Park into one of the largest urban-programmed parks in the nation. Also in the works, Trinity Uptown, a metropolitan waterfront neighborhood complete with over twelve miles of canals and walkways lined with cafés, restaurants and nightlife. New boat and canoe launches, environmental enhancements and special events on the water are just a taste of what can be expected. Recent projects include Panther Island Pavilion and Coyote Vintage Drive-In Movie Theater.

Panther Island Pavilion is a scenic outdoor venue on the Trinity River with the Downtown Fort Worth Skyline as a backdrop. It has the only waterfront stage in Texas, a main stage for year-round events and two additional band shells for multi-act festivals. A sand beach provides public access to the river for boating, tubing, fishing, and swimming. Kayak and paddleboard concessionaries are located onsite for rentals.

Coyote Vintage Drive-In Movie Theater sits on the edge of downtown Fort Worth with stunning views of the city skyline. The drive-in also features an area for picnicking and food trucks.

COWBOYS, CULTURE and CUISINE

Birthplace of Cowboy Cuisine

Legendary Texas Cuisine is a key part of what you will experience when you visit Fort Worth. The birthplace of cowboy cuisine began with the chuck wagon; invented by a Texas rancher to suit the needs of cowboys driving cattle along the Chisholm Trail. Today, you can see examples of this culinary history throughout restaurants in Fort Worth and at special events like the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering in the Stockyards.

You'll find cuisine with a hearty, rustic flair—what Fort Worth chef, Lou Lambert describes as, “elevated ranch cuisine.” You can find an array of dining establishments that represent the birth of cowboy cuisine combined with modern sophistication including Reata, Bonnell's, Del Frisco's steak house, and celebrity chef Tim Love's Lonesome Dove Western Bistro (located in the heart of the Stockyards National Historic District).

In 2012, Chef Tim Love opened the Woodshed Smokehouse, a “backyard restaurant” right on the Trinity River. The menu has been called “global taqueria” and promises an experience like no other with dishes like the “animal of the day,” 16-hour smoked beef shin, open fire paella and more.

WATERS Bonnell's Coastal Cuisine in the trendy West 7th District is a new favorite food destination in Fort Worth. Opened in March 2013, Chef Jon Bonnell's WATERS' menu places emphasis on wild, seasonal and most importantly sustainable seafood. While seafood is certainly the restaurant's signature, the menu will satisfy every palate with game, beef, and vegetarian options.

COMING IN 2014:

Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival – March 27-30, 2014

Fort Worth is home to some of the greatest culinary artists and wine makers in the country. Fort Worth's first ever food and wine festival will host these local talents and other featured guests during a four day festival set for March 27-30, 2014.  With outstanding restaurants and chefs such as Juan Rodriguez (Reata), Molly McCook (Ellerbe), Jon Bonnell (Bonnell's & Bonnell's Coastal Cuisine), Blaine Staniford (Grace) and Tim Love (Lonesome Dove & Woodshed) to name a few, will be celebrated during this festival that will pay homage to the creative culinary scene in Fort Worth.

For more information:

Jessica Dowdy, Senior Manager, Marketing and Public Relations 817.709.7601 jessicadowdy@fortworth.com