Mid City Times

The Evans & Rosedale project in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside is progressing as city leaders reaffirm their commitment to the development and the community. During a recent public meeting, District 8 Councilmember Chris Nettles expressed his determination to ensure that development takes place soon on the six-acre land located around 916 Evans Ave.

Nettles stated, "I know there may be uncertainty here tonight, but we’re here to make things move forward."

The City of Fort Worth has been actively involved in the redevelopment of the area since the late 1990s. The efforts have resulted in over $30 million in public investments and community planning initiatives. Robert Sturns, director of Economic Development, emphasized the importance of a project that respects the history and legacy of the neighborhood.

Sturns said, "We understand the history of this area and its long legacy of Black-owned business development, and we want to make sure anything we bring out here is a complement to that history and a complement to the community."

Following the termination of the contract with the previous development team in December 2023, the City has received significant interest from developers. Sturns mentioned, "We’re up to 14 or 15 developers that have expressed some level of interest in the site." To vet these proposals efficiently, the City will conduct an abbreviated Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) process. The proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of City staff, business organizations, and members of the Historic Southside neighborhood.

The project timeline is ambitious, with the RFEI expected to be issued in February, responses due by mid-March, and a recommendation for a new master developer anticipated by April. The goal is to break ground in 2025 and take advantage of the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated for the project.

Community input plays a vital role in shaping the development. At the public meeting, there was robust dialogue involving community members and advocates. Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the City's commitment to public-private partnerships and its dedication to the project's success.

Parker stated, "This project will happen."

To ensure alignment with previous community feedback and prioritize the neighborhood's development, residents and stakeholders in the Historic Southside are encouraged to complete the 2024 Evans & Rosedale Community Survey. The survey will remain open until February 15, and the responses will be included as supporting documentation for developers, along with the results from the previous RFEI in 2018.

The City of Fort Worth is determined to see the Evans & Rosedale project through. With the support of city staff and various departments, including Economic Development, Development Services, and Neighborhood Services, the project is expected to bring positive change to the Historic Southside community.

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