Bridget Moriarity profiles a public-private partnership that is working to bring increased density and walkability deep in the heart of Texas.
Financed in part by the Downtown Tax Increment Financing District (TIF), Sundance Square is "a roughly 35-block collection of shops, restaurants
and entertainment venues layered with office space and residences" that has dramatically changed downtown Fort Worth from "a sea of surface parking lots and abandoned buildings in the 1970s, to today's vibrant, walkable streetscape."
Just this month, oil industry billionaire Edward Bass broke ground on several new projects that promise to continue the evolution of the area, which has been guided by 1988's 150-block master plan, and helped along by stragetic public subsidies.
"Creative financing isn't the only thing that sets Sundance Square
apart. Unlike most development in car-centric Fort Worth, Bass isn't
kowtowing to that motorized god of the Texas landscape - the new
pedestrian plaza will replace two surface parking lots."
"Despite the grumbles from car-loving neighbors, Hoss
is proud of the vote in support of a more pedestrian-friendly
environment. 'I think the trend is moving in this direction,' he said. 'Fort Worth is probably ahead of the curve.'"
FULL STORY: Sundance’s Stomping Grounds Get TIF’d
Fort Worth Relaunches Bike Share Network
The system, operated by Lyft, is made up of primarily e-bikes.
North Texas Transportation Council Advocates for Road Safety, Rail Projects
The North Texas Regional Transportation Council issued a series of recommendations for state legislators that include more support for road safety projects and high-speed rail.
Omaha Streetcar Yielding $1.5 Billion in TIF Funds
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Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
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Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.
Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.
Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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