Fort Worth is advancing its redevelopment plans for Panther Island, focusing on increased density and new canal features. The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has issued a request for qualifications, seeking a private developer to help spur commercial activity on the island north of downtown. The district currently manages over 30 acres of developable land, a figure expected to grow after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes $443 million in bypass channel construction and removes existing levees over the next decade.
The Fort Worth City Council has also moved to facilitate higher density on the island. On Tuesday, the council unanimously approved rezoning for 15.4 acres between North Commerce Street and the future Ring Road, requiring new buildings to be at least five stories and up to 15 stories tall. In 2024, the council raised height limits to 20 stories along parts of North Main Street.
TRWD is preparing to start work on the next section of Panther Island’s canal network, aiming to create a “distinctive waterfront experience.” The upcoming $50 million phase will include canals, paseos, and park improvements over six acres, with construction expected to begin in mid-2026. Developers interested in participating must submit their interest by November 7 and complete applications by November 26. Susan Alanis, TRWD’s Panther Island program director, stated that a development partner could be chosen by spring 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.
In related developments, Tarrant County College plans to list the historic TXU power plant it owns on Panther Island for sale. The eight-acre site features a century-old brick structure and is expected to go on the market October 23, with bids due November 20. While preservationists have raised concerns about the future of the landmark building, the property could be repurposed as a significant redevelopment at the southern edge of the island.
The last major addition to Panther Island was the 300-unit Encore apartments, completed in 2018.
