The redevelopment of the Woodhaven Country Club in Fort Worth is moving forward despite opposition from some residents and an ongoing legal dispute. The 163-acre site, which had been closed and foreclosed, was acquired last year by Crescendo Development for $8.5 million. The company, led by investor Will Northern, has secured zoning approval for a mixed-use project at 913 Country Club Lane that could include housing, office space, a community center, an urban farm, and a renovated golf course.
Supporters of the redevelopment plan — including the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and neighborhood groups — believe it could help revitalize an area known for older apartments and single-family homes. Opponents argue that the project does not align with local demographics and are concerned about potential displacement of long-term residents.
During a City Plan Commission meeting on September 17, Crescendo described the proposal as a $167.7 million private investment expected to create nearly 1,000 jobs and generate $15.6 million in new tax revenue over ten years. The commission postponed its decision until October 1 to allow more time for public review.
Legal challenges have complicated the process. Michael Crain, a Fort Worth City Council member and former business partner of Northern, filed suit in June alleging he was excluded from the deal. Crain’s attorneys described this as a “personal betrayal,” while Northern’s legal team characterized the lawsuit as politically motivated.
The lawsuit also names a substitute trustee involved in the acquisition and seeks over $1 million in damages along with injunctions to halt further development activities on the land. Crain did not participate in February’s rezoning vote due to his involvement.
The case has been transferred to Texas’ newly established Business Court under Judge Jerry Bullard. However, Crain’s legal team is seeking to move it back to state district court on jurisdictional grounds related to claim thresholds recently changed by Texas lawmakers. A hearing is scheduled for October 6 at Texas A&M’s Fort Worth campus.
Meanwhile, Crescendo has begun marketing portions of the property online. For example, a 62-acre section at 5500 Randol Mill Road is listed on LoopNet for $4 million—about $65,000 per acre—and another listing has appeared on Crexi for several months.
Crescendo continues to promote its vision for Woodhaven as an opportunity to transform East Fort Worth if litigation does not impede progress.
