Fort Worth, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The Fort Worth City Council has approved a resolution that allows Royal Capital, LLC to apply for housing tax credits aimed at enhancing affordable housing developments in Historic Southside and Renaissance Heights. This unanimous decision paves the way for over 180 mixed-income housing units, potentially revolutionizing local housing options amidst an ongoing crisis. The project promises to foster a vibrant community with essential retail spaces and necessary amenities, targeting families earning below the area’s median income. The city allocated significant funding to support these developments and is strategizing to tackle the pressing affordable housing challenges faced by residents.
Fort Worth City Council Supports Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Fort Worth City Council has taken a significant step towards addressing the affordable housing crisis in the city by approving a resolution to pursue housing credits for a new development in the historic Southside and Renaissance Heights neighborhoods. The council voted unanimously in favor of allowing Milwaukee-based Royal Capital, LLC to apply for 2025 Non-Competitive (4%) Housing Tax Credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Development Plans for the Evans and Rosedale Urban Village
This project focuses on the Evans and Rosedale Urban Village, located in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside neighborhood. Royal Capital was chosen for the development after the city ended its partnership with Dallas-based Hoque Global last August. The overall vision for the urban village was revealed in December, showcasing plans for a six-acre affordable housing project.
Once constructed, the development aims to provide mixed-income housing with over 180 units, which will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The urban village is designed to foster a walkable community featuring green spaces for recreation, along with 15,700 square feet intended for retail or office use, allowing for social activities for children.
Supporting Community Needs
Apart from housing, at least 3,000 square feet in the development is set aside for an urban grocer or market that will provide fresh food to residents. Additionally, the urban village will incorporate 247 parking spaces divided between garages and surface lots, ensuring convenient access for families.
The housing units will be aimed at individuals or families earning less than 80% of the area’s median income, with the average income targeted at 60%. The city had allocated $13.2 million in grants in 2021 for construction, with approximately $4.2 million sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act, which has an upcoming utilization deadline before 2024 ends.
Reinforcing Local Communities
The Historic Southside is one of Fort Worth’s oldest African American neighborhoods, bordered by Interstate 35W and Riverside Drive. A report from 2019 indicated that residents in the 76104 ZIP code face serious life expectancy challenges, with an average of only 66.7 years. This development aims to spark revitalization in the area, which will be further supported by the upcoming National Juneteenth Museum scheduled to open in 2027.
New Community Land Trust Initiatives
In addition, the City Council approved the rezoning of 15 acres along West Drew Street and McCart Avenue for a community land trust model focused on affordable housing. This rezoning allows for ‘urban residential’ areas to act as a buffer between industrial and single-family homes, aiming to provide better housing stability in the neighborhood.
The land trust will permit people to buy homes while retaining ownership of the land, which keeps overall housing costs manageable. A recent report highlighted the significant barriers to affordable home ownership faced by Black and Hispanic families in Fort Worth, a challenge that the land trust strategy aims to alleviate.
Future Developments in the Area
The land trust works with Fort Worth’s Housing Channel to develop 200 new homes, which will consist of 145 new builds and 55 renovated units. Construction is expected to kick off in late spring or early summer of 2025, with the first homes projected to be ready by September of that year.
In a related move, the city approved $8 million for an upcoming phase of affordable housing targeted at low- and moderate-income families in the Renaissance Heights area, completing the housing portion of the Renaissance Heights Masterplan. This phase is expected to start construction in February 2025 and should take about 18 months to finish, enhancing housing options and economic opportunities for residents in Southeast Fort Worth.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Location | Historic Southside Neighborhood |
| Housing Units | Over 180 mixed-income units (1, 2, and 3 bedrooms) |
| Retail Space | 15,700 square feet for retail/office |
| Food Market | 3,000+ square feet designated for an urban grocer |
| Parking Spaces | 247 spaces |
| Target Income Level | At or below 80% of area median income |
| Construction Start | Late spring or summer 2025 |
Conclusion
These initiatives reflect Fort Worth’s commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis while revitalizing neighborhoods and providing economic opportunities for its residents. The efforts outlined in the Urban Village and the community land trust model signify progress towards enhancing living standards in historically underserved areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new affordable housing initiatives in Fort Worth?
The initiatives aim to address the affordable housing crisis by providing mixed-income housing options, supporting community needs, and stimulating neighborhood revitalization.
How many housing units will the Evans and Rosedale Urban Village provide?
Over 180 housing units, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, are planned for the urban village.
What income levels will the new housing developments target?
The housing will target individuals or families earning at or below 80% of the area’s median income, with an overall average target of 60%.
When is construction expected to begin for the housing projects?
Construction is anticipated to start in late spring or summer 2025 for the urban village and February 2025 for the Renaissance Heights area developments.
What other community features are included in the developments?
In addition to housing, the developments will include retail spaces, a fresh food market, green spaces, and community activities for residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Star-Telegram: Fort Worth City Council Approves Affordable Housing Initiatives
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- CBS News: Luxury Apartment Building in Fort Worth Aims to Reimagine Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Fort Worth affordable housing initiatives
- NBC DFW: Fort Worth’s Renaissance Heights Neighborhood Affordable Housing
- Google Scholar: Fort Worth affordable housing
- Star-Telegram: Additional Development in Fort Worth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
Author: Construction CA News
CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER The CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructioncanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in California and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rose Parade, Coachella, Comic-Con, and the California State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the California Building Industry Association and Associated General Contractors of California, plus leading businesses in technology and entertainment that power the local economy such as Apple and Alphabet. As part of the broader network, including constructionnynews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape across multiple states.
