West Magnolia Avenue: Fort Worth, Texas

Overview

• West Magnolia Avenue is a key revitalization project in the Near Southside, a historic, mixed-use district south of downtown Fort Worth, Texas.
• It enhances community health by facilitating walking access to services, retail, restaurants, and green spaces.

Revitalization and Development

• 1980s Revitalization: Community members initiated restoration efforts with the City of Fort Worth, leading to streetscape beautification.
  • Improvements included new brick sidewalks, lights, trees, benches, and parallel parking.
  • Converted the street from four to two lanes with added bike lanes and dedicated crosswalks.
  • Traffic lights changed to blinking red to slow vehicular traffic.
• MicroPark Initiative:
  • Temporary MicroPark on Magnolia created in 2016 for art and children’s play.
  • Inspired further development to include public park and plaza.
  • Led to Fort Worth's first PARK(ing) Day in 2018.

Community Features

• Walkability: Short, 200-foot grid-pattern blocks.
• Form-Based Code: Ensures new constructions comply with urban design principles for inviting streetscapes.
• Economic Diversity:
  • Home to diverse businesses including advertising, architecture, and real estate.
  • Hosts educational and nonprofit agencies, such as the Fort Worth ISD’s World Languages Institute.

Key Events and Features

• ArtsGoggle Festival:
  • Major arts festival with over 800 artists and live music, attracting 50,000 attendees.
  • Road closed to vehicle traffic.
• Open Streets Event:
  • Offers free, family-friendly activities in a car-free zone.
• Art and Culture: Presence of murals, sculptures, and free glass art demonstrations.
• Small Business Council: Facilitates communication and cooperation among local businesses.
• Transportation: Bus lines connect to a regional rail network, enhancing accessibility.

By the Numbers

• 69 locally owned businesses, 83% opened since 2006.
• 26 restaurants, mostly locally owned.
• 5 creative firms, including ad agencies and architectural firms.
• 3 B-Cycle Bike Share stations available.
• Development permits increased by 94% since 2008.

Designated Area

• Magnolia Avenue stretches from 8th Avenue to Hemphill Street, covering a three-quarter mile.

Learn More

• Near Southside Inc.
• Fairmount Historic District
• ArtsGoggle overview
• Open Streets overview