Fort Worth City Council Votes to Allow Taller Buildings on Panther Island

The Fort Worth City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to loosen building height restrictions on Panther Island, enabling up to 20-story buildings along North Main Street. The decision follows recommendations from a consultant report that called for denser development along key corridors like North Main Street to support future public transit options such as a bus line or light rail.

Mayor Mattie Parker stated that this vote is just the beginning, and the council will be working with interested parties to conduct a more comprehensive review of the entire form-based code governing development in the Panther Island district over the coming months. The city aims to create a regulatory framework that will enable the 338-acre Panther Island area to reach its full potential as a dynamic mixed-use neighborhood.

Panther Island will be created when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes construction of a 1.5-mile bypass channel connecting two sections of the Trinity River north of downtown Fort Worth. The $1.17 billion project, which has been in the works for over a decade, will provide critical flood control and allow the aging levee system to be updated to meet modern standards.

Why this matters: The rezoning of Panther Island represents a significant advancement in Fort Worth's efforts to create a sustainable and transit-oriented urban district that can accommodate the city's rapid population growth. By enabling denser development, the city hopes to generate enough ridership to support robust public transit service and reduce dependence on cars.

During the public comment period at Tuesday's council meeting, local resident John Smith urged the council to carefully consider the aesthetic impact that taller buildings could have on Fort Worth's iconic skyline. "We need to make sure that any new high-rises complement our existing architecture and don't detract from the unique character of our city," Smith said. The council has pledged to take such concerns into account as it continues to refine the development rules for Panther Island in the months ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Fort Worth City Council voted to increase building heights on Panther Island to 20 stories.
• Denser development along North Main Street aims to support future public transit options.
• The $1.17 billion Panther Island project will provide flood control and update aging levees.
• Rezoning aims to create a sustainable, transit-oriented urban district for Fort Worth's growth.
• Residents urged the council to ensure new high-rises complement the city's existing architecture.