
The Future of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I share my thoughts and opinions on the redevelopment process?
There are a few ways you can share your thoughts with the City regarding the process.
The initial developer proposals will be presented by two to four City selected developers at the Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. public meeting at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. Over 300 people showed up at the March 30th Task Force Public Meeting and made a direct impact on the process.
You can use the City's comment form (available here). Residents who would like to submit their comments should use the online form and submit it to the email address provided on the form. The deadline to submit comments is Monday, October 16, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Why is the City redeveloping the Fort Worth Community Arts Center?
Relying upon a building condition assessment conducted in 2022 by the architectural firm of Bennett Partners, the City’s Property Management Department has determined that 1300 Gendy requires repairs with an aggregate cost of approximately $26 million. In view of these repairs, Mayor Mattie Parker proposed that the City Council appoint a task force on future uses of 1300 Gendy.
What does "redevelop" mean?
The task force was presented with three options: A. Restoration: Make all necessary repairs and retain existing uses; B. Renovation: Make all necessary repairs, renovate the building incrementally, and attract complementary uses; C. Redevelopment: Reimagine 1300 Gendy as a world-class cultural hub and redevelop the property accordingly. Note: The City is requiring a new public/private management model as part of the redevelopment proposal.
How did the Fort Worth Community Arts Center come to be?
In 2002, the City of Fort Worth declared by Resolution, “Whereas the committee ... deemed the best use of this facility to be a community arts center where local multicultural arts organizations will have an opportunity to utilize the facility.” As it was then known, the Arts Council of Fort Worth entered into an agreement with the City to manage the building and the Fort Worth Community Arts Center has since been a vital space for the multitude of performing and visual arts organizations, artists, and performers that have given Fort Worth a vibrant arts community.
What if I rented the space for an upcoming event or have an exhibit in the galleries?
The building is still currently leased by Arts Fort Worth for use as the Fort Worth Community Arts Center and the W.E. Scott Theater. Arts Fort anticipates fulfilling all signed and scheduled contracts. If the City should decide to move the timeline forward, we would contact renters and lessee as soon as possible.
News
"A $26 million dilemma: Fort Worth solicits feedback on future of Fort Worth"
Fort Worth Report
Fort Worth needs $26 million to fix the city’s arts center. Arts community says pay up
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
City To Study Costly Problem with Fort Worth Community Arts Center
Fort Worth Magazine
Future of Fort Worth Art Space in Question Amid Costly Repairs
NBC5
Report looking at the future of Fort Worth Community Arts Center delayed until June
Fort Worth Report