Lake Flato Reveals Ambitious Mixed-Use Waterfront District on Fort Worth Island

Architecture studio Lake Flato, in collaboration with HR&A Advisors, has unveiled updated plans for an expansive waterfront development in Fort Worth, Texas. This innovative project involves rerouting the Trinity River to create a mixed-use island, transforming the landscape into a vibrant urban district.

Panther Island Project: A Major Urban Redevelopment

Part of the Central City Flood Control Project, the Panther Island initiative will revitalize 450 acres within the Trinity River's floodplain. This ambitious plan will reshape the area, surrounded by natural river bends and new bypass channels, into a bustling mixed-use waterfront district. Originally approved by the Fort Worth City Council in the early 2000s, the project has now been revitalized with updated strategies by Lake Flato and HR&A Advisors.

Strategic Vision and Implementation

"The updated strategic vision captures a unique redevelopment opportunity in the US, positioning Panther Island as a key regional destination," stated Justin Garrison, Lake Flato's director of urban design and planning, in an interview with Dezeen. This new vision builds on earlier plans, addressing existing site constraints and providing a clear development roadmap.

Currently underutilized, the land features surface parking lots and undeveloped spaces. The master plan envisions a diverse mix of building uses, accessible waterfronts, urban green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly pathways.

Enhancing Fort Worth's Urban Fabric

The project aims to create a vibrant, connected, walkable, and inclusive community hub in Fort Worth. By offering high-quality public spaces, waterfront access, and diverse building uses, the district will become a dynamic place to live, work, entertain, dine, and play.

A $403 million federal grant awarded in 2022 has accelerated the project's progress. The US Army Corps of Engineers is currently designing and constructing bypass channels to redirect the river's flow and manage emergency floodwaters. With three bridges completed in 2021, the full infrastructural upgrades are projected to finish between 2028 and 2032.

Phased Development and Landmark Reuse

Lake Flato and HR&A Advisors identified around 200 acres of prime development land on the island, divided between public and private ownership. A four-phase development approach has been proposed. In April 2024, Fort Worth leaders approved an expansion of the form-based code, permitting new constructions up to 24 stories to better integrate with the district's context.

The vision also explores the adaptive reuse of notable landmarks such as a historic power plant and the defunct LaGrave Field minor league baseball park. The plan recommends renovating the power plant and redeveloping the abandoned sporting facility.

Inspired Public Spaces and Connectivity

Taking inspiration from San Antonio's Riverwalk, the project includes a continuous, publicly accessible waterfront. This will enhance residents' interaction with the Trinity River. The bypass channels will feed water into an interior lake and smaller in-island canals, creating a unique water-centric environment.

Additionally, the vision incorporates a network of 14 park-like spaces and multiple circulation networks for vehicles, public transit, bikes, and pedestrians. This comprehensive approach aims to support the region's record-breaking growth, positioning Fort Worth as the 13th-largest and fastest-growing large city in the nation.

Community-Driven Future

Reflecting extensive stakeholder and community input, the revised Panther Island vision provides a strategic roadmap for future decision-making and implementation. It lays the groundwork for a well-planned, public- and market-responsive waterfront district in the heart of Fort Worth.