Two local developers have submitted proposals to redevelop the Community Arts Center at 1300 Gendy Street + today, we're breaking down what's in each design.

Quick background

In 2022, Bennett Partners conducted a building condition assessment on the city-owned facility and determined that the Cultural District fixture needed $26 million in repairs.

In April of 2023, a task force evaluated the report, assessed uses and potential funding sources + held a series of community meetings. The task force then recommended that the city redevelop the complex into a new cultural hub.

After a request for proposals and multiple rounds of evaluations, the city is down to two potential designs + is scheduled to review the final proposals in mid-April.

Here is a breakdown of the conceptual designs released in October of 2023 — we'll circle back soon with the final designs.

The Garfield Public/Private LLC proposal integrates and expands the existing footprint of the Community Arts Center. | Conceptual plan courtesy of Garfield Public/Private

Garfield Public/Private LLC

The Dallas-based developer teamed up with local architecture firm Bennett Partners to design a three-story building that houses three anchor tenants:

The proposed Fort Worth African American Museum and Cultural Center
Jubilee Theatre and The Cliburn, both of which are currently located in Sundance Square

The design alternates between large theater spaces and gallery areas + adds two restaurants along Lancaster Avenue. The initial redevelopment was estimated at $76 million.

The Goldenrod Companies demolishes a portion of the Community Art Center + adds three new buildings. | Conceptual rendering courtesy of Goldenrod Companies

Goldenrod Companies

The Omaha-based developer led a design team that included Newcrest Image, Coury Hospitality, and Gensler and based the plans around preserving the existing W.E. Scott Theatre and adding three new buildings. This proposal is estimated at $113 million.

Across a public art plaza on the south end of the site, the team proposed to add:

Artist studios
Galleries
A black box theater

A new building at the corner of Lancaster Avenue and Gendy Street would include:

A second black box theater
A restaurant
175-room hotel

A new building along Montgomery Street would hold:

A parking garage
Artist spaces + an art incubator
Another restaurant
Two multi-family residential towers