HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10566INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 21-10566
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 6, 2021
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SUBJECT: HERITAGE PARK, PADDOCK PARK AND ASSOCIATED STREET
AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
On April 07, 2020, the Mayor and City Council (M&C 20-0145) authorized the execution of an
agreement with Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII) for a license to access Heritage Park,
which includes Heritage Plaza, related City records, and for DFWII to provide the procurement of
design services for Heritage and Paddock Parks with the City contributing $1 million in previously
appropriated 2014 bond funds toward design costs for Heritage Park. The Agreement provides for
City funding toward design costs in the amount of $1 million from the 2014 Bond Program.
On February 26, 2021, after issuance of a Request for Qualifications and thorough selection
process, DWFII executed a design contract for Heritage Park, Paddock Park and associated
streetscape improvements with MIG in the amount of $1,489,001.00. MIG has offices in San
Antonio and most recently completed Confluence: The Trinity River Master Plan. The MIG team
includes local partners Huitt Zollars and Emraes. Benner Bennett Partners (BBP) will continue their
role as lead on restoration of Heritage Plaza.
The MIG team will develop a design and create construction documents for traffic and pedestrian
safety improvements around the County Courthouse, a dramatic reimagining of Paddock Park, and
the addition of river stairs and a canopy walk on the bluff adjacent to Heritage Plaza. Combined
with the restoration of Heritage Plaza, these improvements will create new, exciting destinations
and experiences on the north end of downtown. They will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety,
and position Heritage Park in the middle of the river/city experience enhancing the tie between
downtown, the Trinity River, and trail system.
DFWII has identified approximately $18 million in funding and are targeting another $5 million
through a private fundraising campaign. Included in the $18 million is the secured funding of $8.3
million via the North Texas Council of Governments and $1 million from Tarrant County for the
construction of the associated street and streetscape improvements. The remaining $12.5 million
of the project costs are anticipated for inclusion in the 2022 bond program.
MIG will begin hosting stakeholder interviews in April. The team will seek broader community input
using in-person and virtual public meetings, and online survey tools during May 2021. A preliminary
design package that includes a narrative illustrated with plans, diagrams, sections, perspective
renderings, and other related materials that are required to communicate the design intent. The
expected completion date is September 2021.
If you have any questions, please contact Sevanne Steiner, Senior Planner – Preservation &
Design, Development Services, at 817-392-8012.
David Cooke
City Manager