(FORT WORTH, TEXAS) — M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family, in partnership with Parking Systems of America (PSA), have announced plans to replace an existing surface parking lot with a four and a half-story structured parking garage on the corner of Ellis Avenue and 25th Street to meet the Stockyard’s growing parking needs.
“M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family have been proud members of the Stockyards community for more than 85 years. As the Stockyards continue to grow, the need for thoughtfully planned parking has become increasingly important; not just for visitors and businesses, but for our surrounding neighbors as well,” said M.L. Leddy’s General Manager Mark Dunlap.
The existing surface lot adjacent to M.L. Leddy’s, one of the most heavily utilized parking areas in the district, currently provides approximately 55 parking spaces. The proposed parking garage would add approximately 246 parking spaces, representing a 32 percent increase in parking availability on the west side of the Stockyards.
While growth has strengthened the Stockyard’s as a national tourist destination, it has also placed increased demand on limited surface parking resources. The garage will help reduce congestion within the district and ease parking pressure on surrounding neighborhoods, particularly those to the west that have experienced increased overflow parking.
“We, along with Parking Systems of America, have initiated the approval process with the city of Fort Worth to build a parking structure that will complement the historic nature of the Stockyards, reduce congestion and add much needed parking capacity. This project represents a significant long-term investment in the district’s future and reflects our continued commitment to preserving what makes the Stockyards so special, while planning responsibly for its continued growth and success,” added Dunlap.
A 2023 city of Fort Worth Stockyards Traffic Study identified severe overcapacity and circulation issues in the core of the Stockyards, particularly along Ellis Avenue, Exchange Avenue, and NW 25th Street. It further recommended improving parking utilization and leveraging parking resources on the western side of the district to reduce congestion and better distribute demand.
Most streets in the Stockyards core are operating above the desired 85 percent parking capacity resulting in:
· Double parking and circulation breakdown
· Safety issues (blocked visibility, lane weaving) and spillover into neighborhoods
· Overcapacity on-street parking and visitors circling for close-in spaces
It further identified:
· Ellis Avenue On-street parking exceeds capacity (111 percent)
· Exchange Avenue (Primary Pedestrian Spine) Parking (120 percent capacity)
· NW 25th Street is at or above capacity (122 percent)
· North Main Street: 160 percent parking utilization
Design considerations are focused on compatibility with the surrounding district and contributing positively to the pedestrian experience. By consolidating parking into a structured facility, the project also supports a more walkable and cohesive environment over time.
Anticipated construction start is late summer 2026 following the conclusion of FIFA. A Project Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 5 – 7 p.m. at SpringHill Suites Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, 2315 North Main Street, Fort Worth, 76164.
The rendering of M.L. Leddy’s proposed Parking Garage, replacing a surface lot behind M.L. Leddy’s on the corner of Ellis Avenue and 25th Street on the west side of North Main in the Stockyards.
About M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin Family M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family have served the Fort Worth Stockyards community for more than 85 years, maintaining a strong commitment to the district through both retail operations and long‑term investment.
About Parking Systems of American (PSA) Parking Systems of America (PSA) is a North Texas-based parking management firm with more than 50 years of experience. A business owner and operator in the Stockyards and throughout Fort Worth, PSA operates more than 400 facilities across six states.
