(FORT WORTH, TEXAS) — M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family, in partnership with Parking Systems of America (PSA), broke ground today on a $14 million, four and a half-story structured parking garage at the corner of Ellis Avenue and 25th Street, marking a major investment in additional parking options for the Fort Worth Stockyards. Once completed, the garage will add approximately 246 parking spaces to the existing 55 surface lot spaces, representing a 32 percent increase in parking availability on the west side of the Stockyards. Construction is expected to start within weeks.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a milestone for M.L. Leddy’s, the Franklin family and the entire Stockyards community,” said M.L. Leddy’s General Manager Mark Dunlap. “For more than 85 years, M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family have invested in this district with a deep respect for its history and character. This project reflects that same commitment by adding thoughtful parking capacity that supports visitors, businesses and nearby neighborhoods as the Stockyards continue to grow.”
While growth has strengthened the Stockyard’s as a national tourist destination with approximately 10 million visitors annually, 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.
“The Fort Worth Stockyards are one of our city’s most treasured destinations, and projects like this help ensure the district can continue welcoming residents and visitors while protecting the neighborhoods and businesses that make it so special,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “I appreciate M.L. Leddy’s, the Franklin family and Parking Systems of America for investing in infrastructure that supports the Stockyards’ continued success.”
The M.L. Leddy’s Parking Garage project team includes Linbeck Group, Dunaway, Grace Design Studios and SKM Communication Strategies.
“As the Councilmember representing this district, I know how important it is to balance growth with the quality of life of our surrounding neighborhoods,” said Fort Worth District 2 Councilman & Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores. “Hats off to M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family for their vision and commitment in working with my office, city staff and Fort Worth Stockyards Inc. for the betterment of the Stockyards. As the first of its kind parking structure in the Stockyards, this groundbreaking represents a practical step towards reducing congestion, improving access, and supporting the continued vitality of this historic district.”
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.
“As a legacy project for the Fort Worth Stockyards, Linbeck is honored to work alongside the Franklin family to bring their long-term vision to life,” said Linbeck President & CEO Tommy Cole. “Together with our design partners, Dunaway and Grace Design Studios, we are delivering a thoughtful, enduring addition that respects the character of this historic district while serving its future needs.”
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 and a part of the Texas landscape for 104 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.