Fort Worth is known for a place to have a great time, and the good times just keep getting better.
In a last-minute change Tuesday, a project that was originally tabled was passed by the Fort Worth City Council, paving the way for a new facility in the 4800 and 4900 blocks of Old Decatur Road.
Quarry Falls Developmen, LLC plans to put in place on the 72 acres a pair of hotels with up to 125 rooms in one and up to 175 in the other. They also plan to construct condominiums, and up to 450 retail units. Among other plans are:
*A lake beach.
*A boardwalk around the lake.
*Restaurants cascading down the quarry to the beach.
*Bars and a nightclub.
*A performance facility that can house over 3,500 residents.
*Fountain in front.
The change allows for bars, hotels with a maximum height of seven stories and entertainment structures no taller than six stories, including a Ferris wheel with a maximum height of 135 feet. Around the nearby lake will be high density multi-family use.
The property is just north of the Meacham Airport.
Concerns had been raised about traffic on Old Decatur Road as a result of this project. That road serves as one of two connections to Loop 820, with Marine Creek Parkway to the west as the second.
However, Goodwin and Marshall Engineering officials said they met with the Trailwood Homeowners Association and are working toward a solution.
“We want to work with not just the neighbors, but staff as well,” Edward Eckart. “We’d like to see traffic move quickly and efficiently on Old Decatur Road. That’s obviously good for this development as well.”
The project was approved by the zoning commission by a 9-0 vote.
The entertainment center will be built into the side of the excavated former mining pit. A lower level bar will be built into this area. Structured parking will also be provided under the building. The western edge of lake will be incorporated into the facility with a beach and outdoor entertainment.
Several low level parking garages are also proposed in between mixed use buildings.
The Ferris wheel is expected to include LED lights that change colors and patterns. The developer has verified that it does not fall within an area of concern from the Meacham Airport runway to the south, and the lighting will require TxDOT approval to ensure it does not distract drivers’ attention.
The project falls within District 2, which is represented by Carlos Flores. He thanked the involved entities for working out their differences, calling it “A very ambitious project and a very worthwhile project for District 2,” he said.
