What do Fort Worth residents think of a new municipal complex that is in the planning? They will soon have a chance to provide their feedback.
City officials are in the early stages of planning for the new complex that they say will provide more efficient customer service and a one-stop shop for residents who need to conduct city business. Currently, city offices are spread among a dozen or so buildings downtown, with several of those buildings being leased.
Early indications are the new, consolidated complex would be on land owned by the city between Lancaster Avenue and Texas Street. Its design would also address transportation, mobility and green-space concerns in and around the proposed complex.
Early plans project the new complex, which would include a new central library, to be eight stories tall. The cost of it and an adjacent eight-story parking garage would be about $150 million, and would be part of a planned 2022 bond package.
To save in cost, the city is considering the sale of some other building, including the Central Library, a pair of annex offices, and a parking garage. Currently, the city pays around $700,000 per year for leases downtown, while taking in just around $145,000 from facilities they own.
City officials say the project would also contribute to the tax base by returning properties to the tax rolls.
A series of public meetings will be scheduled so residents can learn about the project and provide feedback. Information will also be posted on the city’s website in the coming weeks.