Texas Wesleyan University cut the ribbon on the university’s new “front door” on Thursday and also opened up what many believe is a key component of the “Rosedale Renaissance.”
More than 1,000 people gathered on the campus to celebrate the design.
“There is no doubt that today we are celebrating the beginning of a new era,” Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach, said. “The Rosedale Renaissance is our foundation for a bright future.”
The Rosedale Renaissance is a $6.7 million dollar project that revitalizes the Texas Wesleyan campus and the Polytechnic neighborhood, and represents the University’s vision for the future.
“The Rosedale Renaissance Project provides a perfect gateway for the future of this school,” said Mayor Price. “[Texas Wesleyan] will now be the focal point for the community.”
The Rosedale Renaissance project has four key components:
• The Canafax Clock Tower and new entry way, which will serve as a “front door” to the University and include a reflecting pool and visitor parking
• The United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference Service Center, which will also be home to the bishop’s offices
• The renovation of the Polytechnic Firehouse, which now houses the art department
• A $1.8 million investment in the streets adjacent to campus that leverages $32 million in street improvements along East Rosedale
The city of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and the North Central Texas Council of Governments kicked in the $32 million for the street and infrastructure improvements.
“Any one of these projects would be a victory worth celebrating, but these four projects together truly signify the rebirth and emergence of Polytechnic Heights as a growing economic center in the city of Fort Worth,” said Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks. “Our vision for economic growth in Southeast Fort Worth begins today.”
While storm clouds threatened the proceedings, there was plenty of good humor as Texas Wesleyan’s mascot, Willie the Ram, made a special appearance for the ribbon cutting via zip line.
Not included in the original plan, the university also purchased two strip retail centers on East Rosedale west of Vaughn, including one that houses the Texas Wesleyan Bookstore and a Subway sandwich shop.
Bennett Benner Partners was architect for the project and Thos. S. Byrne Ltd. was the lead contractor.