Public Events Capital Restore
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, 2020, as part of the effort to ensure that the Culture and Tourism funds could meet operating expenses and debt service obligations, in FY2020 and thereafter until the economic recovery began, selected capital improvements at the Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) and Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) were suspended or deferred. These projects are considered priority projects necessary for safety and required repairs or improvements to these facilities hosting conventions, trade shows and long-standing public events such as the Fort Worth Stock Show. In turn, investment in these projects will assist in reviving the tourism economy for the City of Fort Worth.
The following projects were impacted and are being reinstated:
- Richardson Bass (Sound) System Upgrade - The purpose of this project is to design and replace sound system components used for public address and presentations in all areas of the Richardson/Bass building and areas that support events in the building.
- Amon Carter EH Door Replacement - The purpose of this project is to address structural issues associated with Exhibit Hall door frames and replace 37-year-old door systems. Project estimated completion is December 2024.
- WRMC Sprinklers Cattle Barn #4 - This project is a continuation of a program to install fire suppression systems in all livestock housing and exhibiting buildings.
- WRMC Justin Garage Ventilation - This project will address air flow deficiencies in the Justin Garage when it is being utilized as a livestock housing facility.
- WRMC Security Cameras – As of July 31, 2024, this project has been canceled due to needing additional funding.
- WRMC Replace Auditorium Curtains - The purpose of this project is to replace all performance drapes (main, legs, mid, back and scrim) and hardware on the Auditorium and Round Up Inn stages.
- FWCC Star Tower Façade - The purpose of this project is to evaluate exterior brick, glass and connection joints for wear, provide construction drawings and facilitate repairs to the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) Star Tower, located at the SW corner of the building. This project is estimated to take 12 to 18 months to complete.
- WRMC Electrical Upgrades - This project will address deficiencies in providing temporary power to WRMC event exhibitors, both inside the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall and around building exteriors.
- WRMC Emergency Generator Enhancement - This project will replace the aging emergency generator in the Coliseum that provides emergency lighting, in the case of a power failure, in the Auditorium, Coliseum and Amon Carter Exhibit Hall.
- WRMC Auditorium Roof Replacement - The goal of this project is to update venue antiquated infrastructure, improve safety and wellness for employees and customers. This improvement will increase the overall customer experience and promote this venue as Best in Class. Project estimated completion is July 2026.
- WRMC Stall Panel Replacement - The current stall panels currently located in the Burnett Building, at the WRMC, are heavy, bulky, and pose danger to employees. Power distribution is inadequate and does not meet the various stall configurations required for different events. The current flooring is uneven and the numerous asphalt patches are potential tripping hazards. This project will purchase light-weight, durable and transportable stall panels, improve overall power distribution throughout the interior of the building to the end user and to replace existing asphalt floors. Project estimated completion is July 2025
- FWCC Metasys - The METASYS Building Automation System (BAS) is a complete family of hardware and software control components designed to work together as one cohesive system. METASYS enhances occupant comfort, health, safety, security, and productivity, and it provides more system control and easier access to information than other building automation systems. The project scope includes the removal and replacement of critical data interfacing components, software upgrades, operator training and certification, and a one-year warranty on parts and services to include patches and upgrades. Project is currently under construction and has an estimated completion date of December 2024.
- Portable Meeting Room Chairs - As part of the Economic Development Agreement between the City and the Omni Hotel, the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) facility must be maintained at its current level and anticipate future expansion capacity. Planned repair and maintenance projects of the aging facility are necessary including replacement / modernization of tables, chairs, and concourse carpet. Substantial completion for this project was May 2024.
- WRMC Escalator RIP Replacement - This project will completely remove the original escalators located in the northwest and southeast corners of the Amon Carter Building and replace them with newly manufactured escalators incorporating the latest vertical transportation technology in order to improve overall performance, and increase reliability, safety and efficiency. Project has been awarded and has an estimated completion date of December 2025
Fort Worth Convention Center Expansion
The Fort Worth Convention Center started life as the Tarrant County Convention Center, constructed in 1966 and officially opened in 1968. In 1997 the City purchased the convention center from the County, and it was renamed the Fort Worth Convention Center. A 2014 “market and financial feasibility study” recommended renovation and expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center in order to better compete and serve multiple events. This study was updated in 2019, and based on these recommendations, in January of 2020 a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a project management firm was published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and emailed to local and national project management firms. Interviews were held in March of 2020 as the COVID-19 crisis escalated. These interviews showed three teams highly qualified and capable of providing the required staffing and expertise. Before a selection was formally recommended, it became clear that COVID-19 would affect the tourism and convention industry and the project funding and schedule. Due to the reduction in Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue directly related to the pandemic, as described in the Public Events Capital Restore project, the project management selection process was suspended until July 2021. ARPA funding will allow Phase 3A of the project to move forward with the relocation of the kitchens, demolishment of the east annex, and the realignment of an adjoining street to allow future development of a hotel. The goal of this project is to update venue antiquated infrastructure, improve safety and wellness for employees and customers. Additionally, this improvement will increase the overall customer experience and promote this venue as Best in Class. Project is currently under construction and has an estimated completion date of June 2026.
Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum Mural Plaques
The Fort Worth Public Art Commission determined that citizens had concerns based upon possible misinterpretation of the imagery along with the negative response to the stylistic approach of the1930s. It is vital that the City provide educational interpretation for the benefit of citizens and visitors who view the mural now and into the future. One of the recommendations was to convene an advisory committee to develop an approach that would allow visitors to better understand the historic perspective. The advisory committee met for the first time on February 27, 2020. On July 19, 2021, the advisory committee’s recommendation for comprehensive interpretation at the WRMC auditorium mural was presented to the Fort Worth Art Commission. The recommendation includes seven bronze plaques installed in the brick pattern on the plaza in front of the auditorium and the coliseum: one introductory plaque and six plaques corresponding to the six scenes viewable in each mural. Each of the six plaques features a silhouette of a specific scene on the mural with text descriptive of the time period represented and themes explored in the imagery.
Visit Fort Worth has a three-point plan for the effective use of ARPA funds:
- Support recovery of conventions by attracting meetings and helping customers connect with local businesses and services.
- Leverage our momentum with sports tourism by securing and hosting events that attract fans and media coverage.
- Promote leisure tourism, especially highlighting our incredible attractions and experiences around the arts, western heritage, and nightlife.
Future City Hall
Use of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding would be focused on the purchase of information technology, security technology, and audio/video (AV) equipment to provide facility security and to improve service to Fort Worth residents in their development, permitting, and related needs
- Building ITS design, procurement, installation, and commissioning
- Building Security related technology design, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning
- Building Audio Visual and video conferencing design of unified solution, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning
The original request of $15,000,000 in ARPA funding was reduced to an amount of $6,400,000 by Councilmembers Beck and Moon at the November 30, 2021 Council Meeting and approved by Council at the reduced amount.
ITS Cybersecurity Program
Information Technology Services activities designed to execute security assessments, mitigate findings, and implement advanced strategies, processes, and tools to increase the protection level of the City’s information and digital assets. This project will identify and improve organizational processes designed to identify, contain, and remove threats against City assets, based on comparisons with best practice industry standards. This project will create data backups that cannot be changed or modified, providing an extra layer of protection from ransomware demands, hire external security firms to assess the City security posture (process, technology, effectiveness) and make recommendations for improvements. The project will enable advanced security capabilities between the City and financial institutions
ITS Infrastructure Program
Information Technology Services activities designed to execute on the infrastructure and data protection efforts, procure services to assist with those efforts, and deliver advanced solutions to support strategic directions. This project will implement more secure and advanced version of Office Suite, enhance business continuity and disaster recovery capability, and support City workforce mobility and resiliency efforts by accelerating migration from desktops to laptops. This project will enhance diverse vendor support working to eliminate single points of failure and enhance and secure the Public Safety network.
Fort Worth Zoo Road Repair, Erosion Control, Broadband
On June 22, 2021 the Fort Worth City Council allocated American Rescue Act funds to construct, maintain, and repair a public Infrastructure within the Fort Worth Zoo. The City will reimburse Fort Worth Zoological Association for four Capital Improvement projects: Broadband upgrade, parking lot repair and maintenance, bridge repair and maintenance, and Zoo Creek Erosion control.
Texas Wesleyan On-Campus Public Utility Relocation
American Rescue Plan Act funding to Texas Wesleyan University will be used to move public utilities under the streets in the 2900 block of both Avenue D and Avenue E on their campus in order to begin construction for a new athletic stadium. The athletic stadium will be a 3,000-seat facility for football, soccer, and track and field to be used by Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth Independent School District, and various community soccer leagues.
Will Rogers Memorial Center Coliseum Lobby and Concourse Renovation
The Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) is one of the preeminent equestrian facilities in the United States and hosts the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo annually. Per a recent economic impact study performed by the Highland Group, the 17 buildings that make up the WRMC complex host approximately 111 events annually, generating over 800,000 visitor days. Renovations are designated for the coliseum be invested specifically in the customer-facing improvement for the concourse, restrooms, backstage club and lobby. Due to rapid cost increases, it was determined that funding this project would be unfeasible. After soliciting feedback from the venue’s customers, staff proposed consolidating the entirety of the ARPA funding for the customer-facing improvements in the lobby and concourse. This was approved on 8/8/23, per M&C 23-0646.
Intermodal Parkway
The City of Fort Worth provide additional funding for the construction of arterial improvements to Intermodal Parkway between Old FM 156 and the BNSF Yard in North Fort Worth. These improvements will include expanding capacity from a two to a four-lane divided roadway with shared use paths, street lighting, storm drainage, and traffic signals. This project will increase safety, connectivity and mobility. The project was advertised for proposers on December 14 and 21, 2023. All ARPA funds removed from both projects.
North Beach & Western Center
The City of Fort Worth’s Transportation and Public Works Department has received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the N. Beach & Wester Center Blvd intersection improvement project. The project scope includes signal rebuilding of eastbound and westbound, adding a separate right-turn lane for the westbound, a larger channelizing island for the southbound right-turn lane, pedestrian improvements to comply with ADA regulations, installing a dual left-turn lane on both legs of Western Center Blvd, and pavement marking & signage on all legs of the intersection. This project intends to create a cost-effective solution to improve efficiency while increasing visibility, safety and traffic flow.
Meadowbrook Golf Club-Maintenance Building
The Park and Recreation Department at City of Fort Worth was allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to replace the maintenance facility at Meadowbrook Golf Course. This park is situated on the east side of town, just south of I-30 and inside east loop I-820 (1815 Jenson Rd.). The park encompasses over 138 acres and was originally dedicated to the City in 1937. The project scope will focus on replacement of the existing maintenance facility, operating equipment, paving for access and storage, infrastructure (utilities) and IT/Technology/Security improvements. These State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds will provide an immediate benefit to Fort Worth residents, particularly underserved populations. By addressing the poor facility conditions, improving technology & security deficiencies and creating a more desirable and efficient place for maintenance staff to work, this project will allow maintenance staff to provide better care of Meadowbrook Golf Course and its thousands of visitors each year. This replacement will provide the backbone to make Meadowbrook Golf Course a top- notch golf facility for years to come, making it more desirable to play and encouraging citizens to ‘get out and play’, thus improving overall public health. Improving overall maintenance of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Golf Course, will provide an opportunity for residents to enjoy a higher standard of golf, physical activity and comradery associated with playing golf.
Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership
The Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership (FWTCIP) will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. This project is focused on charitable activities that create economic opportunity for the Fort Worth community. FWTCIP stimulates economic development, supports stakeholder and community engagement, and provides real estate development support, in each case, in furtherance of the creation and sustainment of an innovation district in downtown Fort Worth that promotes advancement in science, education and industry. The future Fort Worth Innovation District will include the new Texas A&M Law & Education building and additional buildings occupied by Texas A&M and industry partners with a focus on healthcare innovation; agriculture and food innovation; aerospace and aviation innovation; media and entertainment; education and workforce development, entrepreneurship, startup support and commercialization; and community engagement and cross cutting ideas. The future Fort Worth Innovation District will be a major opportunity for economic development and revenue growth in the City of Fort Worth.
Broadband
The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the deficiency in scalable, future-proof broadband services across the US, including Fort Worth. Specifically, at least nine areas in the east, south, and southeast of Fort Worth. The City of Fort Worth has allocated ARPA funds to a Public Private Partnership to provide a municipal network, that would be used as a starting place to deliver Broadband throughout the City with a focus on underserved areas. The investment in Fort Worth will create over 300 miles of a new fiber network to serve 217 government sites and the backbone network for fiber-to-the-home deployment to residential and business customers.
Grand Ave Sidewalk
The scope of the Grand Ave Sidewalk project is to improve pedestrian safety by providing a new sidewalk with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps for Grand Avenue from Northside Drive to Main Street.
Trinity Metro Bus Pad
The scope of the Trinity Metro Bus Pad project includes the installation of concrete bus pads, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and ADA ramps along Trinity Metro transit routes at multiple locations in the City. In collaboration with Trinity Metro, the City of Fort Worth will provide design services, project management services, and construction. The project aims to promote public transportation ridership and enhance the quality of life for our community.
Central Mobility HUB/Butler Place
The Central Multimodal Mobility HUB Concept has been completed at a lower cost than budgeted, leaving excess revenue for reallocation totaling $4,881.50.