Texas residents want trails, housing, and coffee shops at planned TEXRail station

A tucked-away, overgrown parking lot in Fort Worth could soon become the heart of a more connected neighborhood if local residents get their way with plans for the Near Southside/Medical District TEXRail station.

At a recent public meeting, neighbors said the planned station should serve as more than a boarding point. They said they want the surrounding area to add trails, housing, shops, and other places people can reach on foot.

Here's what to know

On Sept. 9, dozens of residents gathered to talk through ideas for what could be built around the future station in Fort Worth's Mistletoe Heights neighborhood, according to the Fort Worth Report.

The proposed station site lies between the railroad tracks and Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center–Fort Worth, and current plans point to an opening around 2029. Among the requests residents raised were trails, restaurants, coffee shops, retail space, and a variety of housing types.

For Brian Cameron, the station could become a destination in itself. The 42-year-old Fort Worth resident, who uses TEXRail to travel to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, said, "There is so much potential for that station to be a flagship destination. I'd like to see some community amenities."

James Saat, a 31-year-old financial analyst who uses Trinity Metro buses and travels by bike, said easier routes into the station matter, too. "I'd like to see more connections to the station," he said. "It makes it easier to use."

More background

The station proposal fits into a wider effort to encourage transit-oriented development near TEXRail stops. These developments generally place housing, jobs, and businesses near public transportation, making it easier for residents to get around without depending entirely on cars.

Trinity Metro president and CEO Rich Andreski told city council members that late 2026 is the expected groundbreaking window for the 2.1-mile extension linking downtown Fort Worth and the Near Southside, according to the Fort Worth Report.

According to Trinity Metro data cited by the Fort Worth Report, TEXRail has logged more than 842,000 rides.

What's being done?

Trinity Metro is looking at similar development opportunities around other stations as well, including North Side and Mercantile Center.

Fort Worth city council members voted Aug. 11 to start the rezoning process for some industrial properties near the North Side station so they can be redeveloped with mixed-use residential and retail projects, according to the Fort Worth Report.

In a staff report, city officials said they want the area to become a walkable district that can draw residents, workers, customers, and students. The site is also near the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Tony Herhold, Fort Worth's planning manager, said some longtime businesses are concerned about what the rezoning effort could mean for their operations. Herhold said the city will work with those businesses on "a path to continuing operations after rezoning."

Trinity Metro is still collecting public input, including through an open-house meeting scheduled for Sept. 16 at the Northside Community Center. Restaurateur Peter Schroder said, "Park Place is the center of the four Southside neighborhoods. I think it's going to enhance the neighborhood so much."

Where can I learn more?

Fort Worth residents aren't the only ones asking what a rail stop should add to the surrounding neighborhood. These stories look at how transit projects in Texas and elsewhere are raising similar questions about speed, access, and whether new development works for people on foot as well as riders.

• In North Texas, a new high-speed rail could connect Fort Worth and Houston through Dallas.

• In Schenectady, New York, residents warned the city will basically favor cars over people on foot.

• In Florida, higher-speed rail offers a preview of easier regional trips without driving.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.