1050 Evans Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76104
817-871-5757 (reservations)
The effort to trigger revitalization in Evans and Rosedale Village began about a decade ago, when leaders from the City of Fort Worth and from the area's historic and predominantly African-American neighborhoods first began discussing ways to restore vitality to a section of the city with a strong history of culture and entrepreneurship.
One of the central elements of the Evans and Rosedale Village master plan was the redesign of Evans Avenue and the construction of a central plaza that would act as a community gathering space as well as a outdoor museum honoring the neighborhood's history.
In accordance with the plan, the City reconstructed Evans Avenue as a two-lane, highly walkable street from East Rosedale Street to Terrell Avenue. Included in the design were landscaped parkways, brick sidewalks and crosswalks, pedestrian and street lighting, benches, trash receptacles, monuments and signs, and the central public plaza with a fountain.
The completed project pays homage to Fort Worth's African American leaders. The contributions of over 35 community leaders are retold in limestone, granite, and bronze plaques located on the sidewalks and in the plaza.
The tributes to individuals and families represent a range of fields including medical, religion, education, business, communication, civic, military, sports, and music. These individuals and families contributed greatly to the development of the Southside neighborhood and Fort Worth as a whole.
The historical element also includes a timeline of significant events relevant to the African-American community and quotes from local and national African-Americans.
Today the beautiful and inspirational plaza stands as a representation of both the accomplishments of the past and the promise of the future. Another sign of progress, the Ella Shamblee Library, recently opened with a large neighborhood celebration, bringing a community facility for all ages to the edge of the plaza and the heart of the village.
To reserve the plaza for an event, call the City of Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department at 817-871-5757 or visit the reservation page of the PACS website.
Related Pages:
Parks / Streets / Transit, Plazas / Parks / Playgrounds