Near Southside News

The Geography of Innovation

2016 Fort Worth South, Inc. Shindig

How do you define the Near Southside?

Medical district. Creative hub. Historic neighborhood. Restaurant row. Entertainment destination. Incubator. Our district is all of those, and more.

At the national level, districts similar to ours – defined by a powerful cocktail of medical and manufacturing, retail and residential, creative capital and caffeine – have become the research focus for leading urban experts. The Rise of Innovation Districts: A New Geography of Innovation in America is a report by Bruce Katz and Julie Wagner of the Brookings Institution in which they explain:

A new complementary urban model is now emerging, giving rise to what we and others are calling “innovation districts.” These districts, by our definition, are geographic areas where leading-edge anchor institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators and accelerators. They are also physically compact, transit-accessible, technically-wired, and offer mixed-use housing, office, and retail.

Last year, you helped us celebrate 20 years of accomplishments that changed perceptions and created the Near Southside of today. This year in addition to Mr. Katz’s keynote address we will present stories of tomorrow’s landmark innovations, mostly unknown to the public, currently underway in the Near Southside. First, please mark your calendars for Friday, February 19, 5:30-9 pm at the Omni Hotel at 1300 Houston Street, and spread the word to friends and colleagues that might be interested in joining the fun.

Second, please review these sponsor opportunities to see how FWSI’s annual dinner provides a great opportunity to support the organization’s continued work while also showcasing your company’s innovative spirit to the thousands that we’ll reach through the event’s publicity efforts. This event is FWSI’s only annual fundraiser. It’s a testament to the amazing community support received each year that allows FWSI to pursue revitalization through dozens of exciting initiatives.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Paul Paine

President

Fort Worth South, Inc.

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Browse the Near Southside Guide

Check out this comprehensive listing of the Near Southside’s many restaurants and retail destinations! The Near Southside Guide has all of the information you need to enjoy and explore the neighborhood. From nightlife to brewery tours, bed and breakfasts to bars and pubs, we’ve packaged our best locally owned and operated businesses for your convenience. Click the cover graphic on the left to browse the guide.

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Complete Streets Project Update

Fort Worth South, Inc. has received approval from the TIF #4 Board of Directors to pursue additional “complete street” re-striping projects this year. FWSI’s complete street program aims to create functional and inviting streets that meet the needs of all users while also supporting the district’s continued revitalization. FWSI has already worked closely with the City to transform streets such as W. Magnolia Ave., S. Main St., and Jennings, with W. Vickery also in the works, pending the City’s hiring of a new contractor. Next on the list: Evans and Broadway Avenues.

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A Vision for South Main Village

Over the last few years we’ve provided updates on FWSI’s efforts to improve the appearance and appeal of South Main St. between Magnolia and Vickery. The last year has focused on completing a detailed design concept, working with the City, South Main property and business owners, and design consultants from Dunaway and TownSite. New renderings depict the elements of the “complete street” design: wider sidewalks, on-street parking, roadside furnishings that include street trees and historic lampposts, sidewalk bulbouts at intersections, and dedicated bicycle lanes.

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