Magnolia Avenue
Magnolia Avenue
Magnolia Avenue has long been the Near Southside’s most active and well-known street, and FWSI-led initiatives over the last several years have helped transform Magnolia into one of Fort Worth’s most popular attractions.
As one of the City’s first major streetscape improvement projects in the mid-1980s, Magnolia between Hemphill and 8th Avenue received brick sidewalks, street trees, historic lampposts, and benches. A “complete street” facelift in 2008-2009 not only spruced up the original streetscape but also added features that helped redefine the street. A re-striping “road diet” project changed the roadway from a high-speed, four-lane arterial to a slow-moving three lane configuration that also features designated bike lanes. The project was the first central city bike lane project and helped set the stage for the City’s adoption of the Bike Fort Worth plan and the installation of a more comprehensive bike lane network throughout the Near Southside and other central city districts.
The street’s re-design also featured the installation of tree lights that create a distinctive and beautiful scene every night of the year. With the tree lights and a more comfortable street for strolling, Magnolia has taken off as a renowned restaurant row, featuring an amazing array of eclectic and locally-owned dining options. The restaurants have been joined by a handful of great pubs as well as a new coffee house, making Magnolia a lively spot every day of the week.