5.3 Downtown Public Square, Texas

5.3 DOWNTOWN PUBLIC SQUARE, TEXAS

Working in conjunction with the GSA, the City of Fort Worth Planning Department developed and administered an online survey in order to get input from local residents, business and property owners, and other municipal agencies to guide the development of a new central square in the city's downtown. The concept was to include with the "square" several other spaces, including a city park adjacent to a federal plaza, a park adjacent to a hotel and office building, a space adjacent to a church, and the plaza in front of City Hall. The square itself was a private parcel currently functioning as a parking lot.

Figure 5.3.1 Sketch Showing the proposal made for converting the space into plaza.

The GSA and the City guided the project from concept to reality. Transportation served as the catalyst for the development of the square, with planners locating a bus transfer station and waiting area in the central square. The GSA will assume the management of the park in front of their building, and will implement short-term improvements there. Future activities for the space include a park-like setting for lunchtime use, with food and information kiosks; a public plaza with trees and a stage for events; a quiet, garden-like area with gazebo and café; an entrance plaza for city hall with fountains and a café; a major focal space with a large sculpture; and a formal garden.