Our Work

Near Southside, Inc. (NSI) was created in 1995 to spearhead the revitalization of Fort Worth’s Near Southside, a formerly vibrant, mixed-use historic district that had experienced several decades of decline. The organization’s major priorities from the beginning have included residential and mixed-use redevelopment, neighborhood safety, and general promotion of the Near Southside. On the redevelopment front, NSI works toward a vision of a renewed and improved neighborhood with a distinctive urban character. Toward that vision, NSI works to achieve the following redevelopment goals:

• Re-establish a vibrant, mixed-use, urban district.
• Prioritize residential development.
• Support economic anchors and institutions.
• Promote locally-owned businesses.
• Encourage both small-scale and larger projects.
• Balance preservation and new construction.
• Improve perceptions.

As a result of the combined efforts of hundreds of businesses and neighborhood leaders, the Near Southside has already enjoyed an impressive renaissance over the last decade. The district has retained its eclectic and diverse character while attracting new businesses and residents that are looking for an exciting urban environment and an alternative to the suburbs. Progress can now be seen all over as new businesses continue to relocate to the Near Southside and new residents recognize the advantages and appeal of urban living. An amazing community spirit makes it all happen, as property and business owners band together to improve building facades and streetscapes, transforming the appearance of the district and creating value for investors.

Development Standards & Incentives

One of FWSI’s most important services is providing assistance to developers during planning, design, and construction. FWSI has worked closely with the City of Fort Worth for over two decades to update development standards and establish economic incentives that promote high- quality redevelopment. The district’s walkable, mixed-use, urban character is a tremendous competitive advantage in attracting residents and businesses looking for something different than the suburbs. One of our primary development goals is to attract complementary projects that strengthen that urban character. Specifically, the following six goal statements capture FWSI’s redevelopment vision for the district:

• Re-establish walkable urbanism as the development model.
• Prioritize residential development.
• Support economic anchors and institutions.
• Promote locally owned businesses.
• Encourage both small- scale and larger projects.
• Balance preservation and new construction.

Our developer resources page is a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a project. You’ll find information on development standards, the review process, incentive programs, and additional resources that should be helpful as your project moves forward.