Fort Worth invests $31 million in two Cultural District developments

Goldenrod Companies will build the Van Zandt project and One University on either side of West 7th Street.

Rendering of 1001 University development

Take a sneak peek into the future of University Drive with this new development.

Image courtesy of Goldenrod Companies

Table of Contents

City Council approved nearly $31 million in incentives for two Cultural District developments earlier this week. The projects by Nebraska-based Goldenrod Companies will bring 740,000 sqft and a $400 million investment to the West 7th Street area.

Map of Fort Worth with two multi-block parcels highlighted

The two Goldenrod Companies properties are in the Cultural District.

Image courtesy of the City of Fort Worth

The Van Zandt | West 7th + Foch Streets
The mixed-use development includes 95,000 sqft of office and 10,000 sqft of retail space, in addition to 226 apartments and a 500-space garage. In order to claim all of the city’s investment, the project must be finished by the end of 2026.

One University | University Drive + Bledsoe Street
Set to open at the end of 2027, the development includes 100,000 sqft of office and 10,000 sqft of retail space, 240 apartments, an 800-space parking garage, and a 175-room hotel.

Goldenrod Companies has agreed not to lease tenant space to freestanding bars or nightclubs for the duration of the 15-year contract. This does not apply to bar service location within hotels or restaurants.

Be the Broker

Last week, we asked y’all to be the neighborhood’s broker + share your suggestions for what restaurant and retail tenants you would like to see come to the Cultural District. Here’s what you said.

Restaurants
Readers suggested a range of dining options from breakfast spots and bakeries to international cuisines like Chinese and Indian food. Some recommendations included:

Retail
Reader suggestions ranged from clothing shops to home improvement stores to gardening centers, as well as:

  • Hobby Lobby | Oklahoma City-based craft store with a location on South Hulen Street
  • Cole Haan | Shoe retailer with a store in the Tanger Outlet Mall
  • Trader Joe’s | California-based grocery store with a location on Hulen Street
  • Barnes & Noble | New York-based bookstore with two Fort Worth locations
More from FTWtoday
Come early 2027, we will say goodbye to Fort Worth’s “flying saucer” arena — with memories of the venue submitted by readers like you.
Huzzah — today, we’re traveling ~30 miles south of Dallas to an English-inspired village, where the only responsibility is merriment.
Did you know the largest honey brand in the US is based right here in North Texas? We have the sweet details on local honey brands you can try that are sourced from Texas bees.
The city has an opportunity for youth ages 17-22 to apply for part-time, paid summer positions.
Plus, where to take those perfect spring photos.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Ever wanted to know what being a Trail Boss meant? Meet Georgia Cartwright, the head of the Fort Worth Herd — who walked us through a typical day in her life.
Join the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation for Cowtown’s premium foodie event that spans four days.
Dining in Fort Worth is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Here’s everything to expect at the 34-day-long festival coming to Dallas’ Fair Park during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.