Rendering of the upcoming affordable housing community in Fort Worth, emphasizing accessibility and community amenities.
Fort Worth, August 13, 2025
The Fort Worth City Council has approved a resolution that allows Royal Capital, LLC to apply for housing tax credits aimed at enhancing affordable housing developments in Historic Southside and Renaissance Heights. This unanimous decision paves the way for over 180 mixed-income housing units, potentially revolutionizing local housing options amidst an ongoing crisis. The project promises to foster a vibrant community with essential retail spaces and necessary amenities, targeting families earning below the area’s median income. The city allocated significant funding to support these developments and is strategizing to tackle the pressing affordable housing challenges faced by residents.
The Fort Worth City Council has recently approved a resolution allowing the city to apply for crucial housing credits aimed at boosting affordable housing developments in key neighborhoods. The council’s unanimous decision enables Milwaukee-based Royal Capital, LLC to apply for 2025 Non-Competitive (4%) Housing Tax Credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. This move is expected to pave the way for significant residential development in the Evans and Rosedale Urban Village, located in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside neighborhood.
The approval was essential for Royal Capital, as they needed a Resolution of No Objection from the city council to proceed with their application for funds that could reduce federal income tax liability for investors. The timeline for these developments has gained importance in light of the ongoing affordable housing crisis in Fort Worth and North Texas.
Royal Capital was granted the development rights for the urban village following the termination of a previous relationship with Dallas-based Hoque Global last August. The development’s plans, unveiled in December, revealed an ambitious vision for a six-acre project that will include over 180 mixed-income housing units. These options will range from one- to three-bedroom apartments, catering to a diverse group of residents.
The project aims to create a walkable community featuring green spaces and 15,700 square feet designated for retail or office purposes. Special attention will be paid to social activities for children, contributing to a vibrant community environment. A standout feature of the development is a commitment to designate a minimum of 3,000 square feet for an urban grocer or market, ensuring residents have access to fresh food.
In terms of parking, the urban village plans to incorporate 247 parking spaces through garages and surface lots. Additionally, the housing will target individuals or families earning at or below 80% of the area’s median income, with an overall goal of averaging 60% for the development.
The city has already allocated $13.2 million in grants in 2021 for the construction of this much-needed development, with approximately $4.2 million sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act, which has a deadline for utilization by the end of 2024. It is essential to note that the Historic Southside is not just a new development area; it is one of Fort Worth’s oldest African American neighborhoods and faces significant socioeconomic challenges.
A 2019 study highlighted disparities in the region, noting that residents of the 76104 ZIP code have the lowest life expectancy in Texas at just 66.7 years. The urban village is envisioned as a catalyst for revitalization in the area, and it aligns with the planned opening of the National Juneteenth Museum in 2027.
In addition to the housing development, the City Council has approved the rezoning of 15 acres along West Drew Street and McCart Avenue to facilitate the establishment of a community land trust. This initiative aims to provide a buffer between industrial and residential areas while addressing affordable housing issues head-on by promoting neighborhood stability.
The land trust model will allow individuals to purchase homes while maintaining lower costs by having the trust retain ownership of the land. A recent report indicated significant challenges regarding affordable homeownership in Fort Worth, particularly for Black and Hispanic families who earn considerably less than the city’s median income, which is currently at $77,082.
The land trust will partner with Fort Worth’s Housing Channel to develop 200 homes, with a combination of new constructions and renovations. Construction is slated to begin in late spring or early summer 2025, with hopes of seeing the first homes available by September 2025.
Efforts to address the affordable housing crisis are already visible in the newly opened Clifton Riverside Apartments, designed to meet the increasing demand for affordable living in North Texas. Rents for these units range from $485 to $1,800, with the majority reserved for tenants earning 30% to 60% of the area median income.
The ongoing pressure for affordable housing is underscored by the approval of an additional $8 million for the next phase of development in the Renaissance Heights area. This initiative aims to complete the housing portion of the Renaissance Heights Masterplan and provide necessary community services. Construction for this phase is expected to kick off in February 2025, with an estimated duration of 18 months.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Historic Southside, Fort Worth |
| Units | Over 180 (1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom) |
| Retail Space | 15,700 square feet |
| Urban Grocer | Minimum of 3,000 square feet |
| Total Funding | $13.2 million |
The approved resolution allows Royal Capital to apply for housing credits to develop affordable housing in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside and Renaissance Heights neighborhoods.
The urban village will offer mixed-income housing, providing over 180 units with options for one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
The development is targeted towards individuals or families earning at or below 80% of the area’s median income, with an overall average set around 60%.
Construction for the urban village is expected to commence in late spring or early summer 2025.
A community land trust allows individuals to purchase homes while the trust retains ownership of the land, enabling lower overall home costs.
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