Introducing Fort Worth’s Newest District

A commercial and industrial area near downtown Fort Worth is forging a new identity as Panther City District, an initiative driven by businesses that want to help foster growth while staying true to the neighborhood’s industrious nature.

The Panther City District website (www.panthercitydistrict.com) launched June 1, providing visibility for businesses, listing properties available and reinforcing the district’s “rise and roar” sensibility.

At the heart of the effort is revitalizing commerce and renewing excitement to attract like minded
businesses to the district, which is located east of University Drive and north of White Settlement Road in west Fort Worth.

“First things first, when you say ‘Panther City District,’ we want people to know where it is,” said Will Churchill, co-owner of Fort Brewery and a member of the PCD board. “From there, they begin to understand the culture of the district and the desire to be part of it.”

There are four membership levels at which businesses can officially join Panther City District – which is registering as a Texas nonprofit entity – with price points to fit budgets of all sizes.

Revenue from membership fees will go toward keeping Panther City District a clean, safe and welcoming place to work and play via capital improvements and a litter abatement program, as well as marketing efforts for businesses.

The organization is supported by a board of directors composed of representatives from area businesses and property owners who have led the strategy behind launching Panther City District and establishing its vision. Members are: Will Churchill of Fort Brewery; Robert Lydick of H\FW Capital Partners, L.P.; Will James of Defender Outdoors; Bryan Barrett of Keystone Group, L.P.; and Neil Foster of Agency Habitat.

“We not only want to increase awareness of this often overlooked area, but more important, create a greater sense of community,” said Foster, president and CEO of Agency Habitat. “Since we’re all invested in and passionate about our neighborhood, one of our main goals is to bring business owners together and raise the tide for everyone.”

Collaboration among neighbors will be key to keeping Panther City District thriving, according to board member Lydick, founding partner and general counsel of H\FW Capital. That was put into action June 2, when Agency Habitat hosted a gathering of Panther City District neighbors so they could connect and celebrate the official launch of the district’s new identity and purpose.

“With business owners together under a unified front, we’ll have a greater voice than any one person or group acting on their own ever could,” Lydick said.

For more information about membership, area businesses and the Panther City District mission, visit www.panthercitydistrict.com.