Fort Worth’s Magnolia Avenue Businesses Prepare for Multi-Year Infrastructure Project

Businesses operating on Fort Worth's Magnolia Avenue and six other Near Southside streets are bracing for a significant underground infrastructure project slated to begin in spring 2027. The Fort Worth Water Department plans to replace old cast iron pipes, with construction expected to continue until spring 2029. This initiative aims to reduce pipe breaks throughout the city, but local businesses anticipate disruptions to customer access and parking.

Near Southside Inc. is collaborating with city officials to help businesses prepare for the impact, which has already led to the postponement of the 2027 ArtsGoggle event. Business owners, including those from Enchiladas Olé and Neighborhood Wine, are concerned about potential dips in sales due to restricted access. Some are already adapting by planning new services like to-go counters and self-delivery options.

This prolonged construction period underscores the need for developers and property owners in the Near Southside area to consider potential access challenges and shifts in local business operations when evaluating future projects or investments.