Juneteenth museum in Fort Worth, set to start construction later this year, given $3 million for infrastructure improvements
Fort Worth, Texas – In a promising development for cultural enrichment in Fort Worth, the proposed National Juneteenth Museum is poised to secure up to $3 million for key infrastructure upgrades, courtesy of the Regional Transportation Council.
This governing body, an arm of the North Texas Council of Governments focused on transportation policy, enthusiastically green-lighted the allocation during their gathering on June 8.
In a unanimous vote, the council pledged their financial support, earmarking $3 million to facilitate critical infrastructure enhancements proximal to the anticipated location of the National Juneteenth Museum.
The financial assistance, drawn from the Regional Toll Revenue initiative and Surface Transportation Block Group program, was confirmed via a council presentation. These fund infusions, however, hinge on the materialization of the ambitious $70 million museum project.
Originally declared in 2021 as per a release from the city of Fort Worth, the National Juneteenth Museum plans are indeed expansive. The proposed 50,000-square-foot structure will comprise a variety of facilities including:
- 10,000 square feet of exhibit space
- A 250-seat theater to host lectures, speakers and performances
- Flexible space for traveling exhibits, seminars and events
- Coworking space for local entrepreneurs
- A food hall featuring local chefs
- A National Juneteenth Plaza, courtyard and green space
Beyond the museum, the blueprint involves a larger redevelopment project earmarked for the region. The city of Fort Worth, in collaboration with Hoque Global, has plans to construct a minimum of 370 residential units along with retail outlets in close proximity to the proposed museum site.
In addition, more than $1 million has been set aside by the city for the design and creation of Evans Plaza Park.
The museum’s construction, slated to kick off later in 2023, is expected to reach completion by June 19, 2025, as stated on the museum’s official website.
Transportation Director Michael Morris, in the June 8 assembly, underscored the significance of this move, citing it as a mutual endeavor between the council and Fort Worth to rejuvenate a section of the city.
“This is a big deal,” Morris said. “But it’s a big deal and a bigger deal because of the investments the city of Fort Worth is making in what are some of the poorest neighborhoods in Fort Worth and in southeast Fort Worth.”
