Fort Worth Housing Solutions approves market analysis for Butler Place redevelopment

by Scott Nishimura, Fort Worth Report
February 6, 2026

The Fort Worth Housing Solutions board of commissioners at their Jan. 29 meeting approved a key consulting contract that moves the long-anticipated redevelopment of the former Butler Place public housing site into its next phase.

Commissioners unanimously authorized a $635,000 contract with JLL Americas Inc. for development advisory services tied to the redevelopment of the historic Butler Place public housing project. The contract covers the cost of market and financial feasibility analyses and preparation for soliciting a master developer. Although consulting fees may exceed the agreed amount, board approval is required if it exceeds $700,000.

Agency leaders described Butler Place as a major mixed-use opportunity with the potential to generate long-term revenue for Fort Worth Housing Solutions. While the city of Fort Worth has already completed a preliminary concept plan, staff said an independent, data-driven analysis is needed to confirm market demand and financial feasibility before determining whether the property is sold outright or developed through a public-private partnership.

The approval follows earlier federal authorization allowing the housing authority to reallocate the former Butler Place’s 179 subsidized housing units to other sites across Fort Worth, freeing the land for future redevelopment.

Commissioners also received an update on the Housing Choice Voucher program. Lanesha Combs, the agency’s vice president of housing operations, said unusually tight federal funding conditions are requiring a more conservative approach than in past years.

Combs noted that Congress has not set aside funding to cover shortfalls for housing authorities in the current budget cycle, eliminating a traditional safety net if program costs exceed available funds. She said Fort Worth Housing Solutions is closely managing voucher issuance, payment standards and leasing levels to avoid financial strain, while still maintaining strong landlord participation and keeping thousands of families housed amid rising rents.

In other business, the board received a presentation on the agency’s audited 2024 year-end financials, which resulted in an unmodified, or “clean,” audit opinion for both its financial statements and federal awards.

According to auditors, Fort Worth Housing Solutions ended 2024 with a positive net position, reflecting continued growth in assets tied largely to new and blended component units, including Samuels Avenue and Western Hills Affordable properties. Net capital assets increased by more than $26.8 million during the year, driven by newly consolidated properties and ongoing construction activity at developments such as Cowan Place and Hughes House.

Operating revenues also rose in 2024, with federal operating grants increasing by $15.8 million and housing assistance payments rising by $12.4 million, driven by a higher number of leased units. Auditors reported no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the agency’s financial reporting and noted that management had already addressed minor compliance issues identified in federal program reviews.

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NOTES

• Strategic Plan Progress: Nearly halfway complete; community engagement initiatives boost morale and housing developments nearing completion.
• Housing Developments: Babers Manor (80 units) expected by late April; Jefferson Elara is fully leased, expanding family housing options.
• FY24 Audit Results: Clean audit with minor issues; sound revenue recognition and improved financial transparency noted.
• HCV Program Status: 80% of 6,430 vouchers leased; payment standards set at 100% of Fair Market Rent amid rising local rents.
• Employee Handbook Updates: Changes enhance clarity; include dress code updates, outside employment policies, and holiday revisions.
• Butler Place Redevelopment: $635,000 advisory contract approved for market analysis; aims to optimize development planning and generate revenue.

Lou Chapman is a member of the Fort Worth Report’s Documenters crew.

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This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.