FORT WORTH — The historic Primera Baptist Church property at Circle Park Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue is on track to be redeveloped into a senior-focused residential community after receiving unanimous support from the Fort Worth Zoning Commission.
The redevelopment proposal, referred to as Irma Park, would preserve the approximately 100-year-old church building while adding a new residential structure, ultimately creating 84 housing units primarily for residents aged 67 and older. Developers emphasized that the project balances historic preservation with the need for affordable senior housing in the Northside neighborhood.
A key component of the plan is the adaptive reuse of the church structure, allowing its architectural features and historical character to remain intact while incorporating it into a modern residential community. The project also includes a community-accessible pocket park, meeting urban residential zoning standards and providing neighborhood green space.
The Zoning Commission unanimously recommended advancing the proposal to the Fort Worth City Council for final approval. According to the agenda and staff reports, the commission cited the project’s alignment with city goals for historic preservation, senior housing, and neighborhood revitalization.
The church campus has been a fixture in Fort Worth’s Northside for more than a century. Originally established as North Fort Worth Baptist Church, it became Primera Baptist Church in 1988. Residents and local preservation advocates have expressed support for a redevelopment that maintains the historic structure while introducing much-needed housing options for older adults.
If approved by the City Council, Irma Park would serve as a model for adaptive reuse of historic properties, demonstrating that preservation and modern development can coexist in Fort Worth’s growing urban neighborhoods.
Sources:
- City of Fort Worth, Zoning Commission Agenda, 2026. fortworthtexas.gov
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Samuel O’Neal, “Austin developer tries again to turn Northside church into affordable apartments,” March 18, 2026. star-telegram.com
- Fort Worth Report,