Developers are planning a $2 billion transit-oriented development near DFW Airport. They call the project River Central and plan to include a 140-room hotel, 120,000 square feet of offices, a 56,000-square-foot concert venue, 60,000 square feet of retail, 125 townhomes, 1,200 apartments and 50 acres of open space. The development will sit near the CentrePort rail station, 4.8 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
A True Transit-Oriented Development
Ken Schaumburg, one of the partners on the development and owner of Fort Worth-based Schaumburg Architects PC, emphasizes the project’s core identity: “This is a true transit-oriented development.” The proximity to the CentrePort station is not just a convenience but a fundamental aspect of the project’s design and purpose.
River Central stretches across both Fort Worth and Grand Prairie along a 3 mile stretch of the Trinity River and encompasses, around 400 acres, in area size; however; the planned development will focus on 140 acres to emphasize a dedication to compact urban planning characteristic of transit oriented initiatives.
River Central: Supporting Mixed-Use Elements
While the development transit-oriented nature defines River Central, it incorporates a carefully planned mix of spaces to create a vibrant community. The development will offer a mix of amenities, including apartments, townhomes, a hotel, office spaces covering 120,000 sqft, a retail space, and a massive concert venue. These mixed-use elements are designed to complement and enhance the project’s primary identity as a transit-oriented community, ensuring residents and visitors can live, work, and enjoy leisure activities all within walking distance of major public transportation.
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Challenges and Innovations
Additionally, the principal at Hasen Design Build & Development; David Hasenzahl, the managing partner for this River Central project, characterized the project as a floodplain reclamation effort, highlighting the collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.
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Looking to the Future
Schaumburg reported that engineering work is about 80% complete, costing about $5 million so far. He expects groundbreaking in 12 to 15 months. Several grocers have expressed interest in this project, but developers have not confirmed any retail partners.
As cities grapple with issues of sprawl, traffic congestion, and sustainability, transit-oriented developments like River Central offer a glimpse into a more connected, efficient future. By centering community life around transit hubs, these projects promise to reshape not just how we build our cities, but how we live in them.
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River Central: The $2B Transit-oriented development near DFW Airport Factsheet
Project Overview
Name: River Central
Location: Near DFW Airport; Spans both Fort Worth and Grand Prairie, along 3 miles of the Trinity River
Type: Transit-oriented development
Total Value: $2 billion (estimated at full buildout)
Total Site Area: ~400 acres
Developable Area: ~140 acres
Key Features
140-room hotel
120,000 sq ft of office space
56,000 sq ft concert venue
60,000 sq ft of retail space
125 townhomes
1,200 apartments
50 acres of open space
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River Central: Location Details
Located in both Fort Worth and Grand Prairie
Adjacent to the CentrePort Trinity Railway Express station
Approximately 4.8 miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Situated along 3 miles of the Trinity River
The $2B Transit-Oriented Development Near DFW Airport: Development Team
Ken Schaumburg (Schaumburg Architects PC)
David Hasenzahl (Hasen Design Build & Development)
Architecture Firm: Gensler
Project Status
Engineering work: ~80% complete
Current investment: ~$5 million in engineering
Expected groundbreaking: 12-15 months
Read also:ย East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project
