Future Downtown Library

Plans and Updates

Architectural History

This six-story building was designed in the Georgian Revival style by Wyatt C. Hedrick. It has a concrete frame and a basement level. Built around 1928 by Thomas S. Byrne, Inc., it was first used as an Elks Lodge. The first and second floors had meeting rooms, and the third through fifth floors had hotel rooms. In the 1950s, the YWCA bought the building. They used the upper floors for housing and the lower floors for daycare, offices, and events.

Design and Construction

This project will be built in steps as more funding becomes available. Phase 1 will include the main entrance, basement, and first floor. The second floor has a small theater and stage. To use this space for future events, we will need to add new technology. More phases will be planned as the project moves forward.

Downtown Library History

• The first Fort Worth Public Library was built in 1901 from a grant from Andrew Carnegie and support from local residents. 
• By 1928, the City had outgrown the building. A new library was planned, built and opened in 1939.
• By 1972, voters approved another new library, but legal delays pushed construction to 1975. Because of high inflation and lost funds, the City built an underground Central Library at 500 W. 3rd Street. 
• In 1995, a street-level floor was added with gallery space, a children's area and offices for City staff. The expansion was finalized in 1999, but much of the new space stayed empty and was not open to the public. 

Recently:

• In 2019, the Fort Worth Public Library hired experts to create a Facility Master Plan.  This plan found problems with the Central Library's condition. Some low-cost fixed were made using the Library's regular budget.
• In 2022, the City of Fort Worth, committed to transforming this downtown area, began a plan to improve the space. They hired the firm JLL to sell the 2.32-acre library site and find a developer. 
• In 2023, the property at 500 W. 3rd Street was sold to DART Interests. The City then began looking for a better long-term home for the Downtown Library.
• After the Central Library closed, a temporary Downtown Express location opened in March 2024 to keep serving the community.
• In November 2024, the City of Fort Worth bought the historic building at 512 W. 4th Street for $6.455M. About $6.5M from the sale of the old site will be used to renovate the new one.
• The former tenant moved out in May 2025. This allowed the City to begin hiring a design and construction team to start the project.

Opportunities

Individuals or organizations interested in learning more about how to financially support the library can contact the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation.