Fort Worth’s City Hall and Council Chamber are ready for their big reveal, with a ribbon cutting scheduled on Tuesday, March 25. They have always been separated from the city’s specific departments, which were housed in 13 aging office buildings scattered around downtown. The Pier One headquarters and campus provided the opportunity to consolidate city services under one roof ― and an epic adaptive reuse of an existing building.
The space has now been completely transformed, bringing the city’s departments together for the first time, and the icing on the cake is its new state-of-the-art Council Chamber that will celebrate its ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 25.
Fort Worth’s new City Hall was originally built by Pier One Corporation in 2004. The 20-story tower was designed by Duda Paine Architects of Durham, North Carolina. After Pier One closed in 2020, it left behind a gorgeous shell but an underutilized office space.
BOKA Powell Architects was selected to serve as prime architect, architect of record, and interior designer of record for the tower as well as architect of record for the parking garage addition. BOKA Powell worked with BSW Architects, headquartered in Dallas, who served as the design architect and architect of record on the Council Chamber building. Construction on the project was completed by Fort Worth-based Linbeck Group, with Houston-based Athenian Group serving as program manager.
The groundbreaking of Fort Worth’s City Hall and Council Chamber took place in September of 2022. While the main building welcomed city leadership and the move-in of city departments in the second half of 2024, the brand-new addition of the Council Chamber is now complete and ready for its big reveal, hosting the first-ever Council meeting in the new digs.
Ribbon Cutting & Reflections
“Fort Worth is preparing to mark a significant milestone with the grand opening of its newly designed Council Chamber,” according to a release. “This highly anticipated event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, will celebrate the City’s commitment to modernized governance and enhanced public experience.”
Scheduled to begin at noon, following the first official Council meeting in the new chamber, guests will transition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Current and former city leaders will reflect on this new symbol of Fort Worth and how it positions the city, which is now the 12th largest in the nation and the fourth largest in the state of Texas.
Speakers will include:
- Former Mayor Betsy Price ― will reflect on Fort Worth’s history and the chamber’s role in the City’s operations.
- Mayor Mattie Parker ― will speak about the chamber’s future and the opportunities ahead.
- Former City Manager David Cooke ― will provide insights on the chamber’s impact on City operations.
- City Manager Jay Chapa ― will conclude with thoughts on this new chapter for Fort Worth’s leadership.
Guests at the ribbon cutting are encouraged to park in the front of the building, as well as in the back surface lot off Forest Park, to ensure smooth access for all guests.
Intentional Design of Fort Worth’s City Hall and Council Chamber
“This event is more than just a ribbon-cutting — it is a celebration of Fort Worth’s growth and commitment to civic engagement,” the city says. “The new Council Chamber represents a forward-thinking space designed to serve the City’s residents for years to come.”
The newly constructed Council Chamber includes 250 seats, with an airy rather than enclosed feel, thanks to its walls of windows taking in the skyline views, perched under its striking geometric pine wood canopy on the second floor. Council workshops and break-our rooms are housed on the lower level.
The continued growth of Fort Worth will depend upon the coordination and effectiveness of its city departments and services, and the new Council Chamber will provide a state-of-the-art venue for city leaders to interact with their constituents.
Every detail of the design took the citizens into account, including raising the podium for public speakers from its lowered perch in the “well” of the former City Hall. The new Council Chamber allows residents to communicate with their leaders at eye level, which is less intimidating and more conducive to productive interactions.
Other intentional details include modernized and enhanced technology, as well as advanced security features, and AV solutions for the building.
It is not only a workplace and municipal center for public services, Fort Worth’s City Hall and Council Chamber also provide a modern and more welcoming environment for Fort Worth residents, including its expansive lawn space, which was designed for their use as an inviting green space.
“The adjacent plaza and green spaces ensure accessibility and encourage community gatherings,” the city says. “Inspired by the concept of ‘The Porch,’ the new chamber will serve as the City’s unofficial ‘front porch,’ a place for community engagement and civic participation.”
The new Fort Worth City Hall and Council Chamber set the city up for success, “providing flexibility for growth for the next 50 years.”