Fort Worth — A major parking project is under way in the historic Stockyards district. M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family, in partnership with Parking Systems of America, began construction on a $14 million, four‑and‑a‑half‑story structured garage at the corner of Ellis Avenue and NW 25th Street on Oct. 8.
Project details and community impact
The new garage will replace an existing surface lot adjacent to M.L. Leddy’s, one of the most heavily used parking areas in the district. When completed, the structure will provide approximately 246 additional parking spaces, raising parking availability on the west side of the Stockyards by roughly 32 percent. Construction is slated to begin within weeks, with the goal of opening the facility as the Stockyards continues to grow.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a milestone for M.L. Leddy’s, the Franklin family and the entire Stockyards community,” said Mark Dunlap, general manager of M.L. Leddy’s. “For more than 85 years, M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family have invested in this district with a deep respect for its history and character. This project reflects that same commitment by adding thoughtful parking capacity that supports visitors, businesses and nearby neighborhoods as the Stockyards continue to grow.”
Why the garage is needed
A 2023 City of Fort Worth Stockyards Traffic Study identified severe overcapacity and circulation issues in the core, especially along Ellis Avenue, Exchange Avenue and NW 25th Street. The district draws about 10 million visitors annually, making parking a critical concern. The study found that most streets in the Stockyards core operate above the desired 85 percent parking capacity, underscoring the need for additional structured parking.
Related development news in Fort Worth
While the Stockyards garage moves forward, other significant business developments are occurring across Fort Worth. Hammond Power Solutions, a major North‑American manufacturer of dry‑type transformers, announced plans to establish a new manufacturing plant in Fort Worth. The company expects to invest roughly $35.2 million in the initial production phase, with construction beginning in the fourth quarter of 2027 and full production anticipated in early 2028. The plant will serve U.S. customers requiring large standard and custom‑engineered transformers, supporting data centers, the energy sector and commercial construction.
In industrial real‑estate news, LanCarte Commercial completed the sale of an 18,500‑square‑foot building at 1420 Markum Ranch Road to longtime tenant Universal Systems. The transaction reflects a broader shift toward ownership among industrial property owners, a trend highlighted by a record $12.6 billion annualized owner‑user sales volume in Q2 2026.
Other notable transactions include the sale of Tarrant West Plaza on S. Cherry Lane to 10 Federal, and the acquisition by Mansfield‑based TA Services of the assets and operations of Carmen Pacheco Transportation and Interload Forwarding. TA Services’ purchase adds trucking assets, five warehouses totaling more than 550,000 square feet and a 10‑acre truck yard, expanding its cross‑border capabilities in El Paso and Laredo.
Local insurance and transportation sector growth
Fort Worth insurance, financial services and employee benefits firm Higginbotham has elevated its transportation specialty practice to full division status. Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid explained that the move will allow greater investment in transportation‑specific staff, services and industry initiatives, helping the firm meet the evolving legal, insurance and operational challenges faced by trucking companies, freight brokers and insurers.
“Transportation insurance is a highly specialized business,” Reid said. “The claims, legal environments, insurance markets and operating risks are different. This team knows what they’re doing, deeply. And that gives us a tremendous ability to keep serving our clients — and keep growing.”
Looking ahead
The new Stockyards garage is expected to ease congestion, improve visitor experience and support the district’s continued growth as a national tourist destination. City officials and business leaders alike see the project as a tangible example of private investment aligning with community needs, reinforcing Fort Worth’s reputation for thoughtful development that respects local heritage while addressing modern demands.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
