Historic commission recommends 'highly significant endangered' overlay for former TXU power plant

The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission voted 7-0 on Feb. 9 to recommend that City Council consider adding a “highly significant endangered” overlay to the former TXU power plant at 411 North Main Street.

Staff told commissioners the Beaux-Arts power plant, constructed between 1911 and 1913, was a primary source of electric power for nearly 40 years and retains significant architectural features despite deferred maintenance. Staff said the building has been vacant since 2004, has suffered water intrusion, broken windows, and cracking masonry, and faces redevelopment pressure from nearby projects such as Panther Island and downtown revitalization. The staff report recommended using the Secretary of the Interior standards to evaluate any future work.

Jerry Tracy, executive director of Historic Fort Worth, spoke in support of the designation, saying the organization had long advocated for the building and that listing the plant as endangered helps give the community permission to discuss preservation. Pam Anglin, chief financial officer of Tarrant County College, outlined the college’s stewardship: the property was advertised for sale, TCC installed a six-foot fence with razor wire and hired a security firm, and the site has undergone environmental remediation and a structural assessment. Anglin said the college had incurred ongoing upkeep costs and estimated recent security and maintenance at about $200,000 a year.

“Last spring, a group broke into the site late at night, and subsequently, a young woman tragically lost her life. She fell to her death,” Anglin said, describing safety and security concerns that have shaped TCC’s approach to the site.

Commissioner Graham Brisendine moved the recommendation; Vice Chair Kelly Gardner seconded. The vote was recorded as unanimous, 7-0. The commission’s recommendation sends the matter to City Council for final action.

The commission’s action is advisory to City Council; if council accepts the recommendation the overlay would ask that future changes follow federal treatment standards for historic properties. Staff noted a site visit was conducted in October 2025 and recommended a full structural assessment before any redevelopment decisions.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for consideration. The commission did not adopt any binding restrictions itself; the overlay and any regulatory effect would require later council review.