Fort Worth’s Clearfork proposes $400M expansion anchored by Autobahn luxury dealerships

Jenny Rudolph
·3 min read

Clearfork, the affluent mixed-use development along Chisholm Trail Parkway, plans to double in size as the new home to Autobahn Fort Worth’s luxury car dealerships and more offices, retail and apartments.

The $400 million project, which the developer hopes the city will incentivize, would mean Autobahn’s BMW, Land Rover and other dealerships would relocate from White Settlement Road. The scope of the project would also further cement Clearfork’s dominance as a prime destination for high-end shopping, dining and business.

Clearfork, which opened about five years ago along Edwards Ranch Road, is home to a Neiman Marcus, AMC movie theater and luxury retailers Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. The proposed 25-acre project would be on vacant land on the northeast side of Edwards Ranch Road. Future development could fill another 25 acres.

A $400 million project involves the relocation of Autobahn Fort Worth dealerships from White Settlement Road to Clearfork. Fort Worth Economic Development Department
A $400 million project involves the relocation of Autobahn Fort Worth dealerships from White Settlement Road to Clearfork. Fort Worth Economic Development Department

The Fort Worth City Council is considering up to $22 million in tax incentives for the company behind the development, Cassco Land Co.

Michael Hennig, economic development manager for the city, presented an economic development proposal to the City Council on Tuesday.

Proposed incentives would be used to help assist with the cost of building vehicle service centers and showrooms based around a parking garage, according to Hennig’s presentation. Vehicle space must span 200,000 square feet as part of the proposed agreement.

The Fort Worth City Council is considering up to $22 million in tax incentives to help assist with the cost of building automobile service centers and showrooms based around a parking garage Fort Worth Economic Development Department
The Fort Worth City Council is considering up to $22 million in tax incentives to help assist with the cost of building automobile service centers and showrooms based around a parking garage Fort Worth Economic Development Department

“When looking at large-scale mixed-use projects, having a strong anchor like Autobahn is really key to driving foot traffic and making the development a long-term success,” Hennig told the Star-Telegram.

Autobahn, established in 1980, also has Porsche, Jaguar, Volvo and Volkswagen dealerships.

If approved, development of the project is expected to conclude by the end of 2028. Cassco Land Co. must also develop a 1,750-space parking garage and 350 new apartment units.

At least 15% of the development costs must go to certified business equity firms, owned my women or minorities. Proposed tax incentives are on up to 80% of the developer’s maintenance and operations costs.

The council will vote on the proposed economic development agreement May 23.

The 25-acre project before city council (outlined in red) is only the first half of Clearfork’s long-term development plan. Fort Worth Economic Development Department
The 25-acre project before city council (outlined in red) is only the first half of Clearfork’s long-term development plan. Fort Worth Economic Development Department

The Edwards Ranch Road and Clearfork Main Street site spans 50 acres, meaning the project before council is only the first half of Cassco Land Co.’s long-term development plan. The second phase of the development could bring the project to a total of $800 million to $1 billion.

The city previously approved tax incentives for Cassco Land Co. when Clearfork was first proposed in 2014.

The $300 million mixed-use development was completed in 2018 and is now home to more than 40 retail stores, 16 restaurants, four apartment complexes, walking and biking trails and a Saturday farmer’s market.