Fort Worth is receiving an exciting addition to the downtown area. On November 10, Texas A&M University announced its plans to build and develop a research center in the city. Â
The facility will formally be called the “Texas A&M System Research and Innovation Center.”
It will serve as a hub for collaborations between Fort Worth industries and research, education, and workforce training in the A&M system. Last week, a non-binding memorandum was signed to allow further development and planning in the coming months.  Â
Construction on the research center could start as early as Summer 2022, with the first two buildings costing between $250 million to $300 million.  Â
The 2020 Census showed that Fort Worth’s population grew to nearly one million residents, but almost half of the county’s residents aged 25 years and older lack a college degree. The Census also showed that one in four county households has an annual income below $30,000.  Â
Civic leaders in Fort Worth are hoping to turn those numbers around through the initiatives that Texas A&M will bring to the community.
“Fort Worth is the ideal landing place for Texas A&M to expand its brand and anchor a hub for innovation. Our city is ready to be the home of these opportunities for life-changing workforce development and world-changing research.” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “It is truly ‘go-time’ in Fort Worth, and the role that this project will have in the revitalization of the Fort Worth convention center district to spur business and job growth is a prime example of that.”   Â
The A&M Research and Innovation Center will bring a diverse selection of studies. So far, these studies will include emergency response communication, medical technologies, advanced manufacturing, nutrition, biotechnology, medical laboratory science, and nursing.  Â
“The A&M System is making a Texas-sized commitment to Fort Worth,” Chancellor John Sharp said. “Welcome to Aggieland North.”  Â
