Texas Christian University and its development partner Endeavor Real Estate Group broke ground last month on a transformative project — one of the first developments inspired by the Fort Worth, Texas, university’s campus master plan. Two apartment-style buildings will add sophisticated residential amenities and retail space to the college campus.
In mid-April, TCU announced a partnership agreement with Austin-based Endeavor to build a dynamic, mixed-use development on the southern edge of campus. The project supports goals outlined in the university’s LEAD ON: Values in Action strategic plan and campus master plan, including a focus on expanding housing to support intentional student-centered growth.
Today, the first phase of that partnership moves forward, beginning with the construction of two structures, located at 2900 W. Berry St. and 3024 Cockrell Ave. Together, the new buildings will add a total of 780 beds of Class A+, highly amenitized housing, as well as approximately 25,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space by the fall 2027 semester.
Given W. Berry St.’s crucial role as the main thoroughfare most people use to arrive at TCU, the combination of uses in the first and future phases – featuring a total of 35 planned structures – will ultimately create a new “gateway” to campus as well as a thriving “urban village” that both students and the community at large will be able to enjoy.
“This phase of campus development reflects our long-term commitment to providing an environment where students thrive—academically, socially and personally,” said Daniel W. Pullin, president of TCU. “By thoughtfully expanding our physical spaces and deepening community partnerships, we are not only enhancing the TCU experience, but reinforcing our role as a nationally recognized university rooted in purpose and impact.”
Phase One: Elevating Upperclassmen Living
Endeavor now kicks off the first phase – a vibrant, mixed-use development on the southern edge of campus. It includes two new, luxury apartment-style residences along West Berry St. that will deliver housing for upper-division students and retail space to the college campus.
The name of the first phase is Morado on Berry. Morado means purple in Spanish, with the full name being a nod to TCU’s iconic color as well as the property’s refined and vibrant living experience. The housing will be built in a manner that’s fully on par with modern, upscale apartments, yet tailored towards students with sophisticated sensibilities.
“The design fosters a hospitality-oriented environment – and creates a series of spaces to encourage academic success, a sense of community and health and wellness,” said Jake Newman, principal with Endeavor. Newman spearheads the development firm’s new student housing platform. “With Morado on Berry and future phases, we’re creating a connected, urban village that blends upscale student living with curated retail, thoughtful public spaces, and architecture that honors both the university and surrounding community.”
Morado on Berry will offer fully furnished apartments for upper-division and graduate students. The units will be available to rent by-the-bedroom, with each resident having both a private residence and bathroom. In-residence amenities include modern kitchens and laundry rooms. Residential types will include studios, as well as anywhere from two to five bedrooms, offering students a range of housing options and price points.
Building-wide amenities include everything a person would expect from a Class A+ community, including a sophisticated lobby, fitness center with a Pilates studio, rooftop pool and deck, as well as a variety of gathering spaces. There’s a jumbotron at the pool deck and many opportunities to gather and cheer for the Horned Frogs. For a quiet time, there are both group and private study rooms. For moments in between, there’s a social lounge located just off the pool deck with billiards and other games to bring students together. The seventh level provides a nice outdoor living room equipped with outdoor cooking facilities, with rooftop views back to the TCU main campus.
Endeavor also plans to carefully curate which retailers occupy the ground floor spaces to ensure they further enhance both TCU and the City of Fort Worth’s goal of further transforming Berry St. into a vibrant corridor, including a high concentration of food and beverage options that enhances the TCU experience and the surrounding area. Additionally, special attention is being paid to how both residents and the community will interact with the street and connection to the campus. A large, inviting courtyard, three paseos, and arches that advance the walking journey and trail network will be added as part of the first phase.
Additional Morado on Berry team members include:
· A real estate fund advised by Crow Holdings Capital – investment partner.
· American Campus Communities – marketing, leasing and property management.
· RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP) – architecture.
· Lake|Flato – design.
· The Beck Group – construction manager.
· OHT Partners – general contractor.
· Kimley-Horn – civil engineer.
