FREDERICKSBURG, Texas – After more than 14 years, the City of Fredericksburg has officially ended its lease agreement with the Former Texas Rangers Foundation (FTRF), citing unfulfilled commitments. The decision was made during a city council meeting on Tuesday, February 4, marking the conclusion of a long-standing partnership.
Why the Lease Agreement Ended
In 2011, the city leased 12 acres of land to the Former Texas Rangers Foundation for just $1 per year under a 380 Economic Development Agreement. As part of the deal, the Foundation was required to develop the property within seven years, which they managed to complete.
However, the second phase of the project, originally estimated at $13 million but later rising to $20 million, never materialized—largely due to financial setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. After several attempts to reach a resolution, Fredericksburg officials decided it was time to part ways.
“This action by the council is simply holding the Former Texas Rangers Foundation accountable for their obligations under a contract they sought with the City in 2011,” said Mayor Jeryl Hoover in an official statement. “The land they’ve occupied belongs to the citizens of Fredericksburg. They failed to produce what they agreed to, and after 14 years, it’s time to part ways.”
Council’s Decision and Next Steps
The Fredericksburg City Council took several actions to finalize the lease termination:
September 2023 – The city issued a 90-day default notice, requesting a response from the Foundation. However, the Foundation did not reply.
January 2024 – The council requested an accounting of public funds provided to the Foundation, but again, no response was received.
February 4, 2024 – The council voted against a 14-day lease extension requested by the Foundation.
February 5, 2024 – The lease officially ended, and the Foundation began vacating the property.
According to Fredericksburg Public Information Officer Sean Doerre, the Foundation is no longer a tenant, and the city has no immediate plans for the 12-acre site.
The Financial Impact of the Project
The Former Texas Rangers Foundation had already invested about $8 million into the first phase of the project, but financial difficulties prevented them from moving forward with phase two. The cost of the second phase increased to roughly $20 million, making it even harder for the nonprofit to proceed.
Despite their investment, the Foundation did not fulfill all its commitments under the original agreement, leading to the lease termination.
City’s Future Plans for the Property
At this time, Fredericksburg officials have not announced any plans for the property. However, the council has taken steps to protect the city’s interests and ensure the land is properly maintained moving forward.
The decision marks the end of a 14-year partnership, but it also opens the door for new opportunities to utilize the property in a way that benefits the community.
The termination of the lease between Fredericksburg and the Former Texas Rangers Foundation highlights the city’s commitment to holding organizations accountable for their agreements. While the Foundation had made progress, its failure to complete the second phase ultimately led to the council’s decision.
As Fredericksburg moves forward, the future of the 12-acre site remains uncertain, but the city is focused on ensuring that it serves the best interests of its residents.
