Poly Main Street unveils new logo, new community vision

Poly Main Street unveils new logo, new community vision

Published on June 26, 2026

The Polytechnic Heights Main Street program has a new look and an updated vision for its neighborhood's future.

Earlier this week, organizers and community stakeholders gathered at Lou's Place on the Texas Wesleyan University campus to celebrate this milestone with lunch and a logo reveal. The event was sponsored by Southside Bank.

Poly Main Street is one of Fort Worth's two Main Street America pilot districts focused on enhancing economic vitality, improving the built environment, and celebrating the neighborhood's unique history and identity using Main Street's Four Point Approach.

President of Texas Wesleyan University Dr. Emily Messer provided welcoming remarks, and Councilmembers Chris Nettles (District 8) and Jeanette Martinez (District 11) were on hand to unveil the program's new logo, since the Polytechnic Heights community is part of both council districts.

"Celebrating this logo is important," Nettles said. "It represents where we've been, but also where we're going."

"Progress doesn't mean erasing the past," Martinez added. "It means honoring our history, our culture and our roots, and celebrating them for decades to come."

The organization's new logo features several local landmarks, including the iconic Texas Wesleyan clocktower, the Poly Theater and the classical columns of Polytechnic High School.

And while the Poly community has seen its share of challenges over the years, Dr. Dwala Chandler - Texas Wesleyan's director of service learning and the manager of Poly Main Street - remains focused on the opportunities and the potential that lies ahead.

As she noted at the beginning of her presentation: "Every Main Street started somewhere."

Building momentum

Chandler highlighted two key commercial corridors that will be the focus of Poly Main Street's revitalization efforts:

• East Rosedale Street (from Ayers Avenue to Beach Street) serves as a gateway to both Polytechnic Heights and the Texas Wesleyan campus, and functions as a major commercial and transportation route. It offers numerous opportunities for economic growth, beautification, and storefront activations.
• Vaughn Boulevard (from East Rosedale Street to Highway 287) is also a critical neighborhood connector that can benefit from placemaking initiatives, pedestrian enhancements, and other quality-of-life improvements to help showcase the history and unique character of the Polytechnic Heights community.

Through aligned efforts across both corridors, Poly Main Street is working to create a vibrant, mixed-use district that fosters entrepreneurship, celebrates the neighborhood's identity and traditions, and supports generational growth - a welcoming place where residents, businesses and visitors can thrive, build prosperity and enjoy a high quality of life.

Get involved

Ultimately, Chandler noted, revitalization begins with people. "When people feel proud of where they live and come together in collaboration, incredible things happen."

And people are showing up to support Poly Main Street - through numerous business mixers, workshops, volunteer activities and networking events. Not only has the program established its executive board and advisory board, but Chandler has also launched a community-based project management course at Texas Wesleyan to give college students a chance to work directly with neighborhood stakeholders and gain valuable hands-on experience in community development.

Additionally, residents and local business owners are encouraged to get involved and stay connected to the effort through community meetings, public engagement sessions, and by volunteering at neighborhood events. Upcoming opportunities will be shared on Poly Main Street's Facebook and Instagram channels, and a new webpage will be coming soon.

Finally, Chandler shared several renderings that represent possibilities of where Polytechnic Heights could be headed in the future - "not promises of what will happen tomorrow, but of what can be achieved over time, and a reminder that transformation is possible."

"Together, small actions create lasting change," Chandler concluded. "So Poly - this logo, this vision and this future belongs to you."

Photo at top: Councilmembers Chris Nettles and Jeanette Martinez unveil the new logo for the Poly Main Street revitalization initiative.

Photo: Dr. Dwala Chandler and Dr. Emily Messer, president of Texas Wesleyan University, with the new logo for Poly Main Street.

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