A major milestone for the Rosedale Renaissance projects was reached on April 14, 2015, when the top-most steel beams of the new Texas Wesleyan University clock tower were hoisted into place.

The Canafax Clock Tower, at 83 feet, is the tallest structure in South East Fort Worth.

In a ceremony on the lawn of the School of Business, President Frederick G. Slabach and Chairman of the Board Beverly Volkman Powell, expressed gratitude and thanks to the University's building partners, Bennett Benner Partners, Byrne Construction Services and their subcontractors, for working tirelessly to make the projects a reality.

"We are here today to recognize and give thanks to our building partners for their hard work and commitment to the Rosedale Renaissance," President Slabach said. "These projects are the beginning of our long-term vision for Texas Wesleyan and our community."

City of Fort Worth councilwoman and Texas Wesleyan board of trustees member Kelly Allen Gray reflected on the importance of the project for the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood and for all of Fort Worth.

Bishop Mike Lowry of the United Methodist Church led the crowd in a blessing of the construction site. Bishop Lowry and his staff will move their offices to the new UMC Central Texas Conference Service Center located across the street from the clock tower.

"We are absolutely delighted that Bishop Lowry and Central Texas Conference have decided to move to our neighborhood," Powell said. "We will continue to partner together in the further development of South East Fort Worth."

In addition to the new clock tower, the Rosedale Renaissance projects include:

• A new entry way surrounding the clock tower, which will serve as a "front door" to the University and include a reflecting pool and visitor parking
• The United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference Service Center, which will also be home to the bishop's offices
• The renovation of the Polytechnic Firehouse, which will be home to the art department
• A $1.8 million investment in the streets adjacent to campus that leverages $32 million in street improvements along East Rosedale. Texas Wesleyan has collaborated with the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to make this transformation happen, and this public-private partnership has been vital to the success of the project.

Last fall, the University acquired storefront property on East Rosedale between Binkley St. and Vaughn Blvd. Part of the former shopping center will be used for academic programming and part will be leased for retail use.

The projects are expected to complete this summer. Planning for a larger, University-wide buildings dedication is underway for early in the 2015-16 academic year, to coincide with the University's 125-year anniversary celebration.

The Rosedale Renaissance is part of Texas Wesleyan's 2020 Vision — a strategic plan set forth by President Slabach that clearly identifies the University mission and goals.