The decision by Ron Sturgeon to move his DFW Elite Toy Museum from Haltom City to Fort Worth marks the end of a 50-year business presence in the city, highlighting significant challenges for businesses in Haltom City's aging corridors. Sturgeon, a long-time entrepreneur, faced insurmountable obstacles in finding a suitable new location within Haltom City for his museum, which houses an impressive collection of 3,000 antique automotive toys and over 150 collector cars.
Sturgeon's efforts to relocate within Haltom City were hampered by the city's zoning regulations and parking requirements. The absence of a specific classification for museums in the city's use and parking matrix meant that potential locations were classified as offices, requiring an impractical number of parking spaces. Despite Sturgeon's suggestion to add a museum classification, the city dismissed the idea, leaving him with the option of applying for variances—a process deemed too lengthy and uncertain.
Ultimately, Sturgeon chose to purchase a 150,000 square foot distribution center on I-35 in Fort Worth, where the museum will be renamed DFW Car & Toy Museum and is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2025. This move not only represents a cultural loss for Haltom City but also underscores the broader issues of neglect and decline in the city's south and central areas.
Through his involvement with the Haltom United Business Alliance, Sturgeon has been a vocal advocate for revitalizing Haltom City's aging corridors. His recent offer to fund a $100,000 study by Strong Towns was declined by the city council, which preferred to work with familiar firms despite past studies failing to produce significant improvements.
The relocation of the DFW Elite Toy Museum serves as a critical wake-up call for Haltom City, emphasizing the need for more flexible zoning regulations, enhanced support for small businesses, and a comprehensive plan to revitalize the city's older districts. Without addressing these issues, Haltom City risks further economic decline and the loss of more local businesses to neighboring cities like Fort Worth.
