FORT WORTH, Texas (April 2, 2019) – Read Fort Worth is receiving a special $20,000 donation from the Jackson-Shaw Foundation on Wednesday, April 3 as part of the AC Hotel Fort Worth kick-off event at the Fort Worth Main Street Visitor Center (508 Main St.) at 10:30 a.m.

**Media is invited to attend the kick-off event from 10:30-11:30 a.m. FWISD Superintendent Kent P. Scribner is scheduled to attend. Media please RSVP to Art Garcia or Randy Pruett above.**

"We're grateful for the support from the Jackson Shaw Foundation," Read Fort Worth Executive Director Anel Mercado said. "This generous gift is instrumental in our mission to ensure that 100 percent of Fort Worth third-graders are reading on grade level by 2025."

Fort Worth ISD’s early literacy initiative – called 100X25FWTX – sets a goal of 100 percent of third-graders reading on grade level or above by the year 2025. Superintendent Kent P. Scribner is partnering with Mayor Betsy Price and BNSF Executive Chairman Matt Rose to lead the community-wide Read Fort Worth initiative.

Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate development company headquartered in North Texas, commenced in February construction on the 252-room, 16-story AC Hotel Fort Worth in downtown Fort Worth. When the property opens in the fall of 2020, it will be the first AC Hotel by Marriott to debut in Tarrant County, Texas, offering travelers both a thoughtful approach to design and intuitive, elevated guest service. The hotel is rising on the

southwest corner of Fifth and Main Street, adjacent to the historical art deco Kress Building, and only minutes away from wonderful restaurants, entertainment, shopping and night life options.

“We believe the hotel’s classic modern design, with its European soul and Spanish roots, will strongly complement the distinctive legacy and stylish sensibilities of downtown Fort Worth,” says Michele Wheeler, Jackson-Shaw president and chief operating officer. “Our company has deep roots in Tarrant County, including our Parc North urban industrial development and Chisholm Springs residential development. So, we’re thrilled that the AC Hotel will soon be part of Fort Worth’s vibrant cultural scene with its world-class performance venues, theaters, art galleries and festivals.”

AC Hotel Fort Worth will provide a hospitality experience entirely new to the city. The shape, the rhythm and the beauty of the details represent a fusion of flavors that create the perfect moment for visitors. The hotel will include modern guest rooms and public spaces designed with sleek furnishings, curated art installations and intuitive technology elements – as well as rooftop meeting space.

“Jackson-Shaw’s AC Hotel Fort Worth will be a great addition to our incredible downtown,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. “As a community that celebrates our rich arts and culture scene, we are excited for the unique experience AC Hotel will provide visitors, with curated art installations and a vibrant atmosphere.”

About Read Fort Worth

Read Fort Worth exists to provide unique, actionable data; to organize and align partners under the shared 100x25 goal; to develop strategies for significant improvement, and to communicate best practices and drive results. For more information, visit www.ReadFortWorth.org.

About Fort Worth ISD

Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse student population – more than 86,000! — and strong community partnerships. Under the leadership of the superintendent and the Board of Education, the District is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign, transform, and revitalize Fort Worth ISD Schools.

About Jackson Shaw

Jackson-Shaw, a national real estate development company headquartered in North Texas, has 46 years of experience developing diversified real estate properties mixing practical experience with vigorous entrepreneurship. The company has developed more than 60 million square feet since its founding which include a variety of project types, including hospitality, industrial and residential development. Diverse markets Jackson-Shaw currently develops within include Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Jacksonville and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.jacksonshaw.com.