Building in downtown — explained 🏗️

Major projects underway in downtown Fort Worth

We’re breaking down the need-to-know development news. | Photo by @fwlocals

From 70-year-old historic landmarks getting facelifts to hopes of a man-made island in the heart of the city — here’s some downtown development news that caught our eye this week.

Oil & Gas Building 🏭

Then: The building was constructed in 1954 — between Taylor and Throckmorton Streets — in the heart of the Central Business District. The tower shares the same lobby entrance as the former Star-Telegram building, which was originally built in 1929 for The Fair department store. The property has been on the market since 2020.

Now: Dallas-based Bluelofts Inc., announced plans on Monday to convert the 16-story building into 180 residential units with amenities like a community gym and club, co-working space, and restaurants and retail on the ground floor. Residents will utilize the parking garage that backs up to the building. It’s expected to be complete in two years.

Fort Worth National Bank 🏦

Then: Built in 1952, the 16-story structure originally housed the Fort Worth National Bank at 115 W. 7th St. In 1975, Texas Electric Service Company relocated to the building, and after several name changes, officially named the tower Oncor. The building was vacated in 2021.

Now: On Tuesday, Chicago-based 3L Real Estate purchased the 300,000-sqft tower and plans to convert it into apartments. Renovation plans include a new fitness and business center, plus ground floor retail space. Current first floor tenants include The Capital Grille, Little Red Wasp, and Plains Capital Bank.

Panther Island Project 🌊

Then: Last year, the US Army Corps of Engineers allocated $403 million in federal funding for the Central City Flood Control Project along the Trinity River. Future plans include a downtown waterfront entertainment district with restaurants, bars, shopping, and apartments. The development will follow construction of bypass channels to reduce risks of flooding.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR PANTHER ISLAND?

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Friday, Jan. 13

FWSSR Kickoff Party | Friday, Jan. 13 | 3-6 p.m. | Roy Pope Grocery, 2300 Merrick St., Fort Worth | Free | Start the celebrations early with live music from Lonestar Parish, complimentary sangria, and a rodeo box ticket giveaway.
Colter Wall | Friday, Jan. 13 | 6 p.m. | Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth | $51-$423 | Join the Canadian singer for a night of live music in the heart of the Stockyards.

Saturday, Jan. 14

FWSSR All-Western Parade | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 11 a.m. | Stock Show Parade Route, Downtown, Fort Worth | $15-$25 | Grab a front-row seat for the world’s largest western parade featuring 2,000+ horses, stagecoaches, equestrian troops, and marching bands.
TESLA | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 8 p.m. | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $45.95 | The American rock band is singing some of their biggest hits as part of the FWSSR Auditorium Concert Series.

Sunday, Jan. 15

Best of Mexico Celebración | Sunday, Jan. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $65-$75 | Take in the pageantry of folklorico dancers and trick roping, combined with bareback bronc riding and bull riding.

Monday, Jan. 16

38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Rally | Monday, Jan. 16 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston St., Fort Worth | Hosted by the Greater Fort Worth Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee, the parade and rally will highlight community unity, the living hope of Dr. King’s Dream, and a commitment to justice for all humankind.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Bulls’ Night Out Rodeo Pre-Party | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Carter, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | $50-$95 | Join the Carter Society for live music, Heim Barbecue, and craft cocktails by Pop Up Bar — Carter Society members get in free.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

58º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

Civic

City offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All libraries, community centers, and animal services will be closed for the day. Garbage and recycling will remain as scheduled and Trinity Metro will operate on a modified service.

Open

Popular drink company Swig is now open in north Fort Worth at 7004 N. Blue Mound Rd. Utah-based Swig is known for its “Dirty Soda” mixed with flavored syrups and creams. Customers can customize their own drink with 30+ flavor combinations. 🥤

Community

Funkytown has become a major tourist destination and Visit Fort Worth wants to hear your thoughts. Take this survey and share your opinions on local tourism and economic development. Survey respondents will be entered for a chance to win a gift card. 🗳️

Biz

Ariat is now the official boot partner of Dickies Arena. The western clothing brand announced this week that it’s also the official western apparel partner of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Stop by the Ariat store in Mule Alley (128 E. Exchange Ave.) for all your western wear needs. 🏇

Shop

Luxury western brand Kemo Sabe is hosting a nine-day pop up in the Stockyards starting today, Jan. 13-Sunday, Jan. 22. Build the boots of your dreams and personalize the thread, heel height, toe shape, and everything between. Stop by 128 E. Exchange Ave., Ste. 57 to create your own boots. 👢

Number

85°. That’s how warm it was on Wednesday, marking the fifth-warmest January day on record, according to the National Weather Service. The warmest day for DFW was set in 1911 when temps reached 93°. Wondering what the rest of winter will look like? Read our winter weather forecast. ☀️

Finance

From mass layoffs to the pandemic, people realized their jobs are not always secure. That’s why an emergency fund is so important. Work to build an emergency fund that is roughly three to six months of your living expenses, and check these nine items off your list for financial success.*

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Explore the rodeo like never B-4

Our 2023 FWSSR Bingo card

Check off the must-do things at the FWSSR with our Bingo card. | Graphic by FTWtoday

It’s that time of year to get in touch with your inner cowpoke. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is back and has taken over some of the biggest venues with concerts, rodeos, stock shows, and family-friendly entertainment.

We’ve laid out everything you need to know in our guide to the FWSSR — but now you might be asking yourself, where do I even start? That’s where we come in.

We’re introducing our FWSSR Bingo card for some guidance on must-see things at this year’s event.

Here’s how it works ✔️

Click the button below to screenshot and save your Bingo board. Once you’ve complete your card, emails us for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter — bonus points if you yell “Bingo.”

Happy playing, y’all.

DOWNLOAD YOUR BINGO CARD

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rebecca.

Editor’s pick: The Cowboys are playing in the final Monday night game of the season against the Tampa Buccaneers on Jan. 16 — but don’t worry, more football is just around the corner.

The XFL season gets underway next month and tickets to see the Arlington Renegades are now on sale. Catch the home team play the Vegas Vipers on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Choctaw Stadium.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Universal Studios is building a new kid-themed park just 45 minutes from Fort Worth.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rebecca McRobbie, Kate Mazade, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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