06.28.2023

Today’s Forecast

106º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:22 a.m. | Sunset 8:41 p.m.

Closing the curtains at Berry Theater

Historic Berry Theater could be demolished for a new medical clinic

The single-screened theater was originally named for M.S. White, a film salesman who built the theater and ran the Dal-Sec Theater in Dallas. | Photo by Historic Fort Worth Inc.

The 82-year-old Berry Theater in south Fort Worth could soon be demolished to make room for a new medical clinic.

The owner — healthcare provider Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth — applied for a demolition permit for the building after determining it was too expensive to refurbish.

A chance for restoration

Back in 2019, the theater was the focus of restoration efforts, including a $1.8 million plan backed by the city with a tax abatement agreement.

The restoration never happened and Mercy Clinic acquired the property in 2021 from Berry Theatre LLC. The clinic was founded in 2011 and provides free medical care to lower socioeconomic and uninsured patients in the 76110 and 76104 zip codes.

The clinic had hopes of building a state-of-the-art medical and dental facility on the adjacent lot and using the theater as a hub for community ministries.

Despite high hopes, the theater has been vacant for years, oftentimes being used as a shelter for those experiencing homelessness.

A look back in time

Berry Theater — originally named the White Theater — was built in the early 1940s at the intersection of West Berry and Hemphill Streets. The three-story building originally contained 682 seats, a balcony, a stage house, and a free-standing box office.

By the early 1960s, the theater began screening Spanish-language movies, and in 1962, it was renamed Teatro Berry. Sadly, by the 1970s, the building fell into despair.

Despite the theater being listed five times as one of Fort Worth’s most endangered places, it’s not currently designated as a historic landmark.

What the community is saying

When the news of the demolition broke over the weekend, community members voiced their opinion on social media, saying:

“Make an apartment in the front area, and then create parking inside for a mechanic shop, or other business…adaptive reuse.”
“It would be nice if those with an interest could take a quick guided tour before it’s razed.”
“Save the sign.”

Asked

Let’s play: Be the broker

Whether it’s restoring the theater back to its original glory or renovating the space for something new, we want to hear what you think should happen with the historic theater.

Let your voice be heard

Events

Wednesday, June 28

Texas Rangers | Wednesday, June 28 | 7:05 p.m. | Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr., Arlington | $22-$473 | The Detroit Tigers will play the Rangers in the final game of a three-game series.
June Signature Screening | Wednesday, June 28 | 7:30 p.m. | The Stage West Theatre, 821 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth | Free | Join the Fort Worth Film Club for a screening of the 1969 Japanese drama “Funeral Parade of Roses.”

Thursday, June 29

Bookish: “Washington Black” | Thursday, June 29 | 6-8 p.m. | The Carter, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | Free | The book club will begin with a guided tour of “Emancipation: The Unfinished Project of Liberation” before diving into a discussion about the book, “Washington Black” by Esi Edugyan.
Summer Sanctuary Series | Thursday, June 29 | 6-9 p.m. | Loot Rentals, 3221 Lawnwood St., Fort Worth | $59 | Join Jungle Studio Fitness + Loot Rentals for guided meditation, yoga flow, and sound bath, followed by drinks from The Holly and Tepetán.

Friday, June 30

Hot Sounds of Summer Concert Series | Friday, June 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza in Old Town, 141 W. Renfro St., Burleson | Free | Bring your own chairs and blankets for an evening of live music from Andrew Sevener.

Saturday, July 1

Drawing the Garden: Pollinator Pathway | Saturday, July 1 | 9-11 a.m. | Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth | $30-$35 | Register today for this monthly drawing class that offers lessons in mastering line, form, shading, and composition in the beauty and tranquility of our gardens.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Real Estate

🏡 Williams Trew presents FTW Neighborhoods Guide: Lake Weatherford

View of Lake Weatherford Boardwalk shaded by trees. — Lake Weatherford is a ~30-minute drive from Fort Worth.
|
Photo by Betty @texaninwanderlust

The final stop on our FTW Neighborhoods Guide finds us walking around Lake Weatherford. Join us for a tour of this popular summer spot.

Need to know
Lake Weatherford is located 19 miles from downtown Fort Worth. The lake itself has a surface area of 1,158 acres and a maximum depth of ~39 feet.

Residents can enjoy:

Boating
Wakeboarding
Water skiing
Fishing for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, channel catfish + sunfish

Can’t miss
The Boardwalk at Lake Weatherford is a must-visit. Home to the country’s longest floating boardwalk (at just under a mile long), The Boardwalk connects East Lake Drive to West Lake Drive across the water.

During the day visitors and residents alike can bird watch, read a book, fish, or take in the serene atmosphere on one of the benches sprinkled throughout the trail.

Read on to discover more can’t-miss spots + recs from Williams Trew Real Estate.

We’re going to Lake Weatherford

News Notes

Announced

The upcoming Crescent Hotel in the Cultural District will feature a Mediterranean restaurant led by Fort Worth chef Preston Paine. Called Emelia’s, the restaurant will offer morning espressos, afternoon hors d’oeuvre, and a special dinner menu. Reservations for the hotel are now open for stays beginning in September.

Closed

The Disney Animation: Immersive Experience in Dallas abruptly shut down two months ahead of schedule. Last week, Lighthouse Immersive announced that the exhibit closed with no further explanation. Ticketholders will receive a full refund. (WFAA)

Real Estate

One of the most talked about castles in Texas will be up for auction on Thursday, July 20. The four-bedroom Cottonland Castle in Waco was renovated by Chip and Joanna Gaines. The renovation of the castle was highlighted on Magnolia Network’s “Fixer Upper: The Castle” in 2022.

Eat

Curly’s Frozen Custard will hand out 200+ hot dogs on Tuesday, July 4 to celebrate 21 years of service. This is the third year in a row the ice cream shop has handed out free hot dogs to customers. Stop by at 11 a.m. at 4017 Camp Bowie Blvd. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Trending

A familiar blue flame sign is back on top of the Fort Worth City Hall Annex. Lone Star Blue Gas removed the sign in 2018 for restoration, and it appears to be back to its original glory. You can see it glowing at 908 Monroe St.

Stat

The Dallas-Fort Worth metro could surpass the population of New York City by the year 2100. A new analysis conducted by moveBuddha suggests that the population of the area could reach 33.91 million residents in the next 77 years. The report looked at census data from 2010 and 2020.

Travel

Dreaming of a trip abroad this summer? Babbel offers lesson plans for 14 different languages spoken throughout the world. Prep for the trip of your dreams with bite-sized, 10-minute lessons that will help you start speaking a new language in just three weeks.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Shop

Looking to support small businesses? Shop our online store, Six & Main, for all of your summer essentials.

Shop now

Answered

Here’s something to ap-peach-iate — the popular Parker County Peach Festival is next Saturday, July 8, so we’re helping you make plans for all those delicious peaches.

City Editor Rebecca, here. Last week, I told y’all I had a plethora of peaches from my parent’s peach tree + was on the hunt to find the perfect summer recipe.

Here are a few refreshing suggestions recommended by readers:

From Amy B.

Peach sorbet | When I went to the Peach Fest in Weatherford a few years ago I ended up making a peach sorbet that was so easy, refreshing, and a delicious summer treat. This is the recipe I used.

From Leigh M.

Grilled peaches | Topped with prosciutto or burrata with a balsamic reduction and/or good olive oil drizzled on top
Peach granita | Made with sugar, water, lemon juice, and fresh peaches
Puff pastry | Layered with sliced peaches and cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top
Peach salad | Made with arugula, feta, sliced peaches, and olive oil

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rebecca

From the editor

Thank you to the readers who sent in their favorite summer peach recipes. With the unbearable Texas heat, I’m going to try the peach sorbet recipe first as a treat after a long, hot day.

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