11.06.2023

Today’s Forecast

82º | Partly cloudy | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 5:34 p.m.

Rounded buildings are all the rage

What’s a Quonset hut — and why are they all over Fort Worth?

Originally military housing, Quonset huts were easily adaptable for agriculture, like this 1952 storage building in Crowley. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries

While high-profile developments are rising all over the city with soaring heights and swanky glass curtain walls, humble metal buildings are making a comeback. We’re diving into the history of Quonset huts and why they are so prevalent in Cowtown.

What’s a Quonset hut?

The semi-circular metal buildings were first developed in 1941 by the George Fuller construction company for the US Navy. The form got its name from the location of its first Naval station: Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center at Quonset Point, Rhode Island.

Modeled after the WWI Nissen hut, the light-weight corrugated steel was easy to mass produce and quick to assemble, making them popular shelters for military personnel. Another bonus, the buildings can be quickly disassembled and transported.

Photo of cattle pens in a parking lot outside of the Will Rogers Memorial Center. — The vaults of the Livestock Exhibits barns are shallower than traditional Quonset huts.
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Photo by FTWtoday

Why did Quonset huts come to Cowtown?

Due to their low cost, durability, and versatility, Quonset huts rose in architectural popularity — and not just for military buildings. They made quick barns for farming and ranching communities like Fort Worth.

Built in 1948, the Livestock Exhibits Buildings at Will Rogers Memorial Center use a modified Quonset hut-style with a ventilation clerestory — those windows along the ridge line — added at the top of the vault.

The PS 1200 development is located in the Near Southside. — The PS1200 development is located in the Near Southside. | Renderings provided by Marlon Blackwell

Where can you see them now?

PS1200 | 1200 Sixth Ave.
The new Prince Concepts development in the Near Southside features eight, two-story Quonset huts.

Quonset Ballroom | 2608 W. Dickson St.
The 4,000-sqft metal shed used to house a lawn care business and is currently undergoing a renovation to be turned into a 250-person event venue.

Zoli’s Pizza | 3501 Hulen St.
Grab some pizza in the sliced open Quonset hut designed by Studio 97w in 2019.

West 7th District office | 1000 Foch St.
Located next to Backyard, the two-story metal building was remodeled into offices by Cunningham Architects in 2010.

Events

Monday, Nov. 6

Margaret’s Market | Monday, Nov. 6-Friday, Nov. 10 + Monday, Nov. 13-Wednesday, Nov. 15 | Times vary | The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, 1316 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Shop women’s fashion, accessories, holiday home decor, and gourmet food.

Tuesday, Nov. 7

Silent Book Club | Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 5-9 p.m. | Bar Dryce, 3621 Byers Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Kick back with a beverage and dive into your latest read with other bookworms.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Sensory-Friendly Fall Fest | Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Pine Cone Therapies, 773 Bandit Trail, Keller | Free | Everyone is invited for a tour of the state-of-the-art therapy center, family photos, sensory-friendly crafts, and pumpkin decorating.

Thursday, Nov. 9

Mommy & Me Thanksgiving Cookie Class | Thursday, Nov. 9 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Play Street Museum, 5925 Convair Dr., Fort Worth | $40-$52 | Bring your little one to decorate four different Thanksgiving-themed treats.

Friday, Nov. 10

FLORIGAMIINTHEGARDEN | Friday Nov. 10-Wednesday, Feb. 14 | Times vary | Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth | $12-$14 | Enjoy a new colorful, whimsical + kinetic outdoor sculpture exhibition by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box.

Saturday, Nov. 11

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jr.” | Saturday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St., Arlington | $5-$17 | The all-youth musical portrays the story of an eccentric inventor and his adventures in a flying car.

Friday, Nov. 24

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays” | Friday, Nov. 24-Sunday, Nov. 26 | Times vary | Bass Hall, 330 E. 4th St., Ste. 200, Fort Worth | $36.30-$96.80 | Kick off the most wonderful time of the year with Christmas carols and seasonal tunes as the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra decks Bass Hall with holiday cheer.*

Events calendar here

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Community

How you can support FTWtoday’s 2024 vision

City Editor Rebecca’s 3 favorite Fort Worth news stories from 2023

City Editor Kate, left, leans into City Editor Rebecca, right, in front of a cactus mural.

Becoming a member is a powerful way to support our local news team. | Photo by FTWtoday

It’s hard to believe it’s almost a wrap on 2023 — and what a year it’s been. We’ve been privileged enough to bring you incredible Fort Worth news stories straight to your inbox.

Check out some of City Editor Rebecca’s favorites:

We’re asking for your support to bring you even more stories like these next year.

We’re passionate about our approach to local news. In 2024, you can depend on us for newsletters free of divisive political content. Instead, we’ll deepen your Fort Worth roots, celebrate our city, and tell you ways to get involved with our community.

Joining our membership club is a powerful way to support our mission and keep our free newsletters hitting your inbox. Join and support us today.

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News Notes

Open

Near Southside restaurant Dusty Biscuit Beignets is reopening on weeknights. The New Orleans-style eatery closed back in August due to financial strain but plans to launch a Kickstarter food truck tomorrow to help offset costs.

Listen

We dare you not to scream the lyrics when you hear the new cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You Been Gone.” Local post-grunge band Toadies covered the Fort Worth-born, Burleson-raised singer’s hit as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s “Texas Wild” album. Listen now.

Sports

Fort Worth native Leon Bridges collaborated with the Dallas Mavericks on their new Trinity River Blues uniform. The design features Bridges’ embossed handwritten words and guitar strings. The Mavs will debut the new uniform on Friday, Nov. 10 + Bridges will perform at a postgame concert on Friday, Dec. 1.

Award

Cook Children’s doctor Paul Thornton received the 2023 Global Impact Award from Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The world-renowned physician is the medical director of Diabetes and Endocrinology + was lauded for his work in hyperinsulinism. He established the first two hyperinsulinism centers in the US, in Philadelphia and Fort Worth.

Ranked

No. 19. That’s what Trinity Valley School ranked in Niche’s list of Best Private High Schools in Texas. The Benbrook-area school topped the Tarrant County rankings.

Tech

In case you missed it, an Irish drone delivery system trick-or-treated in far north Fort Worth last month. Anna Drone Delivery kicked off its US operations in the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone by delivering food, beverages, and candy by air to the Pecan Square neighborhood. (Dallas Innovates)

Trending

Meet Ranger. The Phoenix Zoo lost a bet to the Fort Worth Zoo and had to rename one of its western diamondback rattlesnakes to honor the reigning World Series champions.

Plan Ahead

The Texas Country Music Awards are returning to Billy Bob’s Texas on Sunday, Nov. 12. Red carpet interviews start at 3 p.m. with the main ceremony at 6 p.m. Grab tickets + break out your fancy duds because this year’s theme is pearl snaps.

Biz

Funky Picnic Brewery & Cafe is struggling to stay open due to financial strain + is asking community members to help. Grab your pals and head over to the Near Southside restaurant and bar for trivia on Wednesdays and music bingo on Thursdays.

Finance

Billionaires wanted this painting, but 54,538 everyday investors got it first — all thanks to Masterworks, the award-winning platform for investing in blue-chip art. Investors have benefited from 16 sales with returns including 17.8%, 21.5%, and 35.0%. Interested? 6AM City readers can skip the waitlist to join. †*

† See important Masterworks disclosures.

The Buy

The Buy 11.06.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Cuisinart’s 16-inch roaster and rack — because you deserve an easy-to-clean roaster this year, and this one’s big enough for a Thanksgiving turkey and has a nearly five-star rating.

Answered

Readers’ road trip recommendations

10 Texas road trips to take this fall

Here’s how our readers like to travel. | Graphics by FTWtoday

Fort Worthians are hitting the road. Last week, we asked about your road trip preferences, and here’s what y’all said:

It’s not really a road trip until you drive at least three hours.

Set that GPS for “The Wild” because Fort Worthians want to get outside and explore nature — as long as we don’t have to sleep outside.

While we might not be a camping bunch, we’re not afraid to try different hotels, inns, and rentals.

But no need to book a double room — whether it’s a romantic getaway or best friend adventure — the perfect road trip is just for two.

And if you can’t decide on what to listen to, set the playlist to shuffle with these varied recommendations:

“Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
“On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
Audible books
Rockabilly
Oldies
80s
America’s Greatest Hits
British Invasion

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kate

From the editor

I’m still riding high on the Texas Rangers parade on Friday + will be wearing my new World Series champs gear everyday until the start of spring training.

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