05.30.2024

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Grab your hard hat

Black Buffalo 3D prints new home in south Fort Worth

Construction crews just add water to the dry “concrete ink” — like Bisquick for buildings. | Photo by FTWtoday

And we thought the housing market moved fast — a new home is rising in south Fort Worth in less than two days thanks to new 3D-printing technology from Black Buffalo 3D.

The Pennsylvania-based construction company started work yesterday on LoMa, a pilot home at 100 W. Bolt St. named for the low-maintenance nature of its construction process. Designed by Dallas-based Boxer Property, LoMa will be the first home with load-bearing, 3D-printed walls to be approved by the International Code Council Evaluation Service.

We stopped by the construction site to get a first-hand look at the printing.

FTW-3d-printer-framework — The crew will print half of the house, then extend the tracks and move the printer to build the other half.
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Photo by FTWtoday

🖨️ How does it work?

Black Buffalo 3D is using its proprietary NEXCON printer — a yellow robotic tool mounted on a large metal framework that moves on a guided track around the home. The printer extrudes proprietary Planitop 3D “concrete ink,” which is 3.5 times stronger than traditional concrete.

The cement-based product — developed in collaboration with Mapei — is shipped to the site dry and then mixed with water. The printer uses a digital file to route around the walls, pouring a thin layer of concrete, which sets within two minutes. The crew adds a thin metal lattice after every nine layers for stability.

The NEXCON printer can build the walls of a 40-ft by 40-ft house in under 30 hours and needs four crew members to set up + monitor the mostly automated process.

FTW-3d-printed-concrete-layers — The concrete layers serve as both the structure and the finish material, which can be painted for different designs.
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Photo by FTWtoday

🏠 Home features

The home was designed for easy maintenance and upkeep in the future. Since the walls are harder than concrete, all electrical and plumbing features will be mounted on the interior, so they can be accessed in the future.

“This home will showcase the benefits of structural 3D construction including efficiency, low cost of ownership, and the ability to withstand natural and manmade disasters,” Mike Miceli, CEO of Black Buffalo 3D, said in a press release.

Events

Thursday, May 30

Meet the Maker | Thursday, May 30 | 5-7 p.m. | Toro Toro, 200 Main St., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | Sip a cocktail with Tequila Avion while discussing the history of the brand with the distiller — ages 21+.

Friday, May 31

Table Saw Basics | Friday, May 31 | 1-3 p.m. | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 3810 S. Cooper St., Ste. 124, Arlington | $100 | Learn the basics of tool setup, alignment, a variety of cuts, and safety in this all-levels class.
“Thoughts of a Colored Man” | Friday, May 31-Saturday, June 8 | Times vary | Jubilee Theater, 506 Main St., Fort Worth | $32 | Seven Black men in Brooklyn embody traits like Wisdom, Depression, and Happiness in this play by Keenan Scott II.

Saturday, June 1

Locally Grown Farm Experiences | Saturday, June 1 | 8-9:30 a.m. | Tabor Farms, 3400 Village Creek Rd., Fort Worth | Free | RSVP in advance for this behind-the-scenes look at how urban farmers get their harvest to market.
“Grease” | Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 9 | Times vary | Casa Mañana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth | $39-$109 | Get ready to hand-jive with this classic musical — mature audiences only.

Sunday, June 2

Beer Yoga | Sunday, June 2 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Panther Island Brewing, 501 N. Main St., Fort Worth | $25 | BYO mat and stretch out with yogi Morgan — ticket includes a one-hour class and two pints.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Stat

5.28%. That is the percentage of registered Tarrant County voters who cast their ballots in Tuesday’s primary runoff election that included races for a county commissioner seat, the 12th Congressional District, and Texas House District 97. See the results.

Civic

The city has extended the deadline to share feedback on the general fund budget for fiscal year 2025. By Saturday, June 15, submit ideas through Connect Fort Worth or share a photo of Molly the Cow in areas where you’d like to see funds used.

Edu

Fort Worth ISD will not close the proposed four middle schools after all. After feedback from parents and community members, the school board decided against consolidating operations at seven schools into three for the next academic year. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Coming Soon

A family-owned Italian restaurant will open on South Main Street in late June or early July. Bocca Osteria Romana will take over the former location of Rancho Loma Vineyards. Stay tuned for Roman-style lasagna, gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and eggplant Parmesan. (CultureMap Fort Worth)

Health

Cancer Support Community North Texas is set to close in January 2025 due to budget cuts from Texas Health Resources. The cancer support facility is the fifth Tarrant County healthcare facility to announce closure since March. (Fort Worth Report)

Trending

The wind on Tuesday was so strong — nearly 80 mph — that it swept an American Airlines Boeing 737 away from the pedestrian bridge at DFW Airport. Thankfully no one was injured and the aircraft didn’t sustain any damage. (Simply Flying)

Announced

Former Colonial Country Club president Kip Adams is the new chairman of the Charles Schwab Challenge. Adams will oversee the 2025 and 2026 tournaments. In case you missed it, Davis Riley took home the trophy, plaid jacket, and 1975 Schwab Stingray on Sunday. (Fort Worth Business Press)

Outdoors

Did you know you can use your library card for free admission to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge? On the first Monday of June, July, and August, head to the Hardwick Interpretive Visitor Center for free family story times and nature walks.

Festival

Don’t miss out on the 2024 State Fair of Texas season pass presale. Use the code “24BIGTEXFOOD” to grab season passes by Friday, May 31 + get two discount parking vouchers and $50 in food and ride coupons.

Pets

Baxter, Alfie, and Sammy. Those are the three most popular dog names in Fort Worth according to a new survey from US News & World Report. If you have a dog with one of those names, send us a photo + you might just see your pup in a future newsletter.

Sports

Third baseman Corey Seager has reclaimed his status among the best hitters in the MLB, breaking off a six-game losing streak. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Rangers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Concert

Your weekend assignment: Check out Fat Daddy’s in Mansfield. Music lovers can enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night featuring acts across genres and time periods — 70s, 80s, rock, alternative, country, dance, and more. Explore upcoming events.*

Finance

If you spent your whole Sunday reorganizing your closet, here’s another spring cleaning suggestion: Move your credit card debt. This card offers 0% interest on a balance transfer until nearly 2026. That’s almost two years to pay off your balance, sans interest. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases.*

Biz

Looking for a way to stay on top of the world’s latest business news? Meet The Daily Upside, a free, no-BS newsletter from Wall Street insiders delivering actionable insights on the latest market news. Skip the clickbait and stay informed alongside 1,000,000+ fellow readers. Try it for free.*

Plan Ahead

🎵 “Goin’ to the chapel and we’re...”

Your guide to wedding venues in Fort Worth

The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth is located in the Quality Hill neighborhood. | Photo by The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth

Wedding season is in full force — whether you’re getting a jump start on your holiday party planning or garnering inspiration for your own event, check out this list of rentable venues in Fort Worth.

PalmWood Event & Conference

Situated in the heart of downtown, guests will be awed by the 360° skyline views with floor-to-ceiling windows + an outdoor patio.

Rate: Inquire for pricing details
Accommodates 250+ guests
Key features: Hospitality suites overlooking downtown, on-site catering + a wedding captain

The Ostreum

Take a step back in time with this open-concept 1900s-era factory. The space features industrial architecture and Art Deco details.

Rate: Inquire for pricing details
Accommodates 400 guests
Key features: Dressing room suites, kitchen + customizable additions like cocktail tables, chairs, and a bar

The Woman’s Club

The historic facility provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photos inside the expansive garden + eight unique rooms.

Rate: $1,800-$5,500
Accommodates up to 200 guests
Key features: On-site catering, staff + portrait sessions

City Guides are presented by Walsh.

5 more venues

Asked

What is your favorite aspect of attending a wedding?

A. The ceremony
B. The reception
C. Dancing
D. Cake cutting
E. The food

"...gonna get mar-ar-ar-ried"

The Buy

The Buy 5.30.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A bristle-free grill brush — so you can clean your grill until it’s like new without bristles shedding onto your cooking surface.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kate

From the editor

Calling LEGO enthusiasts — help explore the future of the Eastside with an interactive planning workshop on Saturday, June 8. Head to the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute at 1 p.m to envision the neighborhood with blocks.

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