Fascinating timing.
My conspiracy mode suggests that XTO used its insider's card at City Hall for an eventual investor to step in do a major project on this prime site.
It never made economic sense, IMO, for an O&G company, even XOM/XTO to forego a highest use of the site for the sake of providing free and convenient parking for its employees. I still cannot believe it for a number of reasons.
As for the new owner, Woodbranch Management (WBM), here is a report in the Houston Chronicle which shows what WBM is currently doing at a comparable site in Houston and is suggestive as to what could be done in Fort Worth. The garage now underway at Houston@7th Streets can be changed/reinforced to support a multistory high rise. Lets hope so!
I just so happen to have snapped a picture of that building on Monday while I was in Houston.
Excuse the dingy-ness, I was working with a dirty window.
I agree completely though. It does not make sense to build a parking garage in the center of downtown where prime landmark tower real estate exists. I really hope something of this size and capacity comes to the CBD.