790 replies to this topic

[Austin55]

$155 million is a huge amount. Interested to hear what the announcement will be!

[TLA]

400 Crawford Apartments:

 

 

View of garage and floor units. I noticed a couple floor units' windows broken:

 

 

View from the skinny park:

 

 

New commercial building on 465 S Main, intersecting Tucker. 

 

[TLA]

Interesting concept and fits well with the neighborhood. Looking forward to seeing these. Hard to get a sense of the aesthetic from those plans. .

[Jeriat]

 

South Main businesses ‘cry out’ over parking problems: ‘It could be the end of us.’ By Jenny Rudolph

 

Read more at: https://www.star-tel...l#storylink=cpy

 

 

(BTW, this is likely one of the last articles published by Jenny in the S-T)

 

 

I knew this would come up...

[TLA]

I dont’t have access to ST, but I can imagine some of the issues raised here. We’ve discussed it in the forum (maybe earlier in this thread) and briefly during the last lunch. My less than compassionate opinion in general on parking… excess parking doesn’t make up for a crappy business plan.

[Doohickie]

When I drive to the Southside I usually don't have much trouble finding a free parking spot.  I don't have a problem walking two or three blocks, which definitely makes it easier.

[JBB]

excess parking doesn’t make up for a crappy business plan.

 

Bud Kennedy said something along the same lines on Twitter: "Tip to restaurateurs: If your customers say they don't want to come to your place because the parking isn't free, they're really saying they don't want to come to your place."

[Jeriat]

 

excess parking doesn’t make up for a crappy business plan.

 

Bud Kennedy said something along the same lines on Twitter: "Tip to restaurateurs: If your customers say they don't want to come to your place because the parking isn't free, they're really saying they don't want to come to your place."

 

Especially when there IS free parking there... 

[Doohickie]

I was thinking about our Forum luncheons....if Benito's didn't have free parking or any convenient paid parking for that matter, I'd certainly be willing to walk 5 or 6 blocks to catch a lunch with friends.  Years ago, I worked in downtown St. Paul and I had about a 14 minute walk from this $2/day lot on the other side of the Mississippi River from downtown.  I actually enjoyed the short walk everyday, it was something I looked forward to and the alternative of $10-20 per day parking just didn't make sense to me back then, having to pay out of my own pocket.  That would have equated to about a new car payment. 

 

I eventually started riding this really nice commuter bus (a full on coach) having lived way outside of town and in the Twin Cities, the buses can use the shoulder to bypass traffic slow-downs.  For around $50/month unlimited bus fare, I'd grab free parking not far from my house or get dropped off at the parking spot and then take that bus into town, it was actually pretty fun, got to know some of the regulars and turns out one of them was a St. Paul PD detective which was pretty cool.

 

There is a youtube channel I would catch from time-to-time of a tow truck operator and his wife in Gatlinburg, TN.  It really paints a picture of the paid for parking situation in most in-demand places, it's just comes with the territory.  One of his regular lines that he tells angry customers was something along the lines of "In Gatlinburg, if you're not paying for parking, you're probably going to get towed." 

Back when Lockheed was still General Dynamics, where was no work from home and work schedules were more rigid, Back then GD ran buses from areas where lots of employees lived and would drop us right at the front door (if you have any idea how big the parking lot is, you realize what a big benefit that is).  At that time we only had one dependable car and two young children so I wanted my wife to have it during the day.  So Anyway I would walk the mile and a quarter to and from the pickup point, have time to read during my commute, and actually met a neighbor who lived around the block from me and would give me a ride to the stop when weather was bad.  It was a pretty pleasant commute.

 

 

excess parking doesn’t make up for a crappy business plan.

 

Bud Kennedy said something along the same lines on Twitter: "Tip to restaurateurs: If your customers say they don't want to come to your place because the parking isn't free, they're really saying they don't want to come to your place."

 

Especially when there IS free parking there... 

 

Most people expect to park within 100 feet of the entrance.  Any further is simply too far to walk for a lot of people.

[txbornviking]

I find it "amusing" when you think how far people will walk from a mall parking lot to get to a given store, or heck from a Wal-Mart/Target parking lot to get to the specific section they want an item from won't cause folks to bat an eye,  BUT if they're asked to walk the similar distance to a small shop from their car they will lose their mind about how "inconvenient" the parking is

[JBB]

I've said this before on here when the suggestion comes up and been refuted, but I still stand by it: eliminating the free Sundance Square parking downtown will not be the end of the world as some would have you think.

[Doohickie]

I've said this before on here when the suggestion comes up and been refuted, but I still stand by it: eliminating the free Sundance Square parking downtown will not be the end of the world as some would have you think.

It would probably encourage my wife and I to catch the No. 6 bus to downtown events once in a while.

[TLA]

The popular sentiment on Reddit is there’s no where to park downtown anyways.

Like with South Main, this reminds me of “no one goes there anymore, it’s too crowded”.

[mmmdan]

We have this idea that it should be easy for everyone to go anywhere.  With all the new residential going in, there should be enough people that live nearby, that can get to the business without having to drive, to sustain the businesses.  That's kind of the whole point of a walkable neighborhood.

 

There's definitely going to be some growing pains, and not every business lasts forever, but that's the nature of business.

[txbornviking]

We have this idea that it should be easy for everyone to go anywhere.  With all the new residential going in, there should be enough people that live nearby, that can get to the business without having to drive, to sustain the businesses.  That's kind of the whole point of a walkable neighborhood.

 

There's definitely going to be some growing pains, and not every business lasts forever, but that's the nature of business.

 

 

I live walking distance from Kincaids and the former Original and we really do like having simple restaurants a 10-20min walk from the house, especially on days you just want to cook.

 

I'll admit I was never a fan of The Original and I was very much hoping a new restaurant would replace it when they moved/kickedout/rooster-came-home-to-roost-regarding-their-perpetual-rent-deal and was SHOCKED to read the quote from the building owners that new merchant shops would be going in as there just wasn't enough parking to sustain a restaurant.

 

I mean, "not enough parking" when a restaurant had survived for over 100years in the same location seems like a lame perspective.

 

Then again, I recall about 5 years ago someone wanted to open an indoor childrens playspace (similar to Play Street Musuem over in Waterside) and our NIMBY neighborhood association threw a fit in opposition because there "wouldn't be enough parking for the business"

 

I'm guessing The Original was grandfathered around parking requirements and the landlords simply didn't want the "fight" of having to seek an adjustment/exemption to whatever code would require for that much restaurant square footage

[rriojas71]

When I lived in SF if I found a parking spot within 3 blocks of where I was going it was basically the norm.  If it was within a block it was like hitting the lottery.  You just get used to walking and it becomes no big deal.  Unfortunately the businesses that need quick parking solutions to survive are not meant to be in this location.  

[Doohickie]

When I lived in SF if I found a parking spot within 3 blocks of where I was going it was basically the norm.  If it was within a block it was like hitting the lottery.  You just get used to walking and it becomes no big deal.  Unfortunately the businesses that need quick parking solutions to survive are not meant to be in this location.  

That's what I feel about the Near Southside and Downtown Ft Worth.

[rriojas71]

I knew it was only a matter of time for that location

[Austin55]

The busy South Main Village area: 

 

[rriojas71]

 

This couple of blocks has some interesting projects happening: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T5MavYDRX8jonZcT9 

 

New PDC Filed for "Benbrook Dr. Casitas"

https://placestrategies.com/

 

Job Value($): $900,000.00

Housing Units: 8

Proposed Square Feet: 3,325

Proposed Use:multi family

 

The maps link seems to be broken.

[Austin55]

Some more renderings and info here: https://garrison-jon...urban-gateways/

[Austin55]

Awesome rainbow lit underpasses in Birmingham AL. Birmingham! The Southside connecting tunnels would look incredible with something like this.

 

http://www.thomaslch...w-light-tunnels

 

 

Same artist as the Birmingham underpass.

[Austin55]

 

Austin55, did you happen to see any signs of electrical work, like a conduit sticking up or some nearby trenching in the soil with buried conduit to like a power pole across the parking lot?  I found this electrical permit from late last year for a "Powered Sculpture."  I think this is 1120 W. Magnolia, correct?  I could be off on my street address for this search.  Strange thing that they would have just a slab but I'm not seeing where the stub-up from underground conduit penetrates the slab so it could just come along the back side of it.  Nice that the guys who put up the little fence placed plastic coke bottles on the rebar so no one would accidentally impale themselves.  Those two posts look like they would hold a sign, but not seeing any recent sign permits either.

 

https://accela.fortw...ShowInspection=

 

Project Description:

EXTENDING POWER FROM EXISTING JUNCTION BOX ABOUT 10-15 FEET TO NEW POWERED SCULPTURE AT LOCATION. DIGGING TRENCH TO BURY CONDUIT WIRES.

 

Doing some quick searches for Magnolia Public Art, do you think it is part of this Clifton Crofford design?  I haven't kept very close tabs on this one so maybe it's done already?

 

Artist Clifton Crofford's Final Design for West Magnolia Avenue includes three sculptures composed of bronze and glass: an acorn, a pinecone, and a magnolia seed pod. The imagery of seeds symbolizes the potential of the community and its residents to work together for future generations. Possible sites for the sculptures include the intersections of S. Henderson Street, 5th Avenue, and/or Lake Street along the pedestrian-friendly Magnolia Avenue corridor, located in the Near Southside district.

 

http://fwpublicart.o...GyucCZz8hWrk0pk

 

https://z-p3-upload....166188784310632

 

Sinaca Studios is just down the street from here:

 

https://www.sinacastudios.org/

 

 

The sculpture was installed a few weeks ago and a dedication was held for it yesterday: https://www.audacy.c...-near-southside

[rriojas71]

I need to get out soon when the weather is pleasant to check them out and grab a couple of photos.

[Austin55]

A new drainage study is being filed for 1701 S. Main for a new Medical Office Building. 

A company called FT WORTH S MAIN SPE LLC owns these lots I circled:

https://texas-biz.co...-s-main-spe-llc

 

INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Largest tract available in Medical District, ready to develop JPS Hospital is directly across Allen Ave Prior 2708 sf Medical Office currently on site for Lease

Fronting Allen Ave and S Main St less than 1/3 mile to I35 Excellent zoning, F & J allow numerous uses 4 streets provide access with numerous curb cuts

PRIME OPPORTUNITY TO BUY ACROSS FROM JPS HOSP

Property Type Land Proposed Use Commercial 

Property Subtype Commercial Total Lot Size 1.71 AC

 

Address: 1701 S Main St, Fort Worth, TX

 

DESCRIPTION

1.7+ Ac fronting Allen Street across from JPS Hospital in Fort Worth Texas available to purchase and develop.  Excellent zoning, F & J allow numerous uses.  Largest tract available in the Medical District.  Many uses can include;  corner convenience store, restaurant, mixed use, brewery, industrial, etc.   Less than 1/3 mile to I35, close to I30 & I20 allows easy commutability.  Prior Medical Office at 1717 S Main St is currently For Lease and located on assembled property For Sale.  Four streets and numerous curb cuts allow easy access to all angles on this property.  Located in the Fairmount-Southside Historic District.

 

 

Some renderings from the lease packet: https://www.loopnet....th-TX/30636048/

 

 

[Austin55]

The old Chase Bank at NWQ of Hemphill and Rosedale that was vacant for quite a while has been reopened as a Frost Bank branch. 

[TLA]

Rahr & Sons is available. Guess they are moving… https://www.loopnet....th-TX/30897455/

[Austin55]

Wow that is a complicated floorplan

[Austin55]

Rahr & Sons is available. Guess they are moving… https://www.loopnet....th-TX/30897455/

 

Rahr post on FB: https://www.facebook...6jQbCkUrVVDYvUl

 

In light of recent rumors, we're thrilled to clarify that we are absolutely not closing operations. On the contrary, we're gearing up for an exciting year of 20th Anniversary Celebrations. Thank you to our community for standing by us; your support fuels our journey ahead. Stay tuned!

[Jeriat]

 

Rahr & Sons is available. Guess they are moving… https://www.loopnet....th-TX/30897455/

 

Rahr post on FB: https://www.facebook...6jQbCkUrVVDYvUl

 

In light of recent rumors, we're thrilled to clarify that we are absolutely not closing operations. On the contrary, we're gearing up for an exciting year of 20th Anniversary Celebrations. Thank you to our community for standing by us; your support fuels our journey ahead. Stay tuned!

 

 

I feel like they need another, bigger space... but that's just me.

[Doohickie]

 

 

Rahr & Sons is available. Guess they are moving… https://www.loopnet....th-TX/30897455/

 

Rahr post on FB: https://www.facebook...6jQbCkUrVVDYvUl

 

In light of recent rumors, we're thrilled to clarify that we are absolutely not closing operations. On the contrary, we're gearing up for an exciting year of 20th Anniversary Celebrations. Thank you to our community for standing by us; your support fuels our journey ahead. Stay tuned!

 

 

I feel like they need another, bigger space... but that's just me.

 

Apparently not just you.  They seem to agree.

[Austin55]

A 2nd phase of The Holly is coming soon: https://www.loopnet....th-TX/30911937/

 

[TLA]

Schaefer Advertising has a sign on Magnolia announcing they have out grown their space in the historic building, 1228 S Adams St. This 3 story brick building is my favorite in the area. 

 

This older FW Mag article touches on their renovation of the building, https://fwtx.com/for...er-advertising/

[John T Roberts]

Shortly after he moved into the building, Historic Fort Worth had a tour of it.

[TLA]

Yay glad to see this kicking off. With the Vickery and the Twilite lofts (if it ever comes) there will be quite a few new residents here.

Also, driving by 1115 Pennsylvania Ave the other day. There’s construction fencing and the land cleared. This is where a 20k sq ft medical office was going.

[rriojas71]

It seems like they are moving the low income complex out of the area to make way for more lucrative investments.  I told my business partner that it was only a matter of time before this happens.

[TLA]

Yep, it was a matter of time for the few garden style apartments off S Main to be bought up, given the area’s trajectory. I hope the city can continue to invest in affordable housing plus provide incentives to those who reserve a portion of their units to below median income.

Also, all the more reason for further down Hemphill to ‘allow’ more housing to be build.

[Jeriat]

It seems like they are moving the low income complex out of the area to make way for more lucrative investments.  I told my business partner that it was only a matter of time before this happens.

Took the words right out of my mouth... 

[rriojas71]

It's still listed on FWHS as one of their properties.  https://www.fwhs.org/properties/

 

Perhaps they're redeveloping the property for more density.  Has anyone been in or seen the condition of the current walk-up style apartments? TAD is still down and I can't really research their age they look like late 80's maybe early 90's just guessing.  Not exactly something I'd expect to see in the middle of the Near Southside.

I deliver for Meals on Wheels and I used to have a couple of clients in this complex.  They are actually in decent shape but their age is starting to show.  Definitely we build during the time when this style of apartment was in vogue but now they just feel out of place.

 

I wish they would build something on the open lot on S Main just north of the UT Southwestern Bldg on the NW corner of S Main and Pennsylvania.  It's a bit of an eye sore just sitting there empty.

[TLA]

Good infill for the area.

[rriojas71]

Good infill for the area.

Agreed.  I like it but I'm a little perplexed that they are including some commercial lease space.  Not that I'm opposed to it but it just seems out of place in this area but if it is office or medical than it makes more sense.