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Theatre Row

Arts Downtown Bass Performance Hall

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#1 Jeriat

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Posted 06 July 2013 - 04:23 PM

Just filling in the lots on the east side of downtown, I thought this area bound between 4th, 9th, Jones, & Commerce could be used as a little theater district. Bass Hall and Maddox-Muse Center would anchor that north side, and the lots south of it could be more theaters, dance studios/halls, arthouse theaters, etc. The L-shapped parking space next to Embargo could be converted into a pavilion, and... SOMETHING has to be done with that abandoned Hilton Annex. I figure it could be used as another garage for the area at the very least. 

Everything in orange would be "Theatre Row". 

 

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#2 Austin55

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Posted 07 July 2013 - 03:17 AM

I really want a facility in FW that is a bit less formal than Bass that would attract decent sized and well known bands, as well as providing a place for smaller local bands to get more notoriety. A house of Blues basically. 

 

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I think that part of town is perfect for such a thing to. HoBs are usually in historic type areas, warehouse architecture, and usually aren't in a CBD type area, but just outside. This all already exists in the area you outlined. (West 7th seems to "new", and Southside seems to "small' and already has a blooming music scene) There is quite a bit of parking in this area already in the form of garages so I can't imagine needing much more. Should fit on a 200x200 block no problem. 

The rest of the empty lots could continue this type of theme, restoring the historic warehouses in the area, and establishing that as a theme, similar to Dallas's West End, OKC's Bricktown, or Minneapolis Warehouse District. Lots of Mixed Use development, perhaps a few residential midrises and hotels. 

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#3 Jeriat

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Posted 07 July 2013 - 10:20 AM

I think a HoB would be good for that area, but I'd want something more original, like a new brand...

 

Looking at the Hilton Annex, I briefly thought about it being a multi-level music venue with 3 or 4 theaters and the entire 1st floor and garage as a lobby 

 

But then I looked at it again...

 

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...and depending on how it's built, I doubt that would work. If the upper floors are like Burnett and W. 500 since it's mostly concrete and all, then I think you could work with that. If not, than... condos?  


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#4 John T Roberts

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Posted 07 July 2013 - 11:06 AM

I wish I had some pictures of the Hilton Annex being built.  I am not sure of the construction of the building because the lower floors of the building are the remains of the Biltmore Garage.  I think it was built in the 1920's or 1930's.  I do know that it was designed to handle more garage levels on top, so that is how they were able to add the upper 8 floors of hotel rooms.  It wouldn't surprise me to see that the lower 5 floors are concrete and the upper 8 are steel framed.



#5 John T Roberts

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Posted 07 July 2013 - 12:22 PM

The Biltmore Garage was designed by Wiley G. Clarkson and it was built in 1928. 



#6 cberen1

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 08:29 AM

My understanding is that there is something in the works for the annex, but don't hold your breath.  Someone with some money and a vision is going to have to get after that one.  I'm not usually a tear-down guy, but maybe that's the best answer here.  I don't see anything redeeming about the architecture and re-use has clearly been challenging.



#7 Doohickie

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 12:12 PM

As long as you're talking theaters and music venues, you should include the AMC theaters to the north, and the Queen City Music Hall.

I like the idea, but wonder if there is enough demand for an extended theater district. Perhaps if they could get Casa Mañana to move into the district, it might get some traction.

One great thing about that part of downtown is the easy access to I-35W to get back out of town afterward. A 5-block long streetcar could connect the ITC with the individual theaters, encouraging taking the train into downtown from Dallas and NE Tarrant.
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#8 Austin55

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 02:43 PM

^ I think that a suitable replacement for the convention center arena would be a decent draw. I know there have been some pretty big concerts held there in the past, but it is aging and likely won't be around for a lot longer if rumors are true. Which, (addressing Jeriat) is why I could see an HoB, as they already have that "chain" recognition and host tours on their own. If something successful and locally run could be established instead I'd be all for that to. As it stands, Fort Worth doesn't exactly have a place where say, the Foo Fighters would perform. They'd probably go to Verizon Theater, Gexa, Dallas's HoB, or maybe even the AAC. Something like that in or near downtown would be great IMO. 

 

I definitely agree about access! Not only onto 30, but 35,121 and 287 to. 

 

As for the Hilton Annex, good luck. With what has been mentioned on these boards about asbestos and other issues, I feel like a few tons of dynamite is probably the best solution for it. Otherwise it'd need at least a Cityplace-esque makeover. Regardless, I'd imagine it will sit around in it's current state for a while. 



#9 Doohickie

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 04:07 PM

That's an advantage of Fort Worth's downtown in general- easy in, easy out.
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#10 RD Milhollin

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 05:46 PM

This area would be a great place for entertainment; I can easily see a Dave and Buster's there. Don't know if there would be the necessary demand for more theaters though. Circle and Jubilee are already located not far from there, and Jubilee has invested heavily in their location in recent years. Bass Hall and the Maddox-Muse complex next door seems underutilized, maybe someone can correct me. There is probably going to be pretty serious commitment to outdoor performances at Sundance Square on the built-in stage of the Westbrook Building, so that option is probably covered for downtown. There are fine venues for film and performance at the Modern Art Museum, and the Piano Pavilion at the Kimbell is going to have what promises to be an exceptional performance space. The Will Rogers Theater needs revocation badly, but could be a serious music venue for touring acts. Don't forget about the newly reborn Ridglea Theater out on Camp Bowie… Maybe a Movie Tavern would work downtown. 



#11 Jeriat

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 06:57 PM

My understanding is that there is something in the works for the annex, but don't hold your breath.  Someone with some money and a vision is going to have to get after that one.  I'm not usually a tear-down guy, but maybe that's the best answer here.  I don't see anything redeeming about the architecture and re-use has clearly been challenging.

Personally, I would LOVE for the Hilton Annex to be a parking lot, right now, and as much as I hate surface lots, even that would be a better use than what it is now. I'm sure it will eventually be leveled (simply because I just see no future for it because of what it is and how it was built) and turned into either apartments or office space. But I just threw out a suggestion because it's in the area and well, something has to be done with it. 

 

 

As long as you're talking theaters and music venues, you should include the AMC theaters to the north, and the Queen City Music Hall.

I like the idea, but wonder if there is enough demand for an extended theater district. Perhaps if they could get Casa Mañana to move into the district, it might get some traction.

One great thing about that part of downtown is the easy access to I-35W to get back out of town afterward. A 5-block long streetcar could connect the ITC with the individual theaters, encouraging taking the train into downtown from Dallas and NE Tarrant.

Demand will always come into question, so I'll just see this as just a suggestion.... for now. I do believe there will come a day when the big wigs in downtown think of adding even more entertainment. If/when that day comes, here's a small blueprint.

And I never really thought of Casa in downtown since there's a history there in the Cultural District, BUT i could actually see a new, more modern theater for it in downtown. It would create (slightly) more parking space for WRMC.  

 

^ I think that a suitable replacement for the convention center arena would be a decent draw. I know there have been some pretty big concerts held there in the past, but it is aging and likely won't be around for a lot longer if rumors are true. Which, (addressing Jeriat) is why I could see an HoB, as they already have that "chain" recognition and host tours on their own. If something successful and locally run could be established instead I'd be all for that to. As it stands, Fort Worth doesn't exactly have a place where say, the Foo Fighters would perform. They'd probably go to Verizon Theater, Gexa, Dallas's HoB, or maybe even the AAC. Something like that in or near downtown would be great IMO. 

 

I definitely agree about access! Not only onto 30, but 35,121 and 287 to. 

 

As for the Hilton Annex, good luck. With what has been mentioned on these boards about asbestos and other issues, I feel like a few tons of dynamite is probably the best solution for it. Otherwise it'd need at least a Cityplace-esque makeover. Regardless, I'd imagine it will sit around in it's current state for a while. 

 

The Convention Center arena will become more convention space. Honestly, I see nothin' wrong with that and they should have started on that YEARS ago. But we don't have any real replacement arena to do that... yet. 

Would be nice to see bigger names over on the western side of the Metroplex more often. Nothing wrong with small and indie bands, but I would want to see Kendrick Lamar here and not have to hop on the TRE to do so. 


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#12 Doohickie

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 07:19 AM

Would be nice to see bigger names over on the western side of the Metroplex more often. Nothing wrong with small and indie bands, but I would want to see Kendrick Lamar here and not have to hop on the TRE to do so.


Never heard of 'im.
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#13 prideftw

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 10:20 AM

Kendrick Lamar is a very successful rapper and I would love to see him come to Fort worth too, I would really like to see Brandy or Mariah Carey come also.



#14 Doohickie

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 03:50 PM

Yeah, and maybe Donny Osmond too. I hear he puts on a good show.







:ninja:


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#15 renamerusk

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 03:57 PM

Back on topic,

 

A fascinating idea, Jeriat.

 

In line to what you are suggesting, I wonder why this site is not taken advantage of for small musical and art presentations; as it is a natural venue for such events:

 

http://www.fortworth...com/4thmeth.htm



#16 Jeriat

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 06:20 PM

 

Would be nice to see bigger names over on the western side of the Metroplex more often. Nothing wrong with small and indie bands, but I would want to see Kendrick Lamar here and not have to hop on the TRE to do so.


Never heard of 'im.

 

 

Just know that he's one of the very, VERY FEW mainstream rappers I'll listen to. He just got his big break last year. 

As for that church, renamerusk, I think it's being used by the police right now. However, that could have more "artistic" uses... 


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#17 Jeriat

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Posted 28 September 2013 - 05:32 PM

Updated, more detailed concept. 

 

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1. Bass Hall 

 

2. Maddox - Muse Center

2a. The corner lot could become a CGI/Green screen studio.  

 

3.  Bass Hall Garage

 

4. A 7,000 seat auditorium used for indie artists, armature nights (think Showtime at the Apollo), and community meetings/productions.

 

5. One half of it basically a building like House of Blues & Lizard Lounge combined. One half of it almost like a smaller Verizon Theatre that can host big names, and the other half as a dance hall that hosts DJ's and producers. 

 

6. Replacing the abandoned Hilton Annex, it would be a completely brand new building, 5-8 stories, with several classrooms for music, dance, singing, art, and architecture, dance studios, a couple recital halls.

 

7. 9 level garage that connects with the new Casa Manana and 777 Main. Ground floor retail. 
 

The new Casa Manana would have a retractable roof, which would give it the old outdoor amphitheater appearance for some events and plays. 


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