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Hillside Apartments

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#1 Brian Luenser

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Posted 17 May 2009 - 04:22 PM

On my walk to the Historic Knights of Pythias Building this afternoon, I found myself walking around within the Hillside Apartments. Just East of Downtown Fort Worth. Might even say the East side of Downtown.

I confess. Though I drive through there every day on my way to work, I have never uncovered the nature of these housing units. I'll be darned if there wasn't a brochure to this neighborhood sticking out of a circular box at their office. Found out some things I have been interested in.

A. They call them apartments. I would have called them homes or duplexes. (they are actually tri-plexes)

B. They are not for sale, as I thought, but for rent.

C. Rent is income based. (Whatever their Govt. program is called for people that need rent assistance.)

I am still curious about the statistics of these units. For example, what percent of these units are subsidized? Occupancy rates? Rental rates history. etc... They rent for around $1,100. a month. If your household makes less than $18,000 that drops by 50% to like $550. a mo. (Guessing the taxpayer makes up the difference.)

These places look really nice. Now I understand why. As I thought they were individually owned, I was surprised they didn't not have any bad apples. (Never mows, dogs chained in front yard to a 2 foot chain, wash machine on front porch.)

I had an election clerk work for me in one election a year ago that lived there. I wanted to ask her all the details but a bit touchy. I was thinking they were public housing of some kind. Don't know if these are even considered public housing as the tenants pay something. They look to be privately owned. I guess all section 8 housing is. Shoot I don't know. I do know if I could rent one for 600 bucks a month, I would.

A few pictures of said development.

3539696111_13278f6a43_o.jpg


3539696439_83613ce880_o.jpg


The view from walking through this neighborhood. (Hey! I think I see my cat in my window!)
3540333218_496c78116f_o.jpg


www.fortworthview.com

#2 UncaMikey

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Posted 17 May 2009 - 04:54 PM

Those apts are privately owned and very highly regarded -- they get great reviews all the time, and there's usually a waiting list to get in. We considered them very seriously when we moved here two years ago because they seemed to be managed so well.

Hillside Apts

Some of the renters there receive gov't subsidies, but that doesn't make the complex public housing. Just like some doctors decide whether to accept Medicare, some apts decide whether to accept rent vouchers. Some schemes involve accepting a certain percentage of renters at certain income levels in return for tax breaks, etc.

The only problem with them I've seen is that they are so close to the RR tracks! Sometimes a train will sit on that crossing for a LONG time while the bells go ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ad infinitum.



#3 Fort Worthology

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Posted 17 May 2009 - 07:11 PM

Yeah, I don't know that I'd call Hillside "Section 8." It's a very well-run and very well-reviewed development - one of the most consistently high-rated rental properties in the entire city. Quite a bit of it is market-rate, besides.

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#4 Brian Luenser

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Posted 17 May 2009 - 07:55 PM

QUOTE (Atomic Glee @ May 17 2009, 08:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah, I don't know that I'd call Hillside "Section 8." It's a very well-run and very well-reviewed development - one of the most consistently high-rated rental properties in the entire city. Quite a bit of it is market-rate, besides.


As I stated, it is a very nice neighborhood.

But do call it "Your rent depends on your income" property. (I am looking at their price sheet.)
www.fortworthview.com

#5 cbellomy

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Posted 17 May 2009 - 08:38 PM

It's Section 8 the way that Stonegate Villas is Section 8... part of a diverse tenant mix that works extremely well. I have a friend who lived in one for the last year, and he loves it. Good news for your waiting listers is that he's about to move to Austin, so one of the two-story townhomes is about to come free...

#6 McHand

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Posted 17 May 2009 - 10:08 PM

I have taken advantage of income based rent; it is a great resource.

Those Hillside apartments seem to have everything going for them: proximity to downtown and a yard for the kid and/or dogs. I'd be surprised if they weren't always full.

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#7 Birdland in Handley

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 12:41 AM

We live on the east side and have always appreciated that they are an attractive and appropriate style for a near -Downtown neighborhood--a bit like 20's 30's bungalows. We've always wondered about the one old, shingled gable survivor--is it administrative offices?

#8 Janna

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 11:54 AM

Hi......I'm so happy to see Hillside as a new topic of conversation!!! I thought I would respond to some of the comments and hope I don't offend anyone in the process. Hillside has been open for almost 12 years now..........I'm proud to say I've been here since DAY 1. It is amazing that after 12 years we still have people come in that did not know we were here (they get lost and wound up here) and people that thought they were individually owned homes. Hillside has TAX CREDIT and MARKET RATE Apartments. I GET VERY OFFENDED WHEN HILLSIDE IS REFERRED TO AS SUBSIDIZED!!!!!! The investors, Radio Shack, Pier One, Justin Industries, etc....... received tax breaks for setting aside a certain percentage of apartments at a more affordable rate. People who don't understand this concept tend to automatically think they are SECTION 8. NOT TRUE AT ALL!!!!! That does not mean that we don't have anyone living here that receives Section 8 assistance BUT all residents that live here have to meet specific guidelines that were put in place 12 years ago.

Here is a list of guidelines that ALL potential residents must meet...............Hillside only verify's rental history with other Apartment Communities or Mortgage Companies.....we don't verify with individuals unless proof of payment (legitimate checks, receipts) are obtained. The prospect must have 75% good credit, no evictions, no monies owed to other apartment communities and no criminal history. Those applying for the tax credit apartments must meet specific minimum incomes and not exceed specific maximum incomes based on the amount of people that will live in the apartment. Those applying for the market rate apartments must make 2-1/2 times the amount of the rent. Those are the most important guidelines. We consider our guidelines to be a little more strict than most apartment communities. Apartment Communities are only as good as those who manage them and the guidelines they implement.

As "Atomic Glee" stated........Hillside is actually the highest rated apartment community in Fort Worth according to www.apartmentratings.com, due to the comments our past and present resident's have given us. The ecomomy has hurt us a little bit as far as occupancy is concerned (94%) but we are confidant the occupancy will rise as summer gets here.

Monee9696..........I love the pictures and would love to have copies if you don't mind!! smile.gif And, THANK YOU for starting this Topic.

If anyone has any questions. please feel free to give me a call.

#9 vjackson

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 03:02 PM

I've always thought Hillside was one of the best urban residential developments in any Texas city. I even thought about living there before I left FW. The scale of the homes feel like a nice single family neighborhood when you walk through it. A friend of mine has lived there, I think since they opened and the company that owns it has done an incredible job of keeping the place well maintained. I would love to see that old bldg turned into a restaurant that would draw people from the rest of downtown.

#10 joeqpublix

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Posted 20 May 2009 - 06:57 AM

I lived there four years ago. I had a three bedroom closest to the railroad tracks. The positives were: Management was the best I have ever had at an apartment. The grounds were clean and well maintained. The negatives were: Trains were so loud that you couldn't keep a window open (although I heard that has changed). The units do have flimsy walls and you could hear your neighbors pretty well. For the price in downtown, you can't beat it.

#11 Brian Luenser

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Posted 21 May 2009 - 06:21 AM

In the morning, the roof of the Hillside Apartments always looks like a swimming pool from my windows. White roof's are sure enough smart. Looks like the same roof over the TCC downtown campus. We put a white pvc roof on our 50,000. square foot plant in Haltom City and it was the smartest thing we ever did. Warehouse is like 15° cooler. This is Texas.

BTW: As I find out that few of the people that live in Hillside pay a reduced rent (Low income assistance) I should have put this in a different category other than public/Institutional. But either it is not possible for the "topic starter" to change the category or I am not smart enough to do it.


www.fortworthview.com

#12 John T Roberts

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Posted 24 May 2009 - 10:10 AM

Janna, thanks for posting the information.

#13 mschrief

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Posted 25 May 2009 - 09:10 PM

I lived at Hillside twice, in a two bedroom unit (check out the Stargazer Lillies I planted - they are still there !!! I think it was 918 E. 4th) and in a one bedroom unit on 4th, closer to downtown.

I absolutely loved Hillside. More of a house/home than an apartment!

Management is the BEST there it.



#14 FortWorthLowrider

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Posted 06 August 2009 - 10:15 AM

House the crime? I wouldn't mind moving there.
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#15 mschrief

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Posted 14 August 2009 - 08:29 PM

QUOTE (FortWorthLowrider @ Aug 6 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
House the crime? I wouldn't mind moving there.

I never had a problem with crime. Kept my windows partially open at night in the spring & fall, felt comfortable walking from Caravan of Dreams (memba that?) home at 2am.



#16 FortWorthLowrider

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Posted 15 August 2009 - 10:21 AM

QUOTE (mschrief @ Aug 14 2009, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (FortWorthLowrider @ Aug 6 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
House the crime? I wouldn't mind moving there.

I never had a problem with crime. Kept my windows partially open at night in the spring & fall, felt comfortable walking from Caravan of Dreams (memba that?) home at 2am.

I'm 21 I just started club'n. biggrin.gif
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#17 mr pipeline

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Posted 31 August 2009 - 03:47 PM

These are sharp, many I've seen in this style the wheels come after a couple years and end up with yards surrounded by notty wooden fences, curbside trash, and an endless supply of cut tree branches topped by suffering sofas.

#18 Brian Luenser

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Posted 31 August 2009 - 04:04 PM

QUOTE (mr pipeline @ Aug 31 2009, 04:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
These are sharp, many I've seen in this style the wheels come after a couple years and end up with yards surrounded by notty wooden fences, curbside trash, and an endless supply of cut tree branches topped by suffering sofas.


I have learned everything I know about Hillside Apts. in the last few months, but these places are different. First they have been around like 10 years. They have been premium for 10 years. They are ranked the #1 apartments in Texas by Apartments.com (Or somebody that has ratings as given by the renters.) I have talked to several people that have lived there, including at least a few Forum members and they tell me that the rules of living there are very strong and enforced. I believe it has had the same manager since opening (Janna) and ALL people rate her skills as 10+. I drive through this neighborhood going back and forth on 3rd street on my way back and fort to work. (for the last 3 years) and they are always "like new" and very well manicured. I walk around there on weekends. I think I would be happy to live there.

I am not saying I don't know what you are talking about with a quickly deteriorating neighborhood. Many head South in their very first year. This place apparently has been inoculated against scumbags. I'm really impressed.
www.fortworthview.com

#19 Brian Luenser

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Posted 31 August 2009 - 09:05 PM

Oh ya, a nice swimming pool too!

Tonight at dusk.

www.fortworthview.com

#20 Brian Luenser

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Posted 20 December 2009 - 01:04 PM

Hillside. Might be the greatest little neighborhood ever. The more I walk through there the more I like it. Beautiful, close, great views, quiet.

Here are some pictures I took last night just after sunset. (Some how these look like Christmas to me.) Pictures are similar but I liked all 3. Waxing Crescent Moon.








www.fortworthview.com

#21 Janna

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Posted 23 December 2009 - 12:46 PM

It IS the greatest little community ever!!! smile.gif

#22 David Love

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Posted 24 December 2009 - 10:36 PM

I like driving through there, need to get out and take some photos as well.

What's the story with that one house next to KoP building?


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#23 Brian Luenser

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Posted 24 November 2010 - 09:48 AM

A photo this morning of my favorite neighborhood. Hillside.
Finally, a little color going on.


Posted Image
www.fortworthview.com

#24 mschrief

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Posted 24 November 2010 - 03:09 PM

I lived at Hillside after it first opened. I absolutely LOVED the community and management. The very best of downtown living!

Safe? I used to walk home from Caravan of Dreams shows at midnight, never had any problems or incidents.

#25 David Love

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Posted 26 November 2010 - 10:27 PM

They are probably one of downtown Fort Worth's best kept secrets.

What's the rent and square footage run?

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#26 David Love

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Posted 27 November 2010 - 07:14 PM

$600.00 to $700.00 range: http://www.hillsidea...rden-homes.html

So who owns these?

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#27 RD Milhollin

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Posted 29 March 2014 - 10:07 AM

Hillside Apartments being sold to Fort Worth Housing Authority and Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives:

 

http://www.star-tele...-authority.html

 

Looks like federal tax benefits for the original investors have worn off, and the Housing Authority is interested in maintaining local control over this strategic residential project close to downtown. Supported rents for many units are going to be continued for several years, and I suppose that as downtown continues to grow, especially to the east as Sundance properties' expands, this property could be subdivided and sold piecemeal to provide future capital resources for the agency and affordable housing options within walking distance for the many people who work downtown.



#28 David Love

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Posted 31 March 2014 - 07:33 PM

Now that the trains are quiet through there I'd bet you could redo the entire area, make it just as nice or a bit more urban and fit 10 times the number of units in there.

 

Just make them AFFORDABLE, we have enough 3K+ a month rent, half million dollar residences downtown; with some micro apartments, studios, then small family pods it would serve downtown much better than trying to make a quick buck and flip it to a developer to make more of what we already have.


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#29 Austin55

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Posted 05 January 2017 - 08:57 PM

Does anyone know if this is an old proposal? 

 

 

4gG9bBn.png

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#30 Doohickie

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Posted 05 January 2017 - 10:16 PM

Just based on the art, it must be.


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#31 JBB

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Posted 06 January 2017 - 09:56 AM

I vaguely remember seeing this years ago, maybe around the time that work on the Knights of Pythias was happening (which, believe it or not, discussion on that building's possible demolition started almost ten years ago. The lot is still vacant.

#32 Austin55

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Posted 25 February 2017 - 01:26 PM

From March's DDRB agenda.

 

 

DG17-08 311 Nichols Street Owner/Applicant: Keystone Development, LLC/ Dwight Hartwick- Architect Request a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a three (3) story apartment building.

 
311 Nichols is the land from post #29.



#33 Urbndwlr

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Posted 02 March 2017 - 10:28 PM

Austin55, that artwork must have had a layer of dust on it. 







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