346 replies to this topic

[Doohickie]

I think the problem for many of the current tenants is that they've had continuing relationships with the current management and probably had stable rental rates. It may be a bit of sticker shock to leave their existing situations and try to find comparable rates in the downtown area, especially from Sundance Management properties. It seems most Sundance food places have some cache as high end food, even Taco Diner. That's not the kind of place Picci Pacci is. I see them maybe sliding into something more toward the Burnett Square end of downtown which I'm guessing doesn't have the Sundance Square rental premium.

[Jeriat]

I think the problem for many of the current tenants is that they've had continuing relationships with the current management and probably had stable rental rates. It may be a bit of sticker shock to leave their existing situations and try to find comparable rates in the downtown area, especially from Sundance Management properties. It seems most Sundance food places have some cache as high end food, even Taco Diner. That's not the kind of place Picci Pacci is. I see them maybe sliding into something more toward the Burnett Square end of downtown which I'm guessing doesn't have the Sundance Square rental premium.

Well, there are spots around. Maybe they can even find space in the Near Southside or some of the open buildings between Lancaster and W. 7th in the Cultural District.

[Doohickie]

I kind of like the idea of them moving to the Near Southside, although I wonder whether that will be any more affordable (Trinity Bicycles actually lowered their rent by moving downtown). Also, a move to the Southside will probably mean a big dropoff in walk-up traffic, especially at lunchtime.

I see them trying to stay within walking distance of the downtown core if they can manage it to keep their clientele intact.

[Doohickie]

The barber shop is closed.   I asked at Picchi Pacchi and they told me the barber shop closed down a couple days ago and will be reopening in a couple weeks at 7th & Lamar (the Neil P, perhaps?)

[Austin55]

Good to hear that it wont be leaving for good.. I think Pichi will do well there, not as busy at Main, but there's a few residents and still a big office presence. 

 

 

Nevermind this

[Jeriat]

WIth that news, maybe we could see more development around Burnett Park... 

[JBB]

So the big hurdle for development in that neighborhood is the lack of an Italian restaurant?

[Jeriat]

So the big hurdle for development in that neighborhood is the lack of an Italian restaurant?

 

It's lacking a lot more than that. 

[Doohickie]

Good to hear that it wont be leaving for good.. I think Pichi will do well there, not as busy at Main, but there's a few residents and still a big office presence. 

 

No, I think you misunderstood.... the folks at Picchi Pacchi told me that barber shop is moving to Lamar and 7th.  They didn't say anything about their plans (and I didn't ask; it was just the people who work the counter and I didn't know if they were management).

 

I changed my post about that to read "barber shop" instead of "shop."

[Austin55]

Oops. Reading is hard for me sometimes. 

[Doohickie]

Well, the first time through I called it the shop so I can see where there was some confusion.  I do like the idea of the area around Burnette Park becoming it's own little urban area though. 

[Doohickie]

Some Sinclair Building tenant news:

 

Charles has opened Big C's Barber Shop in the Historic Electric Building at 717 Lamar.  In this picture, the entrance is near the green Jeep Cherokee.

Big C's Barber Shop by Paul Halicki, on Flickr

 

Big C's Barber Shop by Paul Halicki, on Flickr

 

He also said that Picchi Pacchi will be moving to the next block, into the Neil P. Building next to Planet Sub, about where the red Pontiac is:

Future Picchi Pacchi next to Planet Sub by Paul Halicki, on Flickr

 

I could see where Picchi Pacchi will actually benefit Planet Sub; Picchi Pacchi has a following and will bring foot traffic to the area.  So now Burnett Park will have their Italian restaurant.  The development possibilities for the area are endless!

 

Charles and Shelton's widow could not agree on a price for the old shop fixtures, so Charles ended up with all new stuff.  The shop is open but Charles will eventually be making further modifications to the space.

[John T Roberts]

I was planning to get downtown today, but it just didn't happen.  Maybe tomorrow, but I'm also planning to ride my bicycle, so it doesn't leave much time to do both.

[Doohickie]

I made the mistake of going downtown while the Stock Show Parade was still going on (or maybe just as it was ending?)  Mad traffic and few parking spots.

[John T Roberts]

I was aware of the parade, but I was hoping to get down there before it started.  There was a Downtown Walking Tour before the parade, and I originally thought I would do the tour, watch what was left of the parade, and then explore some. 

[Austin55]

 

 

Aslam said he hopes all the prep work can be done by the summer so construction can begin.

 

http://www.fortworth...422c2278a7.html

[dangr.dave]

Went to Planet Sub and saw the sign in the window next door saying that Picchi Pacchi is coming soon.  There is renovation work going on and workers are present, but I couldn't tell how close they are to being done with whatever they are doing.

[Austin55]

Samantha Calimbahin providing an update, everything on track for 2017 deadline. 

 

http://www.fortworth...e7a546bf33.html

[John T Roberts]

I didn't receive my information on the agenda and packet for the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission until Friday after 5 PM.  It was also sent to my work e-mail address, so I didn't see it until today.  The renovations to the Sinclair Building were heard this afternoon.  Included in the packet was a full set of drawings. Also included, is one individual residence, and the remodeling of 907 Houston Street. If you are interested in seeing what they will be doing to the building before it is removed from the city's website, please follow this link to a 111 page PDF file:  http://fortworthtexa.../Individual.pdf

[JBB]

That rooftop bar is going to be great!

[John T Roberts]

I agree.  I have been on the roof and it has some great views.

[Austin55]

The old Subway space has been gutted. and there's a dumpster in the street. Seems early work is starting up. 

Related - Similar situation at the Hilton Annex. 

[John T Roberts]

I had noticed the work on the Sinclair when I was downtown this week.

[Doohickie]

That link takes me to a two-page pdf, John.

[John T Roberts]

Evidently, the City re-uses the links each month.  The page is now for the current month's agenda.  I'm sorry that you missed it.  Next time that I post a link to the Landmarks Commission's agenda, I will warn everyone that it is only good until the next agenda is posted.

[Austin55]

Some windows have been removed from the STS Tower, looks like they might be preparing for an exterior construction elevator?

[John T Roberts]

CVS Pharmacy will be moving into the STS Tower.  It will occupy the space where Ojos Locos is currently located.  Construction is supposed to start in March and be finished by July.

[Doohickie]

So Ojos Locos is kaput?

[John T Roberts]

I don't know if they are kaput, but when this project was announced, it was stated that Ojos Locos would either have to move, or close. 

[Jeriat]

CVS Pharmacy will be moving into the STS Tower.  It will occupy the space where Ojos Locos is currently located.  Construction is supposed to start in March and be finished by July.

 

After years of asking...

 

 

FINALLY!

[Austin55]

I'm very excited about this. Ojos was a bit rowdy but seemed like a fun place so I'm sure some people will be glad to see it gone, others will miss it. If anything, I wouldn't be surprised to see it have success elsewhere (maybe in another neighborhood... looking at you W7th). Downtown has a few tiny little convenience stores and a CVS outside the core but a big name like this smack in the center of downtown ought to really help improve the guest experience of hotel visitors and downtown residents.

[John T Roberts]

We used to have a drug store right in the middle of downtown.  Eckerd Drugs (the CVS forerunner) was located in the old W.T. Grant store at the corner of Houston and 6th.  The Library Bar is currently located in that space.  I believe Eckerd was in that location into the 1990's. because they closed down to remodel the building and the Library moved in shortly thereafter.  Even further in the past, I believe that Walgreen's was once located across 6th Street.

[Doohickie]

Downtown has a few tiny little convenience stores and a CVS outside the core...

 

If you mean the one on Henderson, that's a Walgreens.

[John T Roberts]

When I was a kid, downtown also had a chain of smaller drug stores called Ward's Cut-Rate Drugs.  If my memory serves me correctly, I believe Eckerd's purchased that chain and upsized some of the stores, and renamed them. 

 

On related note, I think the STS Tower may have an eventual name change after the restoration.  It's first name was the Sanger Brothers Department Store, or Sanger Brothers Building.  After they moved, it was called the Transportation Building, then Meacham's Department Store (Meacham Building), Color Tile Building, and lastly, the STS Tower.

[renamerusk]

I'm very excited about this (CVS) Ojos was a bit rowdy... I wouldn't be surprised to see it have success elsewhere....a CVS outside the core but a big name like this smack in the center of downtown ought to really help improve the guest experience of hotel visitors and downtown residents.

 

 Looks like Downtown has come a long way...no doubt that a Walgreen will open across or in a block near by.  Ojos could take the spot vacated by Frankie's creating synenergy with Hooters; a not so ideal development but one that could be beneficial to both.  I agree that the hospitality and residential segments of Downtown will be improved.

[Jeriat]

Taking up Frankie's spot may work, but... just throwing it out there:

Ojos Locos to West 7th...?

(I didn't see your comment when I posted this, Austin, but yeah. West 7th, maybe on the spot were Einstein's Bagels was.) 

[John T Roberts]

I doubt that Sundance Square would allow Ojos Locos into Frankie's old space, considering that the residents of Sundance West and the Sanger Lofts formally opposed Hooter's coming into City Place.  The STS Tower is on an adjacent property to Sundance Square.  A different landlord owns the STS Tower, the Sinclair Building, the old Lerner Building site, and the Hilton Hotel Annex.

[Doohickie]

Ojos Locos claims they're not going anywhere.

 

“Our lease is effective through 2025,” Hicks said. “Until we hear from our landlord further, we will continue business as usual.”

Read more here: http://www.star-tele...l#storylink=cpy

[Jeriat]

Ojos Locos claims they're not going anywhere.
 
“Our lease is effective through 2025,” Hicks said. “Until we hear from our landlord further, we will continue business as usual.”

Read more here: http://www.star-tele...l#storylink=cpy

And here we go...

[Doohickie]

Actually, the way I read that is that the Ojos Locos guy is in negotiations to terminate the lease but has to hang onto his staff until it's worked out.  ("Until we hear from our landlord further..." implies ongoing talks.)

[Dylan]

A bit belated, but I'm very glad to hear CVS is planning to open a store in the center of downtown.

 

Could CVS open up in the base of the new XTO garage?

[Jeriat]

Could CVS open up in the base of the new XTO garage?

 

It's possible... if I saw the floor plans, I'd have a more solid answer. 

[renamerusk]

A bit belated, but I'm very glad to hear CVS is planning to open a store in the center of downtown.

 

Could CVS open up in the base of the new XTO garage?

 

Our understanding is that CVS will be moving into the space being vacated by Ojos Locos which is currently in the STS building.

 

At the base of XTO Garage, maybe a Walgreen (questionable) or a 7-11 (very possible).

[Brian Luenser]

Have always been confused by the absence of a drug store in the middle of downtown. (at least for a few decades)  Not that I am not grateful for the Walgreens on Henderson.

[John T Roberts]

Here's where some drug stores were located in the core of downtown.

 

Renfro's Drug Store - NE corner 3rd & Main - 1925 (Knights of Pythias Castle Hall)

Renfro's Rexall Drugs - NE corner 9th & Houston - 1945

Renfro's Drug Store - SE corner 7th & Houston - 1950
Renfro's Drug Store - NE corner 7th & Houston - c.1905

Original Cut Rate Drugs - SW corner 4th & Houston - 1945

Joe Horn Drug Store - NW corner Lancaster & Main - 1950

Ward's Cut Rate Drugs - SW corner 8th & Houston - 1950 (Thompson's Bookstore)

Town House Drug Store - NW corner 3rd & Burnett

Moreland Drugs - NE corner 6th & Throckmorton - 1947 (Petroleum Building)

Kay Drug Co. - 411 W. 7th - 1942-1960's (Neil P. at Burnett Park)

Blackstone Drug Store - SE corner Main & 5th - 1942 (Blackstone Hotel)

Lewis Drugs - NE Corner Lancaster & Jennings - 1942

Terminal Drugs - NE corner 8th & Commerce - 1942 (Biltmore Garage/Hilton Hotel Annex)

[Austin55]

Never seen lights on in the STS tower.

 

[Austin55]

New glass and panes on STS.

 

[Austin55]

I'm liking the new look a lot. It's a lot more transparent and airy than before. And looks more like the original. STS tower has always been a really pretty building IMO (look at those well-preserved accents along the roof) but this new glass really is making a big difference. 

[John T Roberts]

The old windows were another example of a poorly executed remodeling job.  Slowly, but surely, these projects are being "undone".

[rriojas71]

I'm really liking the redo on this a lot. It will be nice when this is completed and the CVS is done as well