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#1 fwfrog

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 11:20 AM

Has anyone heard anything about the proposed Hyde Park near the Flatiron Building? I'd looked into renting at the Houston Place Lofts several years ago -- and they told me the park was a year or two away. Obviously, that wasn't the case.

While we're discussing this section of town... what are the plans for the Flatiron Building? Is the doctor who owns it ever going to rent space for residential/commercial?

#2 lobster

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 11:58 AM

Has anyone heard anything about the proposed Hyde Park near the Flatiron Building?  I'd looked into renting at the Houston Place Lofts several years ago -- and they told me the park was a year or two away.  Obviously, that wasn't the case.

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Hyde Park actually does exist ...
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Alas, what you might have heard about was the proposed expanded Hyde Park where they were talking about rerouting 9th street , removing the parking lot, etc:

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Apparently in this rendition, they're calling for the parking lot to be removed, and 9th street be rerouted alongside the HP Bldg, redbricking those stretches of Throckmorton & 9th Sts, another fountain, trees, etc.. I think it'd be a great addition .. After all the recent attention north of 5th street, south downtown could use a little character put back into it..

#3 lobster

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 12:07 PM

While we're discussing this section of town...  what are the plans for the Flatiron Building?  Is the doctor who owns it ever going to rent space for residential/commercial?

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It seems like every three or four years Cravens will have a little party in the lobby of the bldg to announce what's to come -- and then we wait and wait ;) .. At the last one I attended in around '00 or so, we were able to walk about the building.. From what I remember, they were proposing to have the basement and 1 be a restaurant of some sort (at the time, César -- known for starting Sol y Luna, Red Goose, Brickhouse, etc, was laying claim to being the one who was going to put his next restaurant venture in the Flatiron), floors 2, 3, 4, and 5 would be residential, and 6 and 7 would be for himself.

The triangular shape really made things tight up there, and at the time, their plans called for three units on each floor, which really would not allow for too much room. I would have thought the views would be better, but the true definitive spot on any floor in that bldg would be at the apex where you get a nice bee-line view down Houston St.

Of course, that tour was a while ago.. so, who knows what the timeline is now. Everytime I see Tracey (Cravens' wife) she says they're working on it. They've had these flood lamps mounted on the roof blazin' every single evening for the past seven years. The cost of running those plus the cost of asbestos removal certainly makes it clear they've put a lot of money into it.

Can you believe in '95 when he bought that bldg it sold for only $125,000?? Regardless of the cost of repairs needed to make the bldg up to date, I have no dea why the previous owner didn't see the vision in just holding onto it for a few more years.

#4 John T Roberts

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 12:31 PM

Welcome to the forum, Fwfrog!

Lobs, I remember that we were both there at the same party. Since that time, I attended another one about one year later. Every once in a while, I do run into Tracey, as well, and she does state they are still working on it.

Back to the park. Hyde Park was actually the city's first park, located where the city's two grids meet. It was donated to the city by the Jennings family and it had two deed restrictions on it. The first was that the rectangular piece of land would always remain a park, and the second was that a portion of the site at the apex of 9th and Throckmorton would be used for a library. Yes, the overall site is rectangular and the original boundaries of the park are very easy to locate. The buildings along the perimeter form its boundary. The portion that is now a parking lot is the result of the city's inability to uphold an agreement. In the late 1800's, the city's small Carnegie Library sat near the corner of 9th and Throckmorton. By 1930, the library was overcrowded and the city decided to build a larger library at that location. The 1930's library took up the entire portion of that block, leaving an alley between it and the Bryce Building and Houston Place Lofts. The design of the library was Art Deco. Although it split the park into two pieces, it did add a lot to the character and density of that part of downtown. In 1978, the city built it's current library on Third Street and moved out of the old library. At that time, they moved city offices inside the old library. Shortly thereafter, the Jennings Family Heirs, demanded the land back because of the deed restrictions set upon it about 100 years earlier. If the City of Fort Worth had maintained a small branch library at that location, then the family would not have tried to reclaim the building and the property. To make a long story short, courts ruled against the city, the family took back the building, tried to sell it, failed, and then the new owners demolished it. Now, in order to expand Hyde Park, the city is working to purchase the vacant lot. Due to the City of Fort Worth's lack of regard for agreements, we lost a historic building, the property, and now we have to buy it at an inflated cost just to expand Hyde Park. Our tax dollars at waste. ;)

#5 lobster

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 01:37 PM

Shortly thereafter, the Jennings Family Heirs, demanded the land back because of the deed restrictions set upon it about 100 years earlier.  If the City of Fort Worth had maintained a small branch library at that location, then the family would not have tried to reclaim the building and the property.  To make a long story short, courts ruled against the city, the family took back the building, tried to sell it, failed, and then the new owners demolished it.

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Yeah, that's quite a twisted turn of events aye? I just read that about that whole mess two weeks ago... When you say "the new owners" do you mean the Jennings family heirs themselves were the ones that demolished it because they couldn't sell? Or did they finally find a buyer who threw down a meager amt of $ for the building + land so they can put that dopey parking lot in?? I guess either way, the deed restriction has now been lifted? (Or do they ever expire?) It seems if the courts ruled in the family's favor, they are saying "yes, we agree there must always be a library here" -- afterall, that's what they were suing for, right? I'm confused as to how a parking lot is allowed to be there ..unless in the court case, it was determined that since the family won it back, they also won the rights to alter the original deed restrictions? Can they do that? ;)

#6 fwfrog

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 02:19 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome ;)

I've been visiting this website off and on for a while now. I really enjoy Ft. Worth's history and especially the charm of the old buildings.

My wife and I currently live in the Alliance corridor -- but we've been itching to get back into the "real" Ft. Worth very soon.

Houston Place Lofts seem like a great location -- and it's about all we could afford. Wouldn't it be nice if they ever fully expanded Hyde Park? (lobster, thanks for the photos; that was, in fact, the proposed map I had come across)

From what I've read here, those lofts aren't getting rave reviews. Maybe we were grasping at straws with the hopes of a nice inner-city park nearby.

#7 John T Roberts

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 02:49 PM

Lobster, I sometimes get ahead of myself. The land for the library may not have been a deed restriction, but more of an agreement that stated as long as that part of the property was used as a library then the City of Fort Worth could use it. The same would go for the park portions.

After the Jennings heirs took back the land, they did finally sell it. After they had control of the property, then it would no longer have to be used as a library because that was their gift to the city. The heirs eventually did sell the building, and that's when the new owner demolished it for a income producing surface parking lot. I don't know if has changed hands since the library was demolished, but I do know that if the city wants the property, they will have to buy it.

#8 safly

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 04:43 PM

The acquisition of deed ownership may have occured long before courts enacted law to protect those agreements/restrictions. Or Jennings may not have really ordered a deed restriction at all. The Hyde Park situation looks promising, but it's really not a venue that will push the REAL Centeral dtown, my El Centro. If you want to relieve your 200lb St. Bernard, GREAT. I am trying to picture people utilizing it for a picnic, get togethers, etc. Not happenin. I just think the city would just want to retain land near its muni's. Then again I did read of an article that notioned the possible move to the gorgeous post office building on Lancaster. Wouldn't mind buying the muni and building up from that for condo's or apts.

I for one think they should create a substreet for Houston to 9th and Main, then rise up to 8th or 7th, or Jones. I recommende the idea to 2 surveyors working in front of the FI building last year, they absolutely loved it! That whole area of Gen. Worth square(8th to 9th on Main) and the Hyde Park proposal all the way to the footsteps of the courts should all be grassed up for a walk only park. Then you can create a cul de sac near the NW end of the CC, anchored by stop pillars, people can then park along Houston St. from Lancaster to 9th. The Santa Monica Promenade on 3rd is a PRIME example of this aesthetic flow. I love seeing cars drive up from underground ways in those big cities like DC and Chi-town. We have one I believe below the TRE tracks off of Main? Or Jennings? Perhaps someone can help me to clarify, it seems hardly used from time to time.
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#9 mosteijn

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 08:16 PM

I was quite dismayed to see that a company the city hired to assess the possibilities for the park recommended NO light-rail for the new transit center. This could be a setback for any kind of light-rail proposal. Oh and the company also suggested redeveloping the area to the east of the Convention Center with 3-5 storey mixed use buildings, which would be a nice change...but personally I think that area could sustain MUCH taller buildings.

#10 lobster

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Posted 26 February 2005 - 09:42 PM

If you want to relieve your 200lb St. Bernard, GREAT.

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Subtle Arnie Velez / Mustafa reference there? :cheez:

#11 safly

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Posted 27 February 2005 - 01:51 AM

If you want to relieve your 200lb St. Bernard, GREAT.

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Subtle Arnie Velez / Mustafa reference there? :o

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Exactly, love walkin him in d-town. We need him on the beat down here. Protect the rez. :cheez:
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#12 safly

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Posted 27 February 2005 - 01:56 AM

Does anyone favor kickin the United Way people or the Greyhound Co. out of their prime propt. locations or pretty nice lookin buildings? Seems like a waste of space, they take a lot of it too. Besides, people they let go from area prisons end up dropped off there, seems like FW is the place to be for them. I look out my kitchen window and just imagine paying them to leave or to move them near the ITC, then building something real "pimp" there. :cheez: Any comments?
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#13 ghughes

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Posted 04 March 2005 - 05:25 PM

As I recall, Greyhound was supposed to move to the ITC at some point...

#14 safly

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Posted 08 March 2005 - 02:44 AM

If you want to relieve your 200lb St. Bernard, GREAT.

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Subtle Arnie Velez / Mustafa reference there? :huh:

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Mufassa
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#15 Buck

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Posted 13 March 2005 - 08:28 PM

What's in that building at 8th and Calhoun besides Calle Ocho (the old Pig & Whistle)?

That seems like a prime spot for some kind of re-do. Good train access. Close to law school.

#16 John T Roberts

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Posted 13 March 2005 - 09:47 PM

Friberg Associates, a consulting engineering firm, occupies the upper floors. I don't know about any other tenants in the building other than Calle Ocho.

#17 LM TCU Grad

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Posted 15 March 2005 - 12:46 PM

Friberg Associates, a consulting engineering firm, occupies the upper floors.  I don't know about any other tenants in the building other than Calle Ocho.

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Calle Ocho closed Jan 1, 2005. My Fiancee's father owned the club and closed it after 1 1/2 years. As far as I know, it will be up for rent now, although I have not been by there since New Year's.

#18 safly

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Posted 16 March 2005 - 04:34 AM

Friberg Associates, a consulting engineering firm, occupies the upper floors.  I don't know about any other tenants in the building other than Calle Ocho.

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Calle Ocho closed Jan 1, 2005. My Fiancee's father owned the club and closed it after 1 1/2 years. As far as I know, it will be up for rent now, although I have not been by there since New Year's.

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Whom do I contact for further info? Did they leave their kitchen equipment and bar? Who owns the property? :D
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#19 LM TCU Grad

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Posted 16 March 2005 - 02:10 PM

Friberg Associates, a consulting engineering firm, occupies the upper floors.  I don't know about any other tenants in the building other than Calle Ocho.

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Calle Ocho closed Jan 1, 2005. My Fiancee's father owned the club and closed it after 1 1/2 years. As far as I know, it will be up for rent now, although I have not been by there since New Year's.

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Whom do I contact for further info? Did they leave their kitchen equipment and bar? Who owns the property? ^_^

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Yes, the kitchen equipment is still there. From memory, they have a walk-in, freezer, 4 reach-ins, large smooth top grill, couple of fryers and large stainless steel prep tables with racks. It's a full kitchen if you wanted it to be. The equipment is owned by the former Calle Ocho owner. The property itself was rented on a monthly basis.

#20 safly

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Posted 19 March 2005 - 07:09 AM

Friberg Associates, a consulting engineering firm, occupies the upper floors.  I don't know about any other tenants in the building other than Calle Ocho.

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Calle Ocho closed Jan 1, 2005. My Fiancee's father owned the club and closed it after 1 1/2 years. As far as I know, it will be up for rent now, although I have not been by there since New Year's.

View Post

Whom do I contact for further info? Did they leave their kitchen equipment and bar? Who owns the property? :rolleyes:

View Post

Yes, the kitchen equipment is still there. From memory, they have a walk-in, freezer, 4 reach-ins, large smooth top grill, couple of fryers and large stainless steel prep tables with racks. It's a full kitchen if you wanted it to be. The equipment is owned by the former Calle Ocho owner. The property itself was rented on a monthly basis.

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E-mail me the owner info. if you can. Preciate it.
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#21 John T Roberts

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Posted 10 August 2009 - 05:33 AM

Since this subject has last been discussed on the forum, the park has been redesigned again, with 9th Street now heading in a straight line through the proposed park. Mike Lee, with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram says critics question whether the redesigned park and street grid will enhance transportation. I was called my Mr. Lee and I was also shown the redesigned street layout. I wasn't aware that these changes will actually decrease the number of buses that can stop at the intersection.

Here's a link to the article:
http://www.star-tele...ry/1528716.html

#22 Fort Worthology

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Posted 10 August 2009 - 06:33 AM

Interesting dilemma. Though it is just a bit humorous how the T complains about things like this when their own bus lines are so confusing and weirdly-drawn that they actively discourage a lot of riders themselves.

Starting to think that Hyde Park is one of those Fort Worth projects that will be talked about for a decade or two and never actually built.

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#23 Bart

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Posted 10 August 2009 - 09:08 PM

I must be missing the point on the discussion of the transit point for bus traffic at hyde park. with the respective location of the two train terminals and possible relocation of city hall, how does the hyde park area even make sense anymore for a center bus hub? you are about three/four blocks from both train stations, where most of the busses probably stop at anyway.



#24 double

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Posted 24 August 2009 - 10:42 AM

To me, the only way the street realignment makes sense is if you change Throckmorton back to a two way street - at least that part south of 7th St. How do drivers who have entered downtown from the east side find their way to City Hall or the Water Dept if Jennings and 10th St become unreachable from 9th St? 5 blocks down 6th St to Macon then south several blocks and turn left for another 5 blocks down Texas St? Or 10 or so blocks down Calhoun to Lancaster then, what, 6 or 7 blocks to go up Taylor???? It's just crazy to me.

#25 Fort Worthology

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Posted 24 August 2009 - 11:40 AM

All Downtown one-way streets should be re-made as two-way. Though I guess that's another topic.

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#26 cbellomy

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Posted 24 August 2009 - 09:26 PM

QUOTE (Atomic Glee @ Aug 24 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
All Downtown one-way streets should be re-made as two-way. Though I guess that's another topic.


It is, but I'll say this: I shudder at the thought, with our short blocks and poorly coordinated traffic control lights. Pedestrians would be sucking on a lot of carbon monoxide, I'd bet ya.

#27 renamerusk

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Posted 01 September 2014 - 04:02 PM

I am really happy about how Hyde Park is turning out. It is a strange shaped odd little park....

Up3floors-1.jpg


Topside2.jpg


Topside.jpg


IMG_7290_1_2_fused.jpg


BusStop.jpg


Girls.jpg


IMG_7281_2_3_fused.jpg

 

 

I was walking around downtown and was greatly surprised not only that the ribbon was here already, but was only partially installed.

 

14891896509_feab6431ab_z.jpgTabachin Ribbon 1 by bonfire98a, on Flickr

 

15055583626_3aceaee8a2_z.jpgTabachin Ribbon 2 by bonfire98a, on Flickr

 

15078597235_dc800c0c68_z.jpgTabachin Ribbon 3 by bonfire98a, on Flickr

 

14892000538_16ce01f836_z.jpgTabachin Ribbon 4 by bonfire98a, on Flickr

 

14891956180_746df997c5_z.jpgTabachin Ribbon 5 by bonfire98a, on Flickr

 

 

 

 

Neato! This thing is to cool. Went by tonight and it had a couple of gawkers already.

 

1WZMmA4.jpg

 

rRYN2bl.jpg

 

This adds to my feelings that this often overlooked park and its environs is becoming a special place.



#28 Austin55

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Posted 01 September 2014 - 08:51 PM

Did'nt know Hyde had it's own topic. 

 


Starting to think that Hyde Park is one of those Fort Worth projects that will be talked about for a decade or two and never actually built.

 

Ha, well I guess that never came true! Good. 

 

We've had Hyde Park a few years now, what do ya'll think of it? It seems to have a lot of the bones of a good park, but not much activity. As a transit center it seems to have failed tottaly. 

 

By the way, here's an interesting 4 page peice from PPS about the project. http://www.gsa.gov/g..._case_study.pdf



#29 renamerusk

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Posted 01 September 2014 - 11:02 PM

....As a transit center it seems to have failed tottaly. 

 

 But of course; its a FWTA idea.  :no:



#30 mmmdan

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Posted 02 September 2014 - 06:30 AM

I've always liked the panther statue there.  From discussions with others, apparently I'm the weird one who discovered this panther before the one by the courthouse.  They all knew the one by the courthouse and didn't know about the Hyde Park panther, and I was the opposite.



#31 John T Roberts

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Posted 02 September 2014 - 07:46 AM

I actually don't see how people can miss this one, since it is part of a water feature.



#32 dangr.dave

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Posted 10 September 2014 - 09:00 AM

15171605586_3a466c6dbb_z.jpgThe Tabachin Ribbon by dangr.dave, on Flickr



#33 RD Milhollin

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Posted 14 September 2014 - 12:40 AM

S-T editorial page gives Tachabin Ribbon a "thumbs-up"

 

http://www.star-tele...n-downtown.html






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