29 replies to this topic

[Jeriat]

PROJECT: Burnett Plaza

POSSIBLE DISTRICT NAMES: Burnet Park, Burnett Corner

EXISTING LANDMARKS: 500 W.7th St., Burnett Plaza, Burnett Park

PROPOSED/ONCE PROPOSED/FUTURE PROJECTS: N/A

ANALYSIS: The main focus of this area is Burnett Plaza, the tallest in the city, that sits in the old Burnett Park. You have some older buildings surrounding the area, reaching from the early 20th century to just a few years ago when the 4 story Hanger Building was finished. There's also some surface lots (of course) and it is the gateway to West 7th Street....

CONCEPT
This area once had the Medical Arts Building, one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire city. Then in the 70's, it was demolished and replaced.... with that boxy p.o.s stading right now as our tallest building. I hate the Burnett Plaza. With a passion. And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. SO, in my fantasy redevelopment, as part of another major entertaiment/residential area in downtown, I tore that down and replaced it with an observation tower. And I kept the 'step design' from Burnett, as a reminder of what used to be (have to honor the past, even if it's crappy). I also have 3 new buildings surrounding the area and a remodel of the W. 500 St. buidling. It would be the new HQ buidling for American Airlines. The first two stories of it would include restaurants and retail. In keeping with the old w/ new image, I also created a new Burnett Plaza building, somewhat in the style of the old Med Arts Building. It's mostly office, but also features ground floor retail with an open plaza. Next to it, a hotel/condo building and just west of the Burnett Park Tower, a new Bank of America Building. I gave it several stepbacks and it sort of looks like the Stanely Cup if you ask me. I made sure all the surrounding buildings of the BPT were at max a height of 450' ft.....

[johnfwd]

Jeriat,these are handsome designs. I also recall viewing a previous proposal, also nicely done. Just wondering…an architecture class project, just making proposals? Or is there something serious brewing here.

[Jeriat]

Jeriat,these are handsome designs. I also recall viewing a previous proposal, also nicely done. Just wondering…an architecture class project, just making proposals? Or is there something serious brewing here.

Thanx.

These are basically just ideas in my head that I plan to (at least) help become a reality in the future.

[Jeriat]

Revised (ignore the line coming out of the new Burnett Plaza...)

Austin, I used one of your buildings because of proximity, if you don't mind. Here is the area from I-30. 

 

 

From the east

 

 

Coming in from Airport Fwy

 

From LaGrave Field 

 

 

Down West 7th

 

 

 

Southside 

 

[Doohickie]

it was demolished and replaced.... with that boxy p.o.s stading right now as our tallest building. I hate the Burnett Plaza. With a passion.

Totally agree. It's an ugly building. But it's OUR ugly building, dammit, and it ain't goin' anywhere.
 

Jeriat,these are handsome designs.

I just threw up in my mouth a little.

I have no problem with proposing a change to the existing skyline and I understand why you selected this building to replace, but I don't see the proposed architecture as any better. Different? Yes. But in 5 years, the next Jeriat would be proposing tearing that thing down.

I think it's good to brainstorm and try different ideas. I kind of view your drawings kind of like concept cars at an auto show. I rarely see the radical concepts make it to production, at least not without a lot of modifications to the design. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think you do good work, even if I'm critical of your latest concept.

[cberen1]

I worked in Burnett Plaza for several years.  It's an incredibly functional building and, while the appearance is a little severe, it's actually very practical.  Over time I grew to appreciate the recessed windows and the texture of the concrete exterior and rough cut granite interior.  Over time I believe that having some of that style in the fabric of our downtown adds to the overall aesthetic.  It's easy for us to look back at the demise of almost all the victorian homes in Fort Worth and talk about how short-sighted those idiots were in tearing them down.  But then we look at these buildings from the 70's and 80's and turn our noses up at them and declare "no one will ever miss them."  It's a little short-sighted.

 

I think the biggest challenge to changing that part of downtown is FUMC.  Their land holdings are vast, they have no economic need, and surface parking suits them just fine.  In my ideal world you build FUMC a couple of high capactiy parking garages (perhaps to the North of the church), a "front door" park or plaza to retain sight lines to the church, and build a corridor from Henderson into downtown on 7th street.  To me that means a structure on the block opposite Cantey Hanger at 7th and Cherry.  Structures on the two blocks between Henderson and Macon on the South side of 7th (one empty, the other a Frost motorbank).  And a structure on the block across from the Firestone Apartments at 7th and Henderson.

 

Jeriat, I like your designs, but if you really want to do something impressive, figure out how to put something between Henderson and Macon on the North side of 7th that would accomodate FUMC's goals and needs, be a creative use of the space, and facilitate a 7th street facing corridor.  Everyone is in love with big buildings, but there's no place for one here.  If you upstage FUMC they wouldn't go for it.  It has to highlight the church and get rid of the surface parking at the same time.  This plot of land presents an incredible design challenge.  Finding something that could meet everyone's wants would be much more impressive than just another phallic tall building.

[renamerusk]

I think the biggest challenge to changing that part of downtown is FUMC.  Their land holdings are vast, they have no economic need, and surface parking suits them just fine.  In my ideal world you build FUMC a couple of high capactiy parking garages (perhaps to the North of the church)... a "front door" park or plaza to retain sight lines to the church, and build a corridor from Henderson into downtown on 7th street. ...be a creative use of the space, and facilitate a 7th street facing corridor...highlight the church and get rid of the surface parking at the same time.

 

Park Cities Presbyterian Church (Dallas) did and may still have an agreement with nearby high rises for its congregants to park in their garages during Sunday services.  If an agreement could be inked between First United Methodist Church (FUMC) and Burnett Plaza (BP) to use the BP garage on Sundays, that would go a long way in solving the surface parking issues if FUMC ever gets the idea to develop a plaza on the surface parking entailing retail and office space along 7^th.  And by the way, I think would be a good idea for FUMC to pursue.

 

A plaza with similar character, but maybe smaller.  Do you see the FUMC look alike in the photo?

 

http://dialogue4heal...context=popular

[Jeriat]

I worked in Burnett Plaza for several years.  It's an incredibly functional building and, while the appearance is a little severe, it's actually very practical.  Over time I grew to appreciate the recessed windows and the texture of the concrete exterior and rough cut granite interior.  Over time I believe that having some of that style in the fabric of our downtown adds to the overall aesthetic.  It's easy for us to look back at the demise of almost all the victorian homes in Fort Worth and talk about how short-sighted those idiots were in tearing them down.  But then we look at these buildings from the 70's and 80's and turn our noses up at them and declare "no one will ever miss them."  It's a little short-sighted.

 

I think the biggest challenge to changing that part of downtown is FUMC.  Their land holdings are vast, they have no economic need, and surface parking suits them just fine.  In my ideal world you build FUMC a couple of high capactiy parking garages (perhaps to the North of the church), a "front door" park or plaza to retain sight lines to the church, and build a corridor from Henderson into downtown on 7th street.  To me that means a structure on the block opposite Cantey Hanger at 7th and Cherry.  Structures on the two blocks between Henderson and Macon on the South side of 7th (one empty, the other a Frost motorbank).  And a structure on the block across from the Firestone Apartments at 7th and Henderson.

 

Jeriat, I like your designs, but if you really want to do something impressive, figure out how to put something between Henderson and Macon on the North side of 7th that would accomodate FUMC's goals and needs, be a creative use of the space, and facilitate a 7th street facing corridor.  Everyone is in love with big buildings, but there's no place for one here.  If you upstage FUMC they wouldn't go for it.  It has to highlight the church and get rid of the surface parking at the same time.  This plot of land presents an incredible design challenge.  Finding something that could meet everyone's wants would be much more impressive than just another phallic tall building.

 

Well a couple of those spaces you mentioned... between Henderson and Macon and north of the Firestone Apartments.... I've either already done something with those (one of which is right here, see the blue and silver building) or working on now. [See: Firestone (thinking of changing the roof), BoA, and Upper West projects]

 

Here's the thing with Burnett. It's IMPOSING. It's very monolithic and honestly, when I look at it, I don't see something to be admired for generations to come. It's been 30 years since it's been built, and it still isn't exactly everyone's favorite tower, count me as one of them. When I look at Burnett Plaza, the only thing I think of is a giant concrete box with a few windows in it that blocks sunlight to a park for 2+ hours, NOT during the hottest times of the day if I may add. After work, I walked over to the area, just to get another "feel" for it, and all I saw was just another soul-sucking Brutalist building, like I've always seen it since middle school. I know it's practical... it has to be, it's a skyscraper. But there's nothing that says it can't be useful AND nice to look at. And it's not so much the era in which it was built. I like several buildings from the late 60's to late 80's, even a few of the ones here, and it's not even its mostly concrete facade, though I think those should only be used for stadiums, multi-level garages, and observation towers. It's the shape, size, height and location of it that I have a problem with.

 

Believe it or not, the number of skyscrapers isn't what I don't like about our skyline. Even though I constantly pump out ideas for skyscrapers on this forum, the thing I honestly have a problem with are the skyscrapers that we already have. There are only 6. Only two of them really stand out (in a GOOD way), three are ok/ above average, but they're no Empire State Building. And the last one is Burnett. I tried seeing something in it for years, but I just can't. I'm proud to call myself a Fort Worthian... but I'm definitely not proud of this thing.  

You seriously can't compare THIS:

 

 

To this:



Honestly, I'd rather see no building there than the Big Tanish Monster standing up now.  I mean, at the very, very, very, VERY, very least, remodel the damn thing. 
Rant about Burnett, over. 

 

 

Oh, and as for the spaces around FUMC, I agree, there should be some garage parking north of it. And I think that the area on 7th should be used more as a lawn with trees. I hate surface lots almost as much as BP, but still feel it should be open. Maybe with some artwork....? 

The surface lot between Carter Hanger and the church is something I never really thought of. Maybe I will later. 

 

And some of you know, this isn't the only "area concept" I have for downtown. There's others, of course. I don't want to sound cliche, but it's all part of a bigger plan. 

[Austin55]

No doubt Burnett is in a terrible location, and it replaced a fantastic building, but it ain't goin noplace. 

I actually like it's neighbor, BOA. The plaza needs some work, but it's pretty nice for a 70's international style. 

I actually Saint Andrew's into account with my building, hence the parking garage as a podium.

 

Good luck coming up with something at the FUMC. That's tough.

 

[Jeriat]

No doubt Burnett is in a terrible location, and it replaced a fantastic building, but it ain't goin noplace. 

I actually like it's neighbor, BOA. The plaza needs some work, but it's pretty nice for a 70's international style. 

I actually Saint Andrew's into account with my building, hence the parking garage as a podium.

 

Good luck coming up with something at the FUMC. That's tough.

 

 

That's the thing.... I really don't want to touch it. 

 

Like I said, those front lots would be better as more greenspace, if you ask me. 

[RD Milhollin]

Like I said, those front lots would be better as more greenspace, if you ask me. 

 

Absolutely NOT! That facade screams for a plaza, surrounded by buildings of complementary scale housing businesses, services, and people.

[cberen1]

Here's the thing with Burnett. It's IMPOSING. It's very monolithic and honestly, when I look at it, I don't see something to be admired for generations to come. It's been 30 years since it's been built, and it still isn't exactly everyone's favorite tower, count me as one of them. When I look at Burnett Plaza, the only thing I think of is a giant concrete box with a few windows in it that blocks sunlight to a park for 2+ hours, NOT during the hottest times of the day if I may add. After work, I walked over to the area, just to get another "feel" for it, and all I saw was just another soul-sucking Brutalist building, like I've always seen it since middle school. I know it's practical... it has to be, it's a skyscraper. But there's nothing that says it can't be useful AND nice to look at. And it's not so much the era in which it was built. I like several buildings from the late 60's to late 80's, even a few of the ones here, and it's not even its mostly concrete facade, though I think those should only be used for stadiums, multi-level garages, and observation towers. It's the shape, size, height and location of it that I have a problem with.

 

Believe it or not, the number of skyscrapers isn't what I don't like about our skyline. Even though I constantly pump out ideas for skyscrapers on this forum, the thing I honestly have a problem with are the skyscrapers that we already have. There are only 6. Only two of them really stand out (in a GOOD way), three are ok/ above average, but they're no Empire State Building. And the last one is Burnett. I tried seeing something in it for years, but I just can't. I'm proud to call myself a Fort Worthian... but I'm definitely not proud of this thing.  
 

 

I guess what I'm saying is that your definition of "nice" and mine (or potentially many peoples' for that matter) may differ.  I happen to like the building and I understand that I'm in the minority around here on that topic.  But as a former tennent of that particular building and someone who pays the lease in buildings like these, my opinion has some relevance.  I just don't loathe it the way some around here do.  It's like a lynch mob sometimes.  "We must destroy Burnett Plaza because it replaced the Medical Arts building!  Yeah!  Get your torches!" 

 

The medical arts building is never, ever, ever going to come back regardless of what you do to Burnett Plaza (or daydream of doing).  You also can't completely dismiss the fact that at some point someone hated the Medical Arts building enough to tear it down and replace it with Burnett Plaza.  I mean, if it's such a completely and obviously stupid decision, how did it happen in the first place?  Were people less intelligent back then?  Nah.  To me just it's the same architectural cycle of public opinion that we're witnessing in this very discussion.  Things that are old enough to be outdated, but not yet antiquated are always unappreciated.

 

Also, I'd argue you need buildings like Burnett if you want to have a great skyline.  if you look carefully at the New York skyline for example you'll notice that most of those buildings are not actually architectural gems.  It's not that there are a few bland buildings in there.  Most of the buildings are not terribly attractive.  Many are quite a bit uglier than Burnett Plaza.  But you don't really notice them unless you look for them because they are the background for the signature buildings that we all wish dotted our skylines.  What Fort Worth really needs is about six more Burnett Plazas, fifteen more Oil & Gas buildings, and three or four real signature iconic skyscrapers.  There's probably some ratio of how much A+ space: A space: B Space: C Space a market like Fort Worth can absorb.  I suspect that the real premium, less practical space is a small number.

 

Unless we're just daydreaming.  I mean, if we're just dreaming then I'd wish for moving sidewalks, dozens of "buildings as art" skyscrapers, and then three more wishes.

[Jeriat]

 

Absolutely NOT! That facade screams for a plaza, surrounded by buildings of complementary scale housing businesses, services, and people.

 

.... you're talking about the church, right? 
 

 

 

Here's the thing with Burnett. It's IMPOSING. It's very monolithic and honestly, when I look at it, I don't see something to be admired for generations to come. It's been 30 years since it's been built, and it still isn't exactly everyone's favorite tower, count me as one of them. When I look at Burnett Plaza, the only thing I think of is a giant concrete box with a few windows in it that blocks sunlight to a park for 2+ hours, NOT during the hottest times of the day if I may add. After work, I walked over to the area, just to get another "feel" for it, and all I saw was just another soul-sucking Brutalist building, like I've always seen it since middle school. I know it's practical... it has to be, it's a skyscraper. But there's nothing that says it can't be useful AND nice to look at. And it's not so much the era in which it was built. I like several buildings from the late 60's to late 80's, even a few of the ones here, and it's not even its mostly concrete facade, though I think those should only be used for stadiums, multi-level garages, and observation towers. It's the shape, size, height and location of it that I have a problem with.

 

Believe it or not, the number of skyscrapers isn't what I don't like about our skyline. Even though I constantly pump out ideas for skyscrapers on this forum, the thing I honestly have a problem with are the skyscrapers that we already have. There are only 6. Only two of them really stand out (in a GOOD way), three are ok/ above average, but they're no Empire State Building. And the last one is Burnett. I tried seeing something in it for years, but I just can't. I'm proud to call myself a Fort Worthian... but I'm definitely not proud of this thing.  
 

 

I guess what I'm saying is that your definition of "nice" and mine (or potentially many peoples' for that matter) may differ.  I happen to like the building and I understand that I'm in the minority around here on that topic.  But as a former tennent of that particular building and someone who pays the lease in buildings like these, my opinion has some relevance.  I just don't loathe it the way some around here do.  It's like a lynch mob sometimes.  "We must destroy Burnett Plaza because it replaced the Medical Arts building!  Yeah!  Get your torches!" 

 

The medical arts building is never, ever, ever going to come back regardless of what you do to Burnett Plaza (or daydream of doing).  You also can't completely dismiss the fact that at some point someone hated the Medical Arts building enough to tear it down and replace it with Burnett Plaza.  I mean, if it's such a completely and obviously stupid decision, how did it happen in the first place?  Were people less intelligent back then?  Nah.  To me just it's the same architectural cycle of public opinion that we're witnessing in this very discussion.  Things that are old enough to be outdated, but not yet antiquated are always unappreciated.

 

Also, I'd argue you need buildings like Burnett if you want to have a great skyline.  if you look carefully at the New York skyline for example you'll notice that most of those buildings are not actually architectural gems.  It's not that there are a few bland buildings in there.  Most of the buildings are not terribly attractive.  Many are quite a bit uglier than Burnett Plaza.  But you don't really notice them unless you look for them because they are the background for the signature buildings that we all wish dotted our skylines.  What Fort Worth really needs is about six more Burnett Plazas, fifteen more Oil & Gas buildings, and three or four real signature iconic skyscrapers.  There's probably some ratio of how much A+ space: A space: B Space: C Space a market like Fort Worth can absorb.  I suspect that the real premium, less practical space is a small number.

 

Unless we're just daydreaming.  I mean, if we're just dreaming then I'd wish for moving sidewalks, dozens of "buildings as art" skyscrapers, and then three more wishes.

 

I just have to start with your comment about the New York skyline. Their tallest building isn't the most bland...

 

Manhattan tends to get away with it because of the shear size of it. Because there are so many tall buildings and because it's so densely packed, people barely ever recognize them. That's something you definitely can't say about our skyline because (like I mentioned) we only have 6 real skyscrapers and they're spread out over a lake of mid to low rises, you couldn't miss them even if you closed your eyes. I'd much rather have more buildings that look like The Tower or Chesapeake than Burnett. Again, there's nothing to bad about "bland buildings" because every city has them. I and several others have a problem with it because it is so big and THE most noticeable in our skyline. 

 

And I don't know if anyone else agrees with me on this, but I believe the majority of skyscrapers in a skyline need to be "works of art". Burnett to me looks like something someone just put up with no creative thought what so ever. 

[Jeriat]

Gotta admit, the Google Earth pics didn't come out as well as I thought looking at them. I know a couple of you are already critical of my "replacement" for Burnett, so maybe I should go in a little more visual detail:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Austin55]

 What Fort Worth really needs is about six more Burnett Plazas, fifteen more Oil & Gas buildings, and three or four real signature iconic skyscrapers.  

 

[Jeriat]

 What Fort Worth really needs is about six more Burnett Plazas, fifteen more Oil & Gas buildings, and three or four real signature iconic skyscrapers.  

 

 

I see more signature towers and really only about 3 "Burnett Plazas" here... 

[cberen1]

I just have to start with your comment about the New York skyline. Their tallest building isn't the most bland...

 

 

True, but only since 2001.  The twin towers were remarkably dull.

 

And it turns out the tallest building in each of several major cities is pretty dull.  Dallas - B of A Tower, Dull.  Houston - JP Morgan Chase, Dull.  Boston - John Hancock Building, Just like Burnett but taller and covered in mirrored glass.  Dull.   Miami - Four Season, Same story but with a vertical design element down one side.  It's a little better.  Chicago - Sears, I mean Willis Tower.  Uggghhhh.

 

And in some cities they're mildly to wildly interesting.  Mildly - Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis    Fairly - Seattle, Detroit   Wildly - Philly, Charlotte, San Diego

 

But that's not the point.  The point is that tearing down Burnett serves no purpose.  It's more bland than ugly.  Build enough interesting, taller structures in downtown and no one will notice.

 

You want to tear down an eyesore?  Hit the AT&T building.

[Jeriat]

I just have to start with your comment about the New York skyline. Their tallest building isn't the most bland...

 

 

True, but only since 2001.  The twin towers were remarkably dull.

 

And it turns out the tallest building in each of several major cities is pretty dull.  Dallas - B of A Tower, Dull.  Houston - JP Morgan Chase, Dull.  Boston - John Hancock Building, Just like Burnett but taller and covered in mirrored glass.  Dull.   Miami - Four Season, Same story but with a vertical design element down one side.  It's a little better.  Chicago - Sears, I mean Willis Tower.  Uggghhhh.

 

And in some cities they're mildly to wildly interesting.  Mildly - Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis    Fairly - Seattle, Detroit   Wildly - Philly, Charlotte, San Diego

 

But that's not the point.  The point is that tearing down Burnett serves no purpose.  It's more bland than ugly.  Build enough interesting, taller structures in downtown and no one will notice.

 

You want to tear down an eyesore?  Hit the AT&T building.

 

Again, already covered..... (here) 

 

As far as the original WTC goes, I wouldn't go so far as to call those "dull" if you really looked at them in detail. Those towers were iconic because of their size  and what they represented on a global scale, which people acknowledged BEFORE the attacks. 

 

- The BoA in Dallas makes three (really 6) different profiles as it changes shape each angle, making it look like a different building depending on your point of view. Can't call that "dull".
-  Chase in Houston, yeah, you can make a case of it being boring. It however has a smooth facade surface and is 5 sided at least, unlike your typical box building.  

- Miami's Four Seasons..... I honestly don't see how you can even call it anything close to "dull". 

- And Sears Tower (I refuse to call it anything else) is just about the same as the WTC, only Sears has even more of a unique design than most other skyscrapers, past and present. 

 

 

But one thing I think I should clear since I feel that some of you think this way, but I don't want to get rid it solely based on the design. The whole point of this thread was to create a new area or district for Downtown for entertainment and leaser and saw BP as the one biggest thing I would change in order to make that happen, replacing it with a point of interest, like the observation tower you see above. I even have a new Burnett Plaza just south of it with an actual plaza in front of it for events. I did have that in mind when I made these in the first place.  

Like I said before, none if this is for no reason and honestly, I don't take this as me "daydreaming". It's me giving out ideas and possibilities for the future. That's why I say there's a reason for this and it's all part of a bigger plan.  

[renamerusk]

For what it is worth, I will be throwing my support behind the views being expressed by Jeriat. - obviously not the removal of Burnet Plaza (BP) for which I can only imagine is being suggested for symbolism; but for bringing attention to a structure which has become staid and complacent.

 

Actually, this topic is not new but it is one that was debated several years earlier in this Forum.  One thing that can be said about BP is that it is and has remained the subject of heated debated.

 

BP sought iconic recognition from the start when, not to be out done by City Center Two in height, BP added its infamous “bump” to officially claim for itself  “tallest building in Fort Worth”.  It seems that BP only wanted the height title and has done little else to promote a signature status.  

 

I take it from those who are in the know that BP deserves high marks for its interior product; a matter which is not in debate.  BP is and has been seen by millions of people living and passing through Fort Worth over three decades; and as for as we can tell, the exterior product has not be refreshed while much of downtown’s old as well as new infrastructure is.

 

Even the epitome of iconic skyscrapers, the Empire State Building found it necessary to enhance its image by bathing its top floors in lights.

 

It would behoove BP to consider sprucing up its exterior image to match its interior image; yet I can not image that BP is too concerned at the moment.  What will eventually shake things up for BP will be a 1.8m sq. ft skyscraper in downtown; one with glam and glitter.  Then I would suspect BP to make some major exterior alterations to retain its share of occupancy.

[cberen1]

It would behoove BP to consider sprucing up its exterior image to match its interior image; yet I can not image that BP is too concerned at the moment.  What will eventually shake things up for BP will be a 1.8m sq. ft skyscraper in downtown; one with glam and glitter.  Then I would suspect BP to make some major exterior alterations to retain its share of occupancy.

 

Interesting idea.  I wonder what BP could do to spruce up its exterior.  For a short time they were projecting images from the parking garage on to the West side of the building in the area of the elevator core.  They could probably do some lighting changes there and then possibly a new crown.

[Jeriat]

It would behoove BP to consider sprucing up its exterior image to match its interior image; yet I can not image that BP is too concerned at the moment.  What will eventually shake things up for BP will be a 1.8m sq. ft skyscraper in downtown; one with glam and glitter.  Then I would suspect BP to make some major exterior alterations to retain its share of occupancy.

 

Interesting idea.  I wonder what BP could do to spruce up its exterior.  For a short time they were projecting images from the parking garage on to the West side of the building in the area of the elevator core.  They could probably do some lighting changes there and then possibly a new crown.

 

 

I can't find the renderings, but the idea of at least giving BP a new crown has been done before. 

Some other things they could possibly do is paint it (see City Place) or even add different glass facades to it.... 
 

[renamerusk]

A trend, you might label as "biiter-sweet" is happening within Downtown.  In an area generally bound by 7th-Taylor-13th-Henderson Sector (7T13H), office space is opening because of the desire to be in space along and within the Throckmorton-Houston-Main-Commerce sector.  Just recently announce was another relocation of a bank leaving 7T13H for 777 Main Street.  If this trend is allowed to continue, this subsector of Downtown could decline and the question to be asked is "is this an unsustainable trend for 7T13H?"

 

The major office building in 7T13H is Burnet Plaza, a structure that from the exterior has not seem willing to undergo some enhancement projects that would make the building more appealing.  I know that it is cosmetic, but BP should be upgrading its face. 

 

What is hoped and what might generate more vitality for 7T13H would be a new high rise or a major corporate relocation with a signature name and adding some serious street life (restaurants, shops).

 

http://www.fortworth...4662b591c3.html

[Jeriat]

Not to take attention from your post, but has it really been THAT long since I did these? I actually forgot about this.

Anyway, I still have a vision of that area that's about the same... Minus the Aloft and observation tower and getting rid of BP altogether. Not sure how far this article will go but it could be a small shot in the arm.

Hopefully...

[Jeriat]

Oh, and I STILL hate that building. That certainly hasn't changed.

[John T Roberts]

By the end of 2019, Burnett Plaza will take over the honor of being the city's tallest building for the longest amount of time in the city's history.  The previous record holder was 714 Main, which was the tallest for 36 years and 5 months. 

[txbornviking]

monthly evening movies in Brunett Plaza to resume:

https://www.dfwi.org...op-gun-maverick

[Stadtplan]

monthly evening movies in Brunett Plaza to resume:

https://www.dfwi.org...op-gun-maverick

 

rescheduled for September 29 at 7:30 p.m. due to excessive heat.

[rriojas71]

The number of businesses and events that have been affected by the excessive heat has been excessive.  Not sure what can be done in the future to help with this but I am someone who loves the heat and being outdoors but it has even been too much for me.

[John T Roberts]

I can also tolerate the heat more than the cold, and I love being outside.  I will agree with you in that it has been a little too much for me.  As I'm getting older, I'm finding that above 105 degrees, I'm definitely more interested in staying inside.

[JBB]

I strongly dislike cold weather and prefer summer to winter and this summer has just been brutal.  The good news is that today appears to be the peak.  Nothing in the 14 day forecast above 100 with some very pleasant weather coming mid week.