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Reit plans to demolish Westchester Tower and redevelop as mixed use

Medical District Fort Worth South New Construction Demolition Mixed-Use

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#1 BlueMound

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Posted 22 September 2014 - 10:32 PM

Let the wrecking ball fly !!!
Reit wants to demolish one of the ugliest bldgs in FW and redevelop the lot with mixed use
http://fwbusinesspre...e.aspx?aid=7048



#2 Austin55

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 12:00 AM

I LOVE news like this. It comes out of right field, but here's whats happening, here's the numbers, here's who's doing, and here's when its happening.

 

It's certainly an interesting area, I didn't really think there'd ever be an genuine urbanism going on in that little triangle there, it's somewhat walled of by hospitals and highways. I guess I should'nt call it genuine urbanism though until we see it, I guess, but it sounds good. Either way, thats two big developments on Peter Smith rd now in a few years, I wonder if that Dannon plant can find itself a new home...



#3 johnfwd

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 08:00 AM

Great news in that an old weathered building is being torn down to make way for three modern structures serving mostly a younger generation.  I am concerned, however, about the forced relocation of the assisted living tenants (senior citizens and disabled, I presume).  Fort Worth needs more affordable assisted living facilities, is my guess. I'm not privy to the market in that area, except for the upscale Trinity Terrace and Stayton high rises and the Cityview and Broadway Plaza facilities for those of median income. 



#4 RD Milhollin

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 08:15 AM

Why is more alluring for developers to tear down existing buildings rather than building on the many parking lots in the area? Even though by many accounts the upkeep of the Westchester has been lax in recent years it is a major building on that side of town and has an interesting history. What is it about this building that makes it ugly? Where are the preservationists? Is this building beyond adaptive reuse? With the demographic trends in place assisted living facilities near the hospitals should be good business. There appears to be a lot of empty space to the north of the main building for additional development. 



#5 JBB

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 08:36 AM

This is just purely speculation on my part, but on a glance it looks like Westchester has very low floor to ceiling height and individual motel-style window unit HVAC. Both of those would make reuse a more difficult proposition. It looks to me like something built in an era where short term utility was the status quo.

#6 renamerusk

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 10:03 AM

I like it.  Reading FWBP, I have the sense, with so much detail, that the developers have completed their work prior to a formal announcement so that they are passed the speculative period and look ready to go. 



#7 John T Roberts

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 10:56 AM

It’s always more alluring to demolish the old.  I agree that placing infill on the existing vacant lots seems to be more prudent, but we just don’t do things like that around here. 

 

The thing that makes the building “ugly” is that it is Mid-Century Modern.  Most people don’t like that style of architecture.  However, there are some fantastic Mid-Century Modern houses and buildings in this city.  I think the style is under appreciated. 

 

You ask where are the preservationists.  We are right across the street in two directions.  If you remember, Thistle Hill is owned by Historic Fort Worth, Inc., and the houses diagonally across Summit and Pennsylvania are owned by Attorney Art Brender.  All of this is news to me and no one at Historic Fort Worth knew about it.  As for preserving the Westchester, it is not designated.  Therefore, there is no legal protection against demolition. 

 

As for the condition of the building, I’m betting that there are several factors within the structure that keep it from meeting the current codes and standards for residential.  As for the floor to floor height, that is extremely low.  The building is 112 feet high and it has 12 floors.  That works out to be 9’-4” per floor on average.  I know the ground floor is taller, so that would probably mean that each floor to floor height is 9’-0”.  The floor slabs are probably 4 or 5 inches thick.  Now, it is down to 8’-8” maximum clear within a unit.  That doesn’t leave much room to install a modern mechanical system in the building and put in a ceiling to cover it.  You need about 3 inches for a hard ceiling.  Code requires a minimum ceiling height of 7’-6”.  Even if you only drop it over the kitchen and bathrooms, this still doesn’t leave much room for ducts and light fixtures.



#8 mmmdan

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 11:05 AM

I am encouraged to see the involvement of Fort Worth South.  With their involvement I am hopeful that this will be built in a complimentary way to the direction this side of the city is headed.



#9 Big Frog II

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Posted 23 September 2014 - 01:47 PM

Drove by Saturday thinking about both of my grandmothers who lived there in the 60's.  I thought it was a nice building at the time.  Was wondering what shape it was in, now I know.



#10 Austin55

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Posted 25 September 2014 - 07:53 AM

The title implies it could go out with a bang, 

 

http://fwbusinesspre...-implosion.aspx



#11 JBB

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Posted 25 September 2014 - 08:15 AM

That's a large building, so an implosion would be pretty impressive. The demise of the retail center would mean the end of Pappa Chang, what I think is the only remaining decent Chinese buffet in the world.

#12 McHand

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Posted 25 September 2014 - 01:57 PM

Why is more alluring for developers to tear down existing buildings rather than building on the many parking lots in the area? Even though by many accounts the upkeep of the Westchester has been lax in recent years it is a major building on that side of town and has an interesting history. What is it about this building that makes it ugly? Where are the preservationists? Is this building beyond adaptive reuse? With the demographic trends in place assisted living facilities near the hospitals should be good business. There appears to be a lot of empty space to the north of the main building for additional development. 

 

Where were the preservationists in the 50s and 60s when the grand homes of Quality Hill began to come down to make room for monstrosities such as Westchester?

 

Good riddance, I say.

 

This new development will have a six-story residential, so that should bring back some of the westward view that drove people to build there 100 years ago.  Good news for the Near South.


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#13 Now in Denton

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Posted 25 September 2014 - 02:51 PM

Great point avvy. I guess we could go back to 1849 and ask why the Army built a Fort over the natural beauty overlooking the bluffs. But in reality ever generation has great developments and not so great developments ! But my in opinion about Westchester.  That is one building I will not miss. 



#14 Zetna

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Posted 25 September 2014 - 06:40 PM

I think that was what was there before....a shame we lost it....   http://www.fortworth...wscotthouse.jpg



#15 Austin55

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Posted 26 September 2014 - 03:39 AM

Via Scott Nishimura and VLK architects

wcPNjwd.png

 

1EmtyLU.jpg

 

5ogFy7j.jpg

VLK-Architects-424-Summit-1.jpg

 

 

VLK-Architects-424-Summit-2.jpg

I'm liking it, the curved glass on following summit ought to be a pretty cool gateway element, The residential portion looks dense and interesting. Good project. 



#16 Fort Worthology

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Posted 26 September 2014 - 08:58 AM

Shockingly impressive, and shows how much better utilized the site could be with some smarter development like this.  I'm impressed.


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#17 Zetna

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Posted 26 September 2014 - 10:16 AM

It's okay....it just looks like every other development on west 7th practically.....is there anything new? Maybe something that relates to that area more? Something with gables and loft spaces that are different? How about some green space...maybe on half the upper part of garage? Is there something that takes advantage of breezes or shade for the living units? Just thoughts.



#18 RD Milhollin

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Posted 26 September 2014 - 10:49 AM

I still believe that individual residential units on the roof of parking garages would be desirable... sort of an acccess-restricted elevated "urban village". There could be shared amenities like pool tubs, and courts, etc. for larger garages, and planters for the trees Zetna mentioned. No one likes to park on the top level of garages, so they are seldom used. This would add functionality, additional revenue, and that "something new" to a project.



#19 Zetna

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Posted 26 September 2014 - 11:23 AM

Yeah! I know it's easy to be an "armchair designer", but even some sort of screening for the west / northwest side of the tower and residential units for the sun...solar on the rooftops....I do think some gables would be nice to address the historic southside structures....something that differentiates from the norm and addresses this area of Fort Worth vs. the West 7th area....something that's modern, urban, regional, environmentally friendly and not just "lipstick modern" if that makes sense.....of course there's always the money and sale-ability issues too.



#20 John T Roberts

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Posted 27 September 2014 - 08:43 AM

Austin, thanks for posting all of the renderings that you have shown us.



#21 renamerusk

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Posted 27 September 2014 - 03:04 PM

Such a different and refreshing pace of the way things are happening nowadays in Fort Worth as it seems that no longer do we have to wait forever for the day that the dirt is to be broken.  My earlier comment holds true, this project is ready to go.



#22 dfwerdoc

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Posted 28 September 2014 - 08:45 PM

it's a healthcare reit and you should see some of the other properties in their portfolio. can't wait for this to get going 



#23 bryanr

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Posted 01 October 2014 - 10:03 PM

I currently live in Westchester, and the floor plate is small, and if you were going to TRY to make it code approved, best is to implode and start from scratch.  Lived here since 2006, its time to retire this monster, its had a full life


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#24 Dismuke

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Posted 04 October 2014 - 11:13 AM

 

 However, there are some fantastic Mid-Century Modern houses and buildings in this city.

 

True.  But this building is not one of them.

 

On the other hand, the building is far less offensive than the Brutalist buildings of a couple of decades later.

 

Oddly enough, I will be a bit sad to see it go - even though the building looks exactly like a housing project.  It makes me think of New York City - though one of the less than great aspects of New York.   New York is littered with such buildings.  And the strange thing is that even though they look like government housing projects that is not always the case - some contain apartments for the affluent.    The only way you can tell the difference is the address - and usually by the building's main entrance.  The higher end ones have marble or nice granite around the entry ways and in the lobbies and shiny polished metal on the glass front doors.   The housing projects do not.   One of the most bizarre aspects of New York City is that it contains an almost uncountable number of examples of some of the most wonderful architecture the world has ever known - and most of the populous seems to be largely indifferent to it.

 

Anyhow, the one thing that Westchester Tower has going for it is that it is an example of a style of building that is (thankfully) rare in these parts.


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#25 John T Roberts

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Posted 04 October 2014 - 04:58 PM

I agree with you, for the most part, Dismuke.  However, I think its time has come and it might be nice to have something new at that location.



#26 John T Roberts

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 07:54 AM

It appears this project may not happen and the Westchester Plaza will remain as an assisted living center.  Here's a link to the story in the Business Press:

 

http://fwbusinesspre...ells-state.aspx



#27 Jimmy

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 08:08 AM

Well, that's a bummer.  I wonder if the developers would look to do something similar on a different site in the area?



#28 Voz

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Posted 25 March 2015 - 12:17 PM

On the bright side, it means Pappa Chang's will stick around.



#29 Dylan

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Posted 26 March 2015 - 06:40 PM

That's disappointing.


-Dylan


#30 RD Milhollin

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Posted 26 November 2015 - 11:23 AM

Westchester Plaza owners agree to a $40K settlement over attorney general lawsuit:

 

http://www.star-tele...le46535190.html

 

Fire sprinkler system was inop for months, possibly between routine scheduled inspection intervals. The plan to demolish the facility and rebuild on the site was mentioned but not elaborated upon.



#31 Austin55

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Posted 11 July 2017 - 07:36 PM

Westchester Plaza is closing on August 10th.  WFAA will be covering the story at 10.


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#32 Austin55

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Posted 11 July 2017 - 09:03 PM

From the broadcast, there wasn't much info on why the building is closing, potentially sounds like the building is struggling with funding. Not sure if it has been sold and will be replaced.

 

The big worry now is finding new homes for the residents.


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#33 John T Roberts

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Posted 11 July 2017 - 09:04 PM

Thanks for the tip.  I also saw the story.



#34 Dylan

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Posted 11 July 2017 - 09:44 PM

The story made me feel a little selfish for wanting the new mixed-use development and office tower.


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#35 Austin55

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Posted 11 July 2017 - 09:50 PM

I always liked the 2014 proposal.

#36 Jeriat

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 07:16 AM

I wanted the 2014 proposal... but this could be an opportunity for something even better.


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#37 Big Frog II

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 07:43 AM

I really feel for those tenants.  30 days is not a long time to find a place that can handle a lot of their needs.



#38 JBB

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 08:01 AM

I feel for the residents.  I'm not disabled and far from poor and I would be hard pressed to pick up in move in a month.

 

I went back and looked at the proposal from a few years ago and it was great.  I can't wait to see what the plan is this time around.



#39 johnfwd

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 10:28 AM

I feel for the residents.  I'm not disabled and far from poor and I would be hard pressed to pick up in move in a month.

 

I went back and looked at the proposal from a few years ago and it was great.  I can't wait to see what the plan is this time around.

Curiously, and for what it's worth perhaps, the 424 Summit Avenue artist drawing is still on VLK Architects website.

 

http://www.vlkarchitects.com/solutions



#40 renamerusk

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 11:18 AM

Curiously, and for what it's worth perhaps, the 424 Summit Avenue artist drawing is still on VLK Architects website.

 

It is also still on The Forum, this thread, post #15.



#41 Austin55

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 01:41 PM

 

I feel for the residents.  I'm not disabled and far from poor and I would be hard pressed to pick up in move in a month.

 

I went back and looked at the proposal from a few years ago and it was great.  I can't wait to see what the plan is this time around.

Curiously, and for what it's worth perhaps, the 424 Summit Avenue artist drawing is still on VLK Architects website.

 

http://www.vlkarchitects.com/solutions

 

 

I wouldn't read to much into that, they also have the Farrington Field proposal still up. 



#42 JBB

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 07:49 PM

Not a lot of new info in a Star Telegram article this afternoon other than more details on the owner's financial predicament and a mention that the building was at well less than half of its permitted capacity (117 out of 275).  That tells me the owner probably knew this was coming and stopped replacing vacating tenants.



#43 bryanr

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 07:57 PM

I am glad I got out of there 2 years ago at the major rumor going around then


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#44 Austin55

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Posted 18 July 2017 - 06:08 PM

A grim story

http://www.star-tele...e162256483.html

#45 Austin55

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Posted 12 August 2017 - 02:37 PM

The building is now empty. 

 

http://www.star-tele...e166906602.html



#46 Dylan

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Posted 12 August 2017 - 03:26 PM

Some of these people may be homeless now. Would've been nice if they were given more time to find a new home.


-Dylan


#47 Now in Denton

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Posted 12 August 2017 - 05:22 PM

Some of these people may be homeless now. Would've been nice if they were given more time to find a new home.

 

Ain't that the truth. Thirty days to suddenly move out would be hard on any income. 



#48 Austin55

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Posted 25 August 2017 - 03:44 PM

A demoltion permit for the building was issued today.  


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#49 JBB

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Posted 25 August 2017 - 03:51 PM

I would think this one might be a candidate for implosion, but I'm betting the proximity to the historic properties nearby and the hospitals might rule that out.

#50 Dylan

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Posted 25 August 2017 - 07:21 PM

If this tower does get imploded, I'd like to see it happen in person.


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