1064 replies to this topic

[rriojas71]

I love kitschy tourist stuff, but I don't know about that. Does it light up? play music? shoot sparks from a spinning rowel?  

That would work outside of the Spurs arena as a temporary prop but not here as a permanent structure

[Nitixope]

Record PV22-00388: 

Commercial Razing Permit

Record Status: Pending

 

https://accela.fortw...ShowInspection=

 

Project Description:

Cowtown Coliseum - Porte-Corchere DEMO

Complete demolition of Porte-Corchere at the warm up arena at Cowtown Coliseum

[Jeriat]

I don't know about you guys, but I still hate that this isn't happening...

[WTXKid]

Why is this plan not moving forward?
 

I don't know about you guys, but I still hate that this isn't happening...

[Jeriat]

 

Why is this plan not moving forward?
 

I don't know about you guys, but I still hate that this isn't happening...

 

It was mostly altered. 

[Nitixope]

Interesting proposed Zoning Change case scheduled for 6/8/22 where the amendment will remove multifamily development as a by right in two of the Stockyard Transition Areas (Swift /Armour).  Did anyone happen to catch some of the feedback / concerns that were expressed as for as incompatibility of multifamily with tourism and entertainment?  "community concern about achieving a greater balance of uses has resurfaced."

 

Case Number: ZC-22-061

Docket Starting on Page 142: https://www.fortwort...8-22-docket.pdf

 

 

During the creation of the design overlay and subsequently, the Stockyards Form-Based Code, some expressed

concerns that multifamily could be incompatible with high levels of tourism and a broad range of entertainment

options. Initially, there was little to no interest in multifamily in districts where multifamily was a permitted use.

However, there has been significant development interest in adding single-use multifamily to the site of the

former Swift/Armor site. There are currently two projects underway that would add a total of 730 units to the

Swift/Armor subdistrict, with lobby space as the only non-residential use component. Given the amount of

multifamily currently proposed in these sub-districts, community concern about achieving a greater balance of

uses has resurfaced.

 

The city is therefore pursuing an amendment the Zoning Ordinance to revise the use tables to clarify where

multifamily projects are allowed by right in the Stockyards District and the use table in Chapter 4, Article 12.

The amendment will remove multifamily as a by right use in “SY-TSA-105” Stockyards Transition

Swift/Armour-105, and “SY-TSA-130” Stockyards Transition Swift/Armour-130.

Staff recommended the proposed text amendments to the Urban Design Commission (UDC) at the March 17,

2022 meeting. The UDC voted 6-0 to recommend approval to the Fort Worth City Council.

 

From the packet:

 

Case Number: ZC-22-061 is being discussed at the Zoning Commission today.

(page 8) https://www.fortwort...2022-docket.pdf

 

Amend the land use table in the Fort Worth Stockyards Form-Based Code and

Design Guidelines to remove multifamily from certain Stockyard districts. Multifamily

will no longer be an allowed use in the following districts:

• Edge Commercial Corridor District “SY-ECC-68”

• Transition Northern Edge District “SY-TNE-105”

• Transition Neighborhood Mixed-Use District “SY-TNX-55”

• Transition Neighborhood Mixed-Use District “SY-TNX-80”

• Transition Swift/Armour District “SY-TSA-80”

• Transition Swift/Armour District “SY-TSA-105”(north)

• Transition Swift/Armour District “SY-TSA-105”(south)

• Transition Swift/Armour District “SY-TSA-55” (north)

 

(EDIT: 5 to 3 voted to recommend approval of this case)

[Austin55]

https://www.star-tel...e268534242.html

 

“It affects our motivation to maintain and operate the property of highest value possible long-term when we know from Day One that the city doesn’t really want us here,” he said.

It's just lovely that the city is upsetting Karoi,  a developer who is building the tallest building in Texas.

[Nitixope]

Ahh, there it is. They said it:

live, work and play

[Jeriat]

https://www.star-tel...e268534242.html

 

“It affects our motivation to maintain and operate the property of highest value possible long-term when we know from Day One that the city doesn’t really want us here,” he said.

It's just lovely that the city is upsetting Karoi,  a developer who is building the tallest building in Texas.

 

Not very happy with City Council this week . . . 

[John T Roberts]

Staff Reports on the Landmarks Commission cases did not come out until Saturday.  The staff report on the sculpture recommended Denial without Prejudice, so the applicant could come back with a smaller version of the sculpture.  Below is a link to the Staff Report:

 

https://www.fortwort...rodeo-plaza.pdf

[Nitixope]

Heres the restaurant renovation Lone Spur Cafe that Bennett Partners is working on at the Exhibitions Bldg. I guess I didnt read the staff report close enough but Im guessing this is why they want to add the big spur to Rodeo Plaza?

https://www.tdlr.tex.../TABS2023005785

http://lonespurcafe.com/locations.php

PROJECT

Project Name: Lone Spur Cafe
Project Number:
TABS2023005785
Facility Name:
Exhibitions Building- Stockyards
Location Address:
2513 Rodeo Plaza
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Location County: Tarrant
Start Date: 2/1/2023
Completion Date: 5/1/2023
Estimated Cost: $1,300,000
Type of Work: Renovation/Alteration
Type of Funds: This project is privately funded, on private land for private use.
Scope of Work:
Existing restaurant space remodel. Updated MEP system, finishes, lighting, restrooms, kitchen equipment and seating.
Square Footage: 7,752 ft 2

[elpingüino]

What's next in the Fort Worth Stockyards: Italian lunch, New York pizza and more steak

[Nitixope]

The pizza looks great.  Looks like he going for the "Cup n' Char" pepperoni, so is this Buffalo style or Brooklyn style?  I'm not an expert, Dookhickie probably knows.  It's making me hungry just looking at it.  Since he's selling it by-the-slice, any word on what they're charging per slice and how big are the slices?  That close-up angle is hard to tell.  I would guess somewhere around $5 to $6 a slice if it's a big NY slice, hopefully not highway robbery prices.  I read some strange negative reviews on Google about Tannahill Tavern but seems like they are still working out all the growing pains involved in running a venue.  I think acoustics will always be a challenge in this kind of space as a renovation.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/oKiEHrwHrH2hNtvU6

 

[Jeriat]

The pizza looks great.  Looks like he going for the "Cup n' Char" pepperoni, so is this Buffalo style or Brooklyn style?  I'm not an expert, Dookhickie probably knows.  It's making me hungry just looking at it.  Since he's selling it by-the-slice, any word on what they're charging per slice and how big are the slices?  That close-up angle is hard to tell.  I would guess somewhere around $5 to $6 a slice if it's a big NY slice, hopefully not highway robbery prices.  I read some strange negative reviews on Google about Tannahill Tavern but seems like they are still working out all the growing pains involved in running a venue.  I think acoustics will always be a challenge in this kind of space as a renovation.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/oKiEHrwHrH2hNtvU6

 

I believe the cupped pepperoni is a midwestern thing (Detroit & Chicago).

[Nitixope]

Project Description: 

The Armour Building Remodel

US Energy Armour Building Renovation

Renovation of existing building and parking lot to Commercial/office

 

Record DS-22-0254: 

Drainage Study

Record Status: In Review

 

https://accela.fortw...ShowInspection=

 

Total Plat or Project Area (Acres): 2.1

Land Disturbance Area (Acres): 2.1

 

Previous related study or studies: DS-20-0150

 

Address: North East Corner of Packers Ave. and Exchange Ave. (601 E. Exchange)

 

Construction Start: 3/2023

 

[Jeriat]

 

Project Description: 

The Armour Building Remodel

US Energy Armour Building Renovation

Renovation of existing building and parking lot to Commercial/office

 

Record DS-22-0254: 

Drainage Study

Record Status: In Review

 

https://accela.fortw...ShowInspection=

 

Total Plat or Project Area (Acres): 2.1

Land Disturbance Area (Acres): 2.1

 

Previous related study or studies: DS-20-0150

 

Address: North East Corner of Packers Ave. and Exchange Ave. (601 E. Exchange)

 

Construction Start: 3/2023

 

 

Interesting. 

This was the same plan for this place from the original master plan than I can't show now, for some reason.

[TLA]

The pizza looks great.  Looks like he going for the "Cup n' Char" pepperoni, so is this Buffalo style or Brooklyn style?  I'm not an expert, Dookhickie probably knows.  It's making me hungry just looking at it.  Since he's selling it by-the-slice, any word on what they're charging per slice and how big are the slices?  That close-up angle is hard to tell.  I would guess somewhere around $5 to $6 a slice if it's a big NY slice, hopefully not highway robbery prices.  I read some strange negative reviews on Google about Tannahill Tavern but seems like they are still working out all the growing pains involved in running a venue.  I think acoustics will always be a challenge in this kind of space as a renovation.
 
https://goo.gl/maps/oKiEHrwHrH2hNtvU6
 

I went to Tannahill’s on Saturday to see a few local bands. My wife and I didn’t notice any issues with acoustics. The venue is much larger than I was expecting. Nice addition for locals & tourists alike.

We did grab pizza after the show. It was worth the price, especially the convenience of what is likely the ‘fastest food’ in the stockyards? Funny enough, Tim Love was in front of us picking up pizza when we were there.

[John T Roberts]

It sounds like you had a nice evening.  I have run into Tim Love a couple of times at the Woodshed.

[Nitixope]

TLA, Just curios, how much for a slice?

 

 

 

Project Description: 

The Armour Building Remodel

US Energy Armour Building Renovation

Renovation of existing building and parking lot to Commercial/office

 

Record DS-22-0254: 

Drainage Study

Record Status: In Review

 

https://accela.fortw...ShowInspection=

 

Total Plat or Project Area (Acres): 2.1

Land Disturbance Area (Acres): 2.1

 

Previous related study or studies: DS-20-0150

 

Address: North East Corner of Packers Ave. and Exchange Ave. (601 E. Exchange)

 

Construction Start: 3/2023

 

 

Interesting. 

This was the same plan for this place from the original master plan than I can't show now, for some reason.

 

 

Do you think this project will hit HCLC?  I haven't seen any case posted.

I'm thinking US Energy who's listed on this one is U.S. Energy Development Corporation, "an exploration and production firm that provides direct investments in energy" and is currently based in Arlington.

[John T Roberts]

It will be required to go before the HCLC if there are any changes to the exterior of the building.  If they are only paving parking lots and doing landscaping, then the answer is no.

[Doohickie]

The pizza looks great.  Looks like he going for the "Cup n' Char" pepperoni, so is this Buffalo style or Brooklyn style?  I'm not an expert, Dookhickie probably knows.  It's making me hungry just looking at it.  Since he's selling it by-the-slice, any word on what they're charging per slice and how big are the slices?  That close-up angle is hard to tell.  I would guess somewhere around $5 to $6 a slice if it's a big NY slice, hopefully not highway robbery prices.  I read some strange negative reviews on Google about Tannahill Tavern but seems like they are still working out all the growing pains involved in running a venue.  I think acoustics will always be a challenge in this kind of space as a renovation.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/oKiEHrwHrH2hNtvU6

 

I'm going to say it's Tim Love poking his nose in where it doesn't belong.  But that's just my irrational dislike of Tim coming through.

 

Cup and char pepperoni is a feature of Buffalo pizza.  I think other markets use it too.  I can't tell but I don't think that crust is a Buffalo crust, which I've heard described as having "the lightness of a focaccia," thick, but bready and light.  And I'd have to taste the sauce to see if it has the right "Buffalo" flavor ("slightly sweet").

 

If I didn't have a source for Buffalo pizza at Buffalo Bros. I might try Chef Tim's, but since I do I don't feel the need to tempt fate.  I doubt his pizza would stack up to that of Ed McOwen/Jon Bonnell (at least as "Buffalo style pizza" goes). 

 

If I had to guess, Love developed his own recipe for crust and sauce based on features he likes and/or he thinks will get good reviews but I would wager it's not a NY style or Buffalo style or Chicago or Detroit style, it's simply Tim Love style.

[Doohickie]

TLA, Just curios, how much for a slice?

 

Yeah, I'm a little curious too. At Buffalo Bros. it's $3.99 per slice, $4.99 for premium slice (like meat lover's). At a venue I wouldn't be surprised if it was 2X that.

[TLA]

TLA, Just curios, how much for a slice?

 
Yeah, I'm a little curious too. At Buffalo Bros. it's $3.99 per slice, $4.99 for premium slice (like meat lover's). At a venue I wouldn't be surprised if it was 2X that.

I honestly don’t remember. At the risk of being wrong, I want to say around $6-7. For the convenience of a 12am snack in a touristy area, I’m OK with it.

[Austin55]

New HCLC Case:

Applicant requests a COA to install a sculpture to the north of the Exhibits Building.

Case: HC-22-354

Date: November 14, 2022 @2:00 PM

Address: 2513 Rode Plaza

 

 

I listened to the HCLC case which... somehow went on nearly 45 minutes. The buildings owner and applicant obviously were in support. HCLC staff and Historic Fort Worth were in opposition due to the height (the area has a limit of 40 ft). Two options were given, one 45 ft and one 55 ft. The Spur would be the world's tallest.

A motion was made to approve the statue between 35 and 40 feet, which passed.

[Nitixope]

Please tell me this isnt just a cheesy gimmick to go along with the Lone Spur Cafe renovation in the Exhibitions Bldg? Same architect doing both projects: Bennett Partners

https://www.tdlr.tex.../TABS2023005785

[Austin55]

Yes its part of Lone Spur

[Nitixope]

You guys realize that is a pancake and chicken fried steak breakfast restaurant typically found in strip malls. NGL, this just feels too gimmicky for me to get excited about. This us straight up Disney here. We have officially become like a roadside attraction at a truck stop outside Omaha.

[Jeriat]

The funny thing about this is that I'm willing to bet that the same people who rejected the more urban-built projects within and just nearby projects are totally fine with this tourist trap cheese...

[JBB]

The Spur would be the world's tallest.

 

I keep reading that and I suspect that there's people out there that think this is the sales point that tips this over the edge.

[rriojas71]

The funny thing about this is that I'm willing to bet that the same people who rejected the more urban-built projects within and just nearby projects are totally fine with this tourist trap cheese...

I bet you are correct and it isn't funny anymore.  I guess the next thing they are going to build is a Cracker Barrel

[John T Roberts]

This was what I was afraid was going to happen when the new developers came in from California and they said they wanted it to be "Disneyland". 

 

I don't know if you are aware, but the Public Affairs Committee at Historic Fort Worth helps the staff write the organization's responses to the Landmarks Commission and preservation cases that go before the other Boards and Commisisons, along with City Council.  My personal response to the sculpture is that it is too cheesy. 

[tamtagon]

^Should study the history of Knox Berry Farm, use that as a template for Stockyards expansion.... 

[Doohickie]

This us straight up Disney here. We have officially become like a roadside attraction at a truck stop outside Omaha.

There is plenty of "authentic Western heritage" in the area.  But when attracting visitors, kitschy and fun are also draws.  Don't be so stuffy.  Look at all the stuff around the Alamo in San Antonio.  It's as Disney and Roadside Attraction as you can get.  I remember four things from visiting San Antonio:  River Walk, Alamo, the Missions tour and the Buckhorn Museum, which is as kitschy as it gets.  Not everything needs to be "on brand" (in the case of the Stockyards, Western themed) in a historic district/tourist area.

[Doohickie]

^Should study the history of Knox Berry Farm, use that as a template for Stockyards expansion.... 

You mean "Knott's"?

[rriojas71]

 

This us straight up Disney here. We have officially become like a roadside attraction at a truck stop outside Omaha.

There is plenty of "authentic Western heritage" in the area.  But when attracting visitors, kitschy and fun are also draws.  Don't be so stuffy.  Look at all the stuff around the Alamo in San Antonio.  It's as Disney and Roadside Attraction as you can get.  I remember four things from visiting San Antonio:  River Walk, Alamo, the Missions tour and the Buckhorn Museum, which is as kitschy as it gets.  Not everything needs to be "on brand" (in the case of the Stockyards, Western themed) in a historic district/tourist area.

 

Yes I think Kitschy has a place and there is also plenty of Kitschy stuff already in the stockyards.  I'm not a fan of the Spur because it does feel like it should be in San Antonio because of their association with the Spurs of the NBA.  It is also overpowering and towers over the structure it's in front of.  That is my biggest gripe about it.  If it was more in scale to the building maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

[elpingüino]

Bud Kennedy reports that the chain has been closing locations in the area. 'World's largest spur' coming to Fort Worth's Rodeo Plaza despite Lone Spur Cafe's troubles

[Nitixope]

Bud Kennedy reports that the chain has been closing locations in the area. 'World's largest spur' coming to Fort Worth's Rodeo Plaza despite Lone Spur Cafe's troubles

 

$1.3M renovating Mojito's?  That's a pretty good sized project for this type of restaurant.  I wonder what's the parking situation look like over there if you just want to grab a quick bite or get some breakfast?  The last couple times it was around $7 to park at the end of Exchange or whatever Billy Bob's lot costs.  I'm sure more if during events or busy time.  If we're going to get a steak dinner, go to an event or take some family out visiting from out of town, I don't have a problem paying for parking as part of the experience, but if I'm just want to grab some basic food, I don't really want to pay for parking.  There's just too many other options elsewhere for pancakes.

[John T Roberts]

Bud Kennedy reports in the Star-Telegram that Lone Spur Cafe has been closing other locations in the DFW Area.  After reading what he had to say, I am even more opposed to this sculpture than I was previously.  If they are having financial troubles, there's a good chance this restaurant won't last long, and then the spur will have no purpose, except to serve as more cheese.

[rriojas71]

^^I can't argue with that JTR

[Nitixope]

 

Project Description: 

The Armour Building Remodel

US Energy Armour Building Renovation

Renovation of existing building and parking lot to Commercial/office

 

Record DS-22-0254: 

Drainage Study

Record Status: In Review

 

https://accela.fortw...ShowInspection=

 

Total Plat or Project Area (Acres): 2.1

Land Disturbance Area (Acres): 2.1

 

Previous related study or studies: DS-20-0150

 

Address: North East Corner of Packers Ave. and Exchange Ave. (601 E. Exchange)

 

Construction Start: 3/2023

 

 

 

Site Plan from the upcoming HCLC meeting...packet forthcoming:

 

 

New Case

Applicant requests a Certificate of Appropriateness for waivers from the Stockyards Form-Based Code & Design Guidelines to:

1. Install a painted wall sign on unpainted masonry; and

2. A 20 foot parking setback where a 30 foot minimum setback is required.

Case: HCLC-22-421

Date: January 9, 2023 @2:00 PM

Council District: 2

Address: 601 E. Exchange Ave

[tamtagon]

 

^Should study the history of Knox Berry Farm, use that as a template for Stockyards expansion.... 

You mean "Knott's"?

 

 

 

haha yes, Knotts

[John T Roberts]

Last night, I returned to the Stockyards to take more pictures at a leisurely pace.  I have been going through them tonight, and I have really taken some nice nighttime photographs of the area.  I will upload them soon.

[John T Roberts]

Last week, when I wished everyone a Merry Christmas, I posted a photograph of the Stockyards Christmas Tree.  I mentioned that I had gone to a party and afterwards, a friend of mine and I walked around a little bit.  She was a little pressed for time, so I didn't have a lot of time to frame the photographs that I took.  This Wednesday, I went back with a lot of time to set up some shots.  Since we don't have any nighttime photographs of the new developments on this thread, I thought I would post a mix of new and historic building photos.  Some of these shots have the Christmas decorations in them, but the lights in the Stockyards were very impressive this holiday season. 

 

This is the historic neon sign and entrance of Cattlemen's Steak House.

cattlemens by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Hunter Brothers H3 Ranch neon and the Stockyards Hotel at Main & Exchange

H3ranchneon by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Across Main Street is the historic Leddy's neon sign

leddys-neon by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Heading east on Exchange Ave., you come across the entry gate.  This sign sits on the edge of a bridge that spans over Marine Creek.  The two stucco historic buildings housing Riscky's Steakhouse and Fincher's White Front Western Store were physically built on top of the bridge.  The bridge and the two buildings were completed in 1910.

stockyardssign-1 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Fincher's White Front Western Store (originally constructed as the Stockyards National Bank)

synb-night by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Riscky's Steakhouse with its neon signs

saddle-night by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

The Coliseum was decked out with lights this holiday season

coliseum-1 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Exchange Ave. facade of the adaptive re-use of the Mule Barns

mulebarns-exchange-2 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Entrance to Mule Alley

mulealleyentrance-n1 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Back side of the entrance gates to Mule Alley with the Coliseum in the background

mulealleyentrance-rear-night by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Mule Barn "A" in Mule Alley

mulealley-n2 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Tannahill's Tavern have all of their signs up

mulealley-n3 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

mulealley-n4 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

mulealley-n5 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

The Marine Creek side of Second Rodeo Brewing

secondrodeo-n by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Overall front of the Hotel Drover

drover-christmas-1 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

Close up shot of 97 West entry and the terminus of the Mule Alley axis

drover-christmas-2 by jtrobert, on Flickr

 

The Backyard of the Hotel Drover had a Christmas Tree and every tree with lights in them.  The backside of the hotel is also outlined in lights.  You can see the Backyard from several vantage points to the west, south, and east.  From a distance it is very impressive.  I did take come pictures, but they contain a lot of white lights.  I will post them, if you want to see them, but you can get the drift of their decorations from the front of the building.

 

As I was leaving, I grabbed another shot of the entry sign, with a view to the west and the Stockyards Hotel in the background

exchangelookingwest by jtrobert, on Flickr

[Nitixope]

Nice photos, John. They really had a ton of lights out this year.

By the way, I noticed Tannahill pizza is $5 per slice. I few of us were wondering what their price point was.

[John T Roberts]

I noticed the price, also.  I guess I should have posted it.  At least I caught photographic evidence of the price.

 

Thank you for the comment on the photographs.  They really added to the lights this year.  Clearfork and Cook Children's Hospital are nice, also.

[Jeriat]

This was... random. 

https://youtu.be/SjOPhFTNXTM

[rriojas71]

I was out in the Stockyards on Friday Night showing the new and improved Stockyards to a friend of mine who is from here but has lived in LA for 29 years and the whole of the Stockyards was packed.  People were using the ice rink, every section from Stockyards Station, Mule Alley, to W Exchange was vibrant and festive.  The Christmas lights throughout the district were amazing and really added some holiday ambiance as well.

 

It was such a fun time.

[John T Roberts]

As you can see from the photographs on my two visits to the Stockyards on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, there were quite a few people out on those non-weekend nights.

[Nitixope]

TLA, Just curios, how much for a slice?

 

 

 

Project Description: 

The Armour Building Remodel

US Energy Armour Building Renovation

Renovation of existing building and parking lot to Commercial/office

 

Record DS-22-0254: 

Drainage Study

Record Status: In Review

 

https://accela.fortw...ShowInspection=

 

Total Plat or Project Area (Acres): 2.1

Land Disturbance Area (Acres): 2.1

 

Previous related study or studies: DS-20-0150

 

Address: North East Corner of Packers Ave. and Exchange Ave. (601 E. Exchange)

 

Construction Start: 3/2023

 

 

Interesting. 

This was the same plan for this place from the original master plan than I can't show now, for some reason.

 

 

Do you think this project will hit HCLC?  I haven't seen any case posted.

I'm thinking US Energy who's listed on this one is U.S. Energy Development Corporation, "an exploration and production firm that provides direct investments in energy" and is currently based in Arlington.

 

HCLC Staff Report:

https://www.fortwort...nge_waivers.pdf

 

 

[John T Roberts]

How do you all feel about the Staff Report?  Do you think they are correct with their recommendation?