135 replies to this topic

[txbornviking]

The writer bio is that she is original from Euless and is recently returned to Fort Worth. 

 

Actually, I did not find anything strange about the way the story was written, but then again, like most of you, I tend to have a greater awareness of what is taking place in Fort Worth than the average Joe from being active on this Forum.

 

For example, there has been 14 threads participated in actively over the last 24 hours.

 

Reporters very rarely write their own headlines.

[Austin55]

James M. Russel of the Weekly has shared renderings,

 

https://www.fwweekly...e2-suites-home/

 

[renamerusk]

It could have been a lot worse, but it is happening because, as the FWW article reads, there is not a design overlay for the Cultural District. My immediate reaction is that the windows are so motel-ish and gives a cheapness to the project.  It could be improved with any number of classical style treatmenst for the windows.

 

But it does look low to mid budget and way outclassed within its neighborhood.

[george84]

It looks about as I expected. A more urban version of a typical Home 2 Suites. We knew it would have below ground parking and front the sidewalk, so if nothing else, this will add to the density of the area. 

[Jeriat]

James M. Russel of the Weekly has shared renderings,

 

https://www.fwweekly...e2-suites-home/

 

 

Took 'em long enough. 

[Dylan]

I'm not sure I like the setback at what is supposed to be the signature corner.

 

Other than that, I'm fine with the way it looks. It fits in with all the other the boxy structures east of University Drive.

[Austin55]

One thing I like is that they are preserving that nice tree at the corner.

It's likely this will be the only of the 4 corners at that intersection to have a building, the others are nicely landscaped parking lots, so the tree fits a little.

[ramjet]

I stayed at the Home2 Suites on I20 in Fort Worth over the weekend.  While it was decent, and seems designed for more long term stays (my room had a full kitchen with a dishwasher in it), it was not particularly special.  I'm still waiting for a unique, knock-it-out-of-the-park hotel in the Cultural District.  A fantastic hotel is way overdue for that area.  Fort Worth's museum district is world class and the fact that one can't stay near the museums in an upscale hotel is a lost business and tourist opportunity.  Hopefully, the future will correct that.

[John T Roberts]

From what I have heard around town, the developers made sure they met all of the requirements set forth by the City's Zoning, Building Code, and all regulations.  In doing that, the project would not be reviewed by any regulatory board or commission.  Only the the Plan Reviewers with the Development Department would see the drawings. 

[renamerusk]

 

Hopefully a really strong hotel developer will come in and buy the site where Renovo was planned.  A hotel that, like the South Congress Hotel or 21C hotels, that is distinctive and appropriate for its adjacency to such important art and architecture.

 

Urbandwlr might have called something here too, both the FWBP and Star-Telegram articles seem to think that it will be a 21C.

 

http://www.fortworth...b903657101.html

 

 

 

 

.....I'm still waiting for a unique, knock-it-out-of-the-park hotel in the Cultural District.  A fantastic hotel is way overdue for that area.  Fort Worth's museum district is world class and the fact that one can't stay near the museums in an upscale hotel is a lost business and tourist opportunity.  Hopefully, the future will correct that.

 

It is possible that you may have missed the latest news about a new hotel planned for the CD across from the Kimbell.  Drawings have already been revealed [Museum Place Thread]  and its design is led by our very capable BB&P Architects. 21C has been tapped to be the hotel's manager.

 

https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/

 

RJ, hope this is going to excite you as it has us...the wait will soon be over.

[JBB]

I stayed at the Home2 Suites on I20 in Fort Worth over the weekend.  While it was decent, and seems designed for more long term stays (my room had a full kitchen with a dishwasher in it), it was not particularly special.

That describes just about any extended stay or suite style hotel I've ever stayed in. I know there's a market for this, but I'm with you. There has to be a market for a full-service, nice hotel and, like rename said, I think we'll see it filled soon.

[renamerusk]

From what I have heard around town, the developers made sure they met all of the requirements set forth by the City's Zoning, Building Code, and all regulations.  In doing that, the project would not be reviewed by any regulatory board or commission.  Only the the Plan Reviewers with the Development Department would see the drawings. 

 

 Not digging the "Home 2" Sign facing into the CD; a change to face Lancaster Avenue would be my preference.  And while preserving the tree is a consolation, an illuminated water feature or modern street sculpture at the location would be an welcome nod to show appreciation to just where they are and to whom their neighbors are.

 

Instead, I think the developer has "pulled a fast one".

[John T Roberts]

To add another note to my comment above, there are also no design district overlays on this property.  Therefore, this project did not require any design commission to review it.

[renamerusk]

And of course knowing that, the developer did the least it needed to do.  We will have to live with that reality until something to prevent "flippers" from making a quick buck from the hard work of the CD to maintain some semblance of integrity.

 

Personally, I don't think that H2S will be as successful at this location that it thinks it will be.  For an extended stay lodge to be successful, there has to be an abundance of extended stay related businesses nearby (gas stations, hardware, groceries, etc.) plus quick and easy access to highways.  None of these things are immediate to Lancaster @ University.

[arch-image]

And of course knowing that, the developer did the least it needed to do.  We will have to live with that reality until something to prevent "flippers" from making a quick buck from the hard work of the CD to maintain some semblance of integrity.

 

Personally, I don't think that H2S will be as successful at this location that it thinks it will be.  For an extended stay lodge to be successful, there has to be an abundance of extended stay related businesses nearby (gas stations, hardware, groceries, etc.) plus quick and easy access to highways.  None of these things are immediate to Lancaster @ University.

 

Gas Station abut 4 blocks past 7th st, Tom Thumb plus about 3 others around the corner on 7th by Montgomery plaza, dozens of restaurants, and the freeway is less than 5 minutes away. All that said, most people staying in "extended Stay" places, stay for about 5-7 days, they get their "food" from 7-11 more than a grocery store or eat out. They are staying for business and/or a typical vacation, not months on end, they usually stay in longer term corporate type housing places. This is actually demographically a very good fit. Personally, not a huge fan of the H2S look but I have seen worse, it could be Extended Stay of America! 

 

As for something nice, as mentioned the Gallery Hotel that 21C is going to do will fill that void. From what I have seen so far, it is going to far exceed most peoples desires I think as well as being I feel a better fit for the 
"neighborhood" being a bit smaller. 

[renamerusk]

 

And of course knowing that, the developer did the least it needed to do.  We will have to live with that reality until something to prevent "flippers" from making a quick buck from the hard work of the CD to maintain some semblance of integrity.

 

Personally, I don't think that H2S will be as successful at this location that it thinks it will be.  For an extended stay lodge to be successful, there has to be an abundance of extended stay related businesses nearby (gas stations, hardware, groceries, etc.) plus quick and easy access to highways.  None of these things are immediate to Lancaster @ University.

 

Gas Station abut 4 blocks past 7th st, Tom Thumb plus about 3 others around the corner on 7th by Montgomery plaza, dozens of restaurants, and the freeway is less than 5 minutes away. All that said, most people staying in "extended Stay" places, stay for about 5-7 days, they get their "food" from 7-11 more than a grocery store or eat out. They are staying for business and/or a typical vacation, not months on end, they usually stay in longer term corporate type housing places. This is actually demographically a very good fit. Personally, not a huge fan of the H2S look but I have seen worse, it could be Extended Stay of America!

 

What is an extended stay hotel definition? -An apartment hotel (also residential hotel, or extended-stay hotel) is a serviced apartment complex that uses a hotel-style booking system. It is similar to renting an apartment, but with no fixed contracts and occupants can "check-out" whenever they wish.

 

I am having very bad vibes about an extended-stay hotel at the doorstep of the Cultural District.I hope the City will be diligent in its gathering information about the duration rate of lodgers. 

 

As an outside observer of this kinds of establishment, they can become housing for transient populations or people who can not afford deposits or pass a background check.  Extended stay lodging with the trappings of a kitchenette can quickly turn into long term lodging.  Things can get out of control as illustrated in this Georgia lodge -

 

https://www.ajc.com/...PIdLloPfzOSzMP/

[george84]

Ive stayed at lots of Home2suites during business trips and I never stay more than 1 or 2 nights. I like them because they are clean, and many of them have free beer and snacks for two hours in the evening. Even though they have kitchens and are set up for extended stays, I dont think everyone necessarily stays that long. Its just like any other limited service business hotel. I think it will be popular.

[renamerusk]

I here what you are saying about H2S' good reputation.  Nonetheless, I don't think H2S was the right kind of lodging at this site.  The CD is Fort Worth's most sensitive district when it comes to what goes into it and what abuts it.  Even McDonald's was required to make substantial concessions at the Montgomery/Camp Bowie/Lancaster intersection before it was allowed to upgrade.

 

I am not against H2S or extended stay hotels per se, they do meet a particular need; I just think a location along or 1-2 blocks of a highway would have been a more suitable location.

[Austin55]

Here's an elevation

 

[Doohickie]

Even though they have kitchens and are set up for extended stays, I dont think everyone necessarily stays that long.

 

I pass by the one in Cityview when I go to Costco, and rest assured they have several longterm "residents" (months at least).  There's some guy with an old broken down-looking Corvette and a couple of guys with long white dually pickups.

[Austin55]

Current status

[Jeriat]

West 7th is really filling in. 

If only Lancaster Avenue and the Upper Westside could . . . 

[Austin55]

[renamerusk]

So actually, it does not look as bad as I initially thought it would be.  I still feel though that this was not an ideal location for an extended stay hotel.

[Austin55]

Open.

https://www.hilton.c...tural-district/
 

[renamerusk]

"Five minutes drive to the Kimbell Art Museum"

 

Couldn't you walk to the KAM in 2 minutes top?

[txbornviking]

"Five minutes drive to the Kimbell Art Museum"

 

Couldn't you walk to the KAM in 2 minutes top?

 

The poison of our autocentric culture...

[Austin55]

Its also well under 2 miles from Dickies. Definitely not doing a good job of selling the place as well located!

[Dylan]

Here's what I would write:

 

This hotel is located in the heart of the Cultural District, within walking distance of the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Will Rogers Memorial Center, and numerous bars and restaurants. Major attractions such as Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens are less than two miles away.

[renamerusk]

"This hotel is located in the heart of the Cultural District, within walking distance of the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Will Rogers Memorial Center, and numerous bars and restaurants. Major attractions such as Dickies Arena and the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens are less than two miles away".

 

Exactly the way it should be written!

 

"Don't forget a world-class Zoological Park".

[Austin55]

Home2 in the skyline,

 

 

[John T Roberts]

It kind of stands out in the foreground.

[Jeriat]

Home2 in the skyline,

 

 

 

New Facebook cover page...

[John T Roberts]

That's a really great Skyline/Will Rogers photo.

[rriojas71]

Home2 in the skyline,

 

 

Looking at this photo of the pioneer tower mixed in with the skyline gave me an interesting idea.  How about our new tallest skyscraper resembling and paying homage to PT.  Not an exact replica but with elements mixed in.

 

Austin where did you take this pic from?  The garage near the FW Museum of S&H?

[Austin55]

Yes! I watched the fireworks from there this year.