Fort Worth Developers Preserve Historic Character With Adaptive Reuse

Restoring old into new has become a popular trend among many — and Fort Worth is embracing this trend with style. Termed “adaptive reuse,” developers are taking former industrial and commercial buildings from bygone eras and breathing new life into them as apartments.

Many of Fort Worth’s unoccupied historic buildings — including the former Miller Manufacturing Building, Fort Worth Warehouse and Transfer, Sawyer Grocery Building, Markeen Apartments, the Texas and Pacific Station, and the Electric Building — have been transformed into multi-family residences. While the buildings have a new purpose, the character remains just the same.

Miller Lofts

Found in 1910, the Miller Manufacturing Building is now known as the Miller Lofts, which has one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Located at 311 Bryan St., the apartments maintain authenticity with high concrete ceilings, concrete floors, exposed pipes, claw-foot bathtubs, and tall paneled windows.

Supreme Golf Warehouse

Fort Worth Warehouse and Transfer was founded in 1913 and later turned into the Supreme Golf Warehouse Outlet. The loft-styled apartments have open floor plans featuring concrete floors, exposed-brick walls, claw-foot bathtubs, vintage lighting fixtures, and large square-shaped gridded windows. Located at 201 South Calhoun St., the building is also home to the popular Shipping and Receiving Bar.

Sawyer Grocery Building

The oldest of the list, the Sawyer Grocery Building, was found in 1888 at 201 South Main Street and renovated in the early 2000s. The apartments still have the original hardwood floors, wooden cabinets, and claw-footed bathtubs. A 552-square-foot apartment will be available in mid-February for $950 per month.

Markeen Apartments

Built in 1909, the one-bedroom Markeen Apartments at 405 West Daggett St. feature claw-footed bathtubs, large covered patios and porches, and all-original hardwood floors, doors, and trim. 

Texas and Pacific Lofts

Built in 1931, the Texas and Pacific Lofts at 201 W. Lancaster Avenue have been completely restored. The apartments in the 12-story high rise are styled with the original terrazzo flooring, high ceilings, large windows and exposed ductwork. There are 13 lofts available for sale, starting at $175,000. 

Historic Electric Building Apartments

Located at 410 West 7th Street, the Electric Building was built in 1927 and later transformed by Robert Bass into the Historic Electric Building Apartments. Select apartments in the 18-story building feature an open floor plan with exposed pipes, six-foot historic windows and concrete flooring. Five apartments are available for rent, starting at $1,300.