A Picture Perfect Pied-à-Terre in The Tower

The literal translation of pied-à-terre is “foot on the ground,” and in this respect, the term couldn’t be more inaccurate in describing this 23rd-floor aerie with stunning unobstructed views of the cultural district and the Trinity River.

The other connotation of the term is a small abode, perhaps even a secondary residence, and in this respect, the term is a perfect fit.

An Ideal Second Home Location

I’ve been encountering more and more people from northern climes who have chosen Fort Worth as a second home, and they usually prefer the lock-and-leave convenience of an in-town high-rise. The nearly 1,000-square-foot condominium would also be the perfect city address for a rancher and, at this price point, a savvy investment property for a rental.

This isn’t Fort Worth Friday’s first visit to the fabled Tower. But never have we featured a unit at this very affordable price. This one-bedroom, one-bath unit is being offered at $322,000, which works out to about $331 per square foot. That compares favorably with The Omni Residences, which generally sell for nearly $125 more per square foot.

And the Tower is every bit as amenity rich as it’s rival . There is a well equipped and recently renovated gym on the fifth floor as well as a putting green, dog run and a lovely pool. Have out of town guests? There are two apartments available to Tower residents for a negligible fee of $75 per night.

Walls of floor-to-ceiling windows add depth to the modest scaled apartment and provide remarkable vistas and, in my opinion, the best high-rise views in Fort Worth. The living area floor plan is completely open and functional, adding to the illusion of unimpeded space.

Floors throughout the unit are blond hardwood laid out on the bias. The kitchen features black granite countertops and a gas range.

A spacious hall leads to the bedroom with a wall of windows and that breathtaking urban view to wake up to. The attached bath has a shower tub combo with a glass door. At this price, it would tempting, with a small budget, to update and upgrade the kitchen and bath — taking the unit to the level of luxury it seems to pine for.

Extras include an office area with a built in desk, and a second living area with a Murphy bed. And for a small space there is a surprising abundance of closet and storage space.

Obviously, urban high-rise living is a lifestyle choice. Residents can take advantage of the vibrant downtown Fort Worth city center with its many restaurants and clubs which, pre-COVID, were full to overflowing even on weekdays. The location — one block from Sundance Square and close to the Tex-Rail terminal — is ideal, earning a high walkability score of 92.

Tex-Rail is worthy of a mention. Not even two years old, with no Dallas equivalent, it offers a direct, hassle-free commute to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in comfortable, pristine trains for a mere $2.50.

An HOA of $545. per month covers the maintenance and the menu of amenities, including 24-hour concierge service. The unit comes with an assigned, in-building parking space.

Michael Garner of Fathom Realty is offering No. 2308 at 500 Throckmorton Street for $322,000.