Developers Aim to Return The Fort Worth Public Market to a Cultural Hot Spot

Construction trucks have been rolling onto The Fort Worth Public Market, which is good news for the long-empty, historic treasure in urban Cowtown.

The landmark at 1400 Henderson St. in downtown Fort Worth is now the site of progress. Wilks Development broke ground there on June 20, the 93rd anniversary of the building’s original opening.

“The project is finally moving forward,” said Nicole Ellis, marketing manager for Wilks Development. The real estate development and investment company is restoring the building with an eye toward senior living. The building was purchased by Wilks in 2014 after sadly sitting empty for almost 20 years.

“Our hope is to make it a place for the community to gather,” Ellis said recently. “Those who’ve never been inside will be able to go inside and see it.”

Adding The Harden to The Fort Worth Public Market

The current renovations and additions will include a new building backing up to the original. The Harden, as it has been named, will be an adult housing community adjacent to the historic Fort Worth property.  Named after its original developer, Oklahoman John J. Harden, the building will be comprised of 199 units with 24 floor plans targeting active senior adults.

Wilks Development, a family business, was launched in 2012. The leadership team includes two brothers — president Kyle Wilks and Josh Wilks, executive senior vice president — plus their cousin, senior vice president Jess Green.  Their real estate projects have included commercial offices, retail storefronts, and multifamily communities.

Location, Location, Location

The Fort Worth Public Market’s location is now seen as highly desirable. Near I-30, its Henderson Street address makes it adjacent to downtown, the revived near South Side, the vibrant South Seven corridor, and the hospital district.

Getting the renovations right, especially where housing is in high demand, can take some work. Previous delays to the project’s groundbreaking can be attributed partially to careful partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ellis said. Kenneth Cooper, HUD’s director of multifamily production, attended June’s groundbreaking ceremony, as did Jerre Tracy, executive director of Historic Fort Worth, Inc.

The public market, known as the Henderson Street farmers market, opened to the public in 1930. Developer Harden spent $150,000, equivalent to more than $2.5 million today, to construct the iconic building. Originally, the building served as a market for local farmers and vendors. The effects of the Great Depression forced its closing in 1941, and it later reopened for a variety of businesses.

The building’s striking entrance tower, with ornate terra cotta trim and stained-glass accents, anchors the Mediterranean-style building.  Architect B. Gaylord Noftsger of Oklahoma City designed the tower with tall, arched windows along the front.

Historic Landmark

In 1980, the structure was listed as a Texas historic landmark, then it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Renovations will include removing some previous work not original to the building. Wilks Development is known for its masonry work, so care will be taken to repair the stonework, Ellis said. Those fond of the building will be happy to know the beautiful stained glass will remain, and will even be illuminated at night.

“It’s such a stunning building, and we’re going to restore it back to its former grandeur,” Ellis said.