Fort Worth Public Market could get a second life as part of a senior living community

March 5,2022

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See full Fort Worth Star-Telegram article by Jess Hardin here.

Fort Worth Public Market could be getting a second life.

The historic farmers market adorned with stained glass was built in 1930 and closed in 1941. It’s now part of the design plans for a senior living community called The Harden.

The Downtown Design Review Board on Thursday approved plans to turn the market into an amenities building for a five-story apartment complex which will be built adjacent to the market.

The market, at 1400 Henderson St., is a Texas Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

The public market building would house a fitness center, a co-working space and a lounge. The focal point, however, will be a cafe, said Mark Dabney, an architect on the project from Fort Worth-based BOKA Powell.

The intent is to provide the public with an opportunity to see the historic building.

The next step in the process is submitting for permits, Dabney said. The developer is also awaiting HUD financing for the project and is proposing to use the Federal Historic Tax Credit program to rehabilitate the market.

Wilks Development purchased the property from Texas Rangers co-owner Bob Simpson in 2014.

At its peak, the farmers market had space for 145 vendor stalls and 30 retail shops. It has been vacant since 2004.