Wilks Development Opens The Harden at Public Market to All Ages
January 22,2026
Reposted from Wilks Development.
Wilks Development has received approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to transition The Harden from senior living to conventional housing— welcoming a wider range of Fort Worth residents to call this iconic location home.
Located directly behind the historic Fort Worth Public Market, The Harden is a 199-unit apartment community that opened in October 2025. The community offers thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom residences ranging from 723 to 1,550 square feet, with rates starting at $1,391.
Residents enjoy an elevated amenity experience, including pickleball courts, a fully equipped fitness center, a resort-style amenity deck with pool and spa overlooking the Public Market tower and downtown Fort Worth, a clubhouse with coworking space and pool table, and a dedicated dog park. The residences were completed alongside the careful restoration of the Fort Worth Public Market — an iconic building protected at both the state and federal level.
“With increased interest in both the Public Market and The Harden from a broader range of Fort Worth residents, opening the community to all ages simply made sense,” said Kyle Wilks, CEO and President of Wilks Development. “People have been driving by the Public Market for years, hoping to see it revitalized. Now they can live right next to it — and walk right over.”
Over the past several years, the team has consistently heard from locals of all ages who wished they could live at The Harden. As a HUD-financed property, the community was initially limited to residents 62+, and many interested renters—even those who toured—had to be turned away. Opening The Harden to all ages allows the community to respond to that enthusiasm while better supporting the long-term success of both buildings.
This transition also aligns with the next chapter of the Public Market. Once the building’s restaurant, café/market, and cocktail bar—led by Chef Jenna Kinard—open later this summer, the area will become an even more vibrant and walkable place to live.
The Harden is now leasing one- and two-bedroom residences with immediate availability. Now’s your chance to live beside a piece of Fort Worth history—reimagined for modern living.
Location Mentioned: The Harden at Public Market