Evaluation complete, decisions made on Stockyards buildings

The Stockyards Heritage Project has the longstanding mission to preserve, protect and enhance the heritage of the Stockyards, and I cannot think of a better way to uphold this commitment than by honoring and immortalizing its history in a way that people will appreciate and remember for years to come.

In their redevelopment of the Stockyards area, Majestic Realty and the Hickman family will create a walking tour, the Stockyards Heritage Trail, to celebrate the rich history of the past. More on that later.

In order to ensure the Stockyards Heritage Project preserves and restores a significant amount of history, Majestic Realty and its construction, structural engineering, environmental and civil experts spent 18 months evaluating more than two dozen Stockyards structures owned by the Stockyards Heritage Project partnership.

This evaluation process, which started with the historic Horse and Mule Barns near the intersection of North Main Street and East Exchange Avenue, was conducted in order to understand the viability of each structure.

The two barns encompass 180,000 square feet and have been used primarily for storage since the 1990s.

Our rigorous examination of the buildings by leading experts has shown us that an estimated $40 million must be invested to save and inhabit the barns.

Structural reinforcement and roof, window, electrical and plumbing replacement with proper weatherization are just some of the major improvements necessary to meet modern code requirements.

Many structures on the Swift and Company site can be accurately described as ruins. Entire walls no longer exist, foundations and floor slabs have failed, roofs are partially or totally collapsed, and structural support systems have failed or are in the later stages of failure.

Access to and through each structure is limited and far from meeting current code standards.

Stockyards Heritage has spent significant time and resources to rescue as many structures as feasibly possible. However, in order to make the Stockyards a safe environment that can be enjoyed and cherished, what remains of several structures must be removed.

Preservation experts have also surveyed each of these structures and have assisted the Stockyard Heritage partnership’s efforts in documenting their history.

Many structures that are being preserved and protected will be featured on the Stockyards Heritage Trail, such as the Swift and Company office/laboratory building, ornamental stairs and perimeter wall at the site’s south edge.

Additionally, materials such as bricks, various pillars, doors, mechanical tools and other distinctive features from the structures have been preserved and will be featured throughout the Stockyards and along the trail.

The Stockyards Heritage Trail, which was partly inspired by and will bear resemblance to the Alamo audio tour or the Freedom Trail in Boston, will feature a combination of educational information, historic storytelling and viewing areas along a pedestrian trail.

In partnership with the North Fort Worth Historical Society, Stockyards Heritage will work to ensure that the accurate details are captured and open the door to more additions to the trail.

Stockyards Heritage is proud of what it has accomplished thus far and excited to share with the community its plans to continue to preserve, protect and enhance the Stockyards.

An open house is set for Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

The public is encouraged to come meet with members of the revitalization project, ask questions and view renderings of Stockyards Heritage Development preservation efforts, including the Stockyards Heritage Trail.

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 5:50 PM with the headline "Evaluation complete, decisions made on Stockyards buildings."