Is it time to worry about downtown Fort Worth again? Yes, but for new reasons
Blame empty offices for Fort Worth downtown dropoff
Hey, Bud! Aren’t you worried about downtown?
—A couple dozen readers via Facebook, Twitter, email and homing pigeon
Downtowns are suffering everywhere due to changing workplace habits. They’re becoming simply government and convention centers, so it’s not unique here. Before the pandemic, downtown had lost D.R. Horton and XTO Energy headquarters and many GM Financial workers. Sundance Square has recycled itself every few years — changing shops, adding two movie theaters, adding the plaza — and it will recycle itself again.
Downtown parking > Stockyards parking
Hey, Bud! But what about the parking downtown? Seems like everybody goes to the Stockyards.
—Reader reply on Facebook
Downtown has two free parking garages for shoppers and diners with validation weekdays and more at night. One is at 345 W. Third St. and the other is at 201 W. Sixth St. The Stockyards has very little parking at all, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem.
Fixture Kitchen restaurant remodeling in Fort Worth
Hey, Bud! What’s the deal with Fixture?
—Another reader at Facebook.com/diningguy
Just when the Paris Coffee Shop is about to reopen, now chef Ben Merritt’s Fixture Kitchen on West Magnolia Avenue is remodeling with kitchen and restroom repairs. A summer reopening is expected, maybe sooner.
This story was originally published March 31, 2022 at 5:45 AM.
