MAGNOLIA STOP SIGNS
Back in April 2017, Near Southside, Inc. spearheaded a pilot project, in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth, that changed two signalized intersections along W. Magnolia Ave. at College and Henderson, to four-way stops, by shifting the signals to blinking red lights. As we’d hoped, this operational adjustment slowed traffic significantly and aided in the creation of the vibrant walkable street that we enjoy today. As the final step in the transition, last week a crew from the City’s TPW department replaced the signals with permanent stop signs. This improvement continues to ensure a pedestrian-friendly environment and vibrant urban street for all to enjoy!
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CALHOUND DOG PARK
Tucked away in South Main Village, near the intersection of Annie and S. Calhoun St., is Calhound Dog Park. Officially completed in early 2020, this new public space has become a much-loved destination for dog-owning residents and visitors throughout the Near Southside. Designed by TBG Partners, the park was built through a partnership among the City of Fort Worth, Near Southside, Inc., and the original developers of The Bowery at Southside, Stonehawk Capital Partners. The new owners of The Bowery, Weinstein Properties, have continued to be fantastic community partners by contributing towards daily clean-up and maintenance. We are also thankful for our friends at SPSD, who manage the weekly maintenance team, keeping this space shipshape for our four legged furbabies! |
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HISTORIC TEMPLE BETH-EL FOR SALE |
This month the district saw the exciting announcement of an incredible opportunity in South Main Village, as one of the Near Southside’s most treasured historic landmarks was listed for sale by Near Southside friend Jim Sager at Transwestern.
The beautiful and iconic Beth-El synagogue at 207 W. Broadway was originally constructed in 1920, and for the remaining decades of the 20th century, Beth-El was the hub of Fort Worth’s Jewish community, providing space for all services and ceremonies as well as full educational and community facilities.
The full complex includes the original synagogue building as well as a 1960 classroom addition to the south. Totaling over 36,000 square feet, the combined buildings offer an unmatched opportunity for adaptive conversion and reuse, in addition to a prime location in the heart of South Main Village activity. Please help us spread the word to anyone interested in being part of the next great story of landmark preservation and rebirth in the Near Southside. Learn all about the property here.
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THE SCHOOL HOUSE ON LIPSCOMB FOR SALE |
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The storied history of this beautiful landmark at 319 Lipscomb Street tracks the Near Southside’s unique and evolving mix of neighborhoods, economic anchors, and community institutions.
The oldest standing school building in Tarrant County, now on the market for sale as The School House on Lipscomb, was originally constructed in 1892 and expanded in 1910. The Stephen F. Austin Elementary School operated until 1977, with famed graduates including golfer Ben Hogan and actress Ginger Rogers, among many others. The building’s second life was equally significant for the Near Southside, as Williamson-Dickie purchased the school for conversion into its corporate headquarters in 1980.
The 21,000+ square foot building is an excellent candidate for creative conversion. The property also includes 60 on-site parking spaces, and a 0.5-acre open space to the north for future development or outdoor events. Managed by our friends at Red Oak Realty and listed by Whit Kelly at Transwestern, The School House is an ideal candidate for innovative conversion in the Near Southside’s rapidly growing Vickery Village. Learn all about the property here.
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218 W. BROADWAY RESIDENTIAL |
A major new residential development at the northeast corner of Broadway and Galveston is now solidly on track to bring hundreds of new residents to South Main Village. The project is led by a great friend to the Near Southside, Brian Crowell, and his newly formed company Maverick Development Group, with a new office located just a block away at 215 South Main Street.
As part of the Hudgins development team, Brian led the Mag & May and Ramble & Rose projects in Magnolia Village. 218 W. Broadway promises to be just as significant, and similar to Mag & May, public art promises to be a highly visible element. The project is expected to feature a kinetic sculptural screen on the parking garage, receiving approval earlier this year by the City’s Urban Design Commission.
We anticipate activity on the site in late 2021 or early 2022, with more news on final plans and schedule coming soon.
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LOOKING FOR A NEW BANK?
We're happy to make this recommendation
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HONORING THE LEGACY OF
DEVOYD 'DEE' JENNINGS
Fort Worth lost a remarkable leader last week when Mr. Devoyd Jennings passed away unexpectedly.
As President of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, Dee was a model of persistence and poise as he led important conversations and initiatives to increase opportunity for Black-owned businesses, and to advocate for greater representation and equity for Black residents and neighborhoods across Fort Worth.
Over the last few years, Dee and his team at FWMBCC helped propel civic leaders across Fort Worth toward renewed commitments in addressing longstanding issues of equity, opportunity, and representation. NSI joins FWMBCC in honoring the legacy of Mr. Devoyd Jennings through our continuing commitment to those outcomes Dee championed over decades of leadership and action.
Homegoing Service
Saturday, July 31 at 10 a.m.
St. Vincent’s De Paul Catholic Church
5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd.
Arlington, TX 76016
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EVERLY PLAZA OFFERS A NEAR SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY ART SPACE |
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This update packs twice the punch.
FIRST, we’re extremely excited to announce the latest Near Southside Arts initiative; and SECOND, we’ll tell you how a community-minded development team behind one of the district’s most significant new residential projects made it possible.
At the southeast corner of 8th Avenue and Park Place — often known as the Massey’s Restaurant site — a new showcase hub for local artists is taking shape in the ground floor of the new Everly Plaza residential development. The Near Southside Arts Space is a 2,400 sq. ft. community gallery with dramatic west-facing windows fronting the 8th Avenue corridor at Fairmount’s western edge. Near Southside Arts (NSA) will manage the space, with plans to deliver a flexible creative showcase where local artists will exhibit their work, and a variety of programs will engage the community in discussions of artistic practice, art education, and interactive art experiences.
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Typically, this type of premium ground floor space would be reserved for commercial tenants, and it is only through the generosity of developers Saigebrook Development and O-SDA Industries that the Near Southside Arts Space will serve as the next community anchor for Near Southside art initiatives. Saigebrook and O-SDA have an impressive track record of high-quality, mixed-income workforce housing projects across Texas, including Mistletoe Station just north of Everly Plaza at the eastern edge of Mistletoe Heights. Everly Plaza is an 88-unit mixed-income property for Seniors who are 62 and older. The residents will benefit from many amenities and services on site, along with close proximity to the medical district, restaurants and retail. In addition, the residents will have regular access to the art and programs featured in the Near Southside Arts Space, and we’re eager to share a preview of the space’s first (and long-term) art initiative, made possible through the community spirit of the development team.
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After closing in 1996, the Massey’s restaurant site sat vacant until 2014 when the building was demolished to prepare the site for sale or future investment. At that time, only the iconic sign and sign pole were left in place. When Saigebrook and O-SDA purchased the property in 2018 with the intention of building Everly Plaza, they carefully removed the historic Massey’s Restaurant sign and stored it on site to preserve the possibility of some future use. As in the community art space discussion with NSA took shape, the partners decided to commission a signature artwork by repurposing that iconic piece of the site’s history - the former landmark sign of Massey’s Restaurant.
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Fast forward to today, following an artist selection process led by NSA's Art South Selection Committee of art leaders across the district, and that signature art work is coming together in the Everly Plaza Art Space. After a challenging selection process featuring dozens of talented artists, the selection committee awarded the commission to highly talented young artist Caya Crum.
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Caya’s vision and her grasp of the challenging technical aspects of the sign’s conversion sealed the selection of her proposal, titled “The Massey’s Rainbow.” In Caya’s words, her vision is to keep the soul of Massey’s alive as it takes on a new meaning. "The rainbow on the Massey’s sign represents the inclusivity and diversity of the community and the optimism I have for its future,” says Caya. Her finished work will hang inside the gallery’s community room on the south wall, serving as a consistent and historically compelling background for artist talks, demonstrations and other events. As a bonus, we’re confident we’ll see works from other artists from that impressive pool of candidates commissioned for future Art South projects. Follow Caya's progress here, learn more about leasing at Everly Plaza, and stay tuned for more announcements about the art space after construction is completed.
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MURAL NOW COMPLETE
AT BROADWAY CHAPTER
"COSMIC JOURNEY" BY DRIGO
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Artist Eric 'Drigo' Rodriguez has battled rain, mud and sunny days to create Cosmic Journey, a 5,000 square foot parking garage facade mural fronting W. Peter Smith that was commissioned earlier this year by CRG, the developer of Broadway Chapter, with the assistance of the Near Southside's ArtSouth community arts program. Pop by to take a look!
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NEW IN THE NEAR SOUTHSIDE |
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A new fashion boutique is now open beside Magnolia Avenue Skate and Panther City Vinyl. Specializing in trendy but affordable ladies clothing and accessories, MMV is proudly owned by Latina "boss babes"!
1455 W. Magnolia Ave.
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A Near Southside special events venue is in the works as the tilt wall space at the Supreme Golf building undergoes extensive renovations to begin hosting weddings, private parties and corporate events.
201 Calhoun S. Street
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The South Main District Salon owners have launched their next business venture, but this time on Magnolia Ave. Dreamhouse Salon is now open, leasing rooms ,and stations, and is filling quickly with a talented team.
909 W. Magnolia Ave.
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A NEW NEAR SOUTHSIDE OFFICE
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Join us in welcoming GSBS Architects to the Near Southside as they join the fun at FW PROOF with a cool new space in the newly restored destination from M2G Ventures.
GSBS provides a full range of urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design services.
901 W. Vickery Boulevard
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We know, we know, it is sure to make you giggle but we bet you'll remember the name of this new Magnolia Village waxing studio at the corner of Hurley! Open for eyebrows and to all the other 'business' that needs waxing.
1301 Hurley Ave.
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Now that your skin is so smooth from our friends at The Bush, why not stay a little longer and get a skin-kissed glow without the UV damage. Contour offers tanning services for all body types and all needs.
1301 Hurley Ave.
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The Southside's native son and global superstar, Leon Bridges released a new album that is already receiving rave reviews. We aren't surprised, as we've been big fans of Leon's since day one. Buy it here.
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Chelsie Synatschk knows first-hand that the Near Southside is an awesome place to live. Starting as longtime a Fairmount resident, Chelsie transitioned from home owner to investor, and then to representing the residential community as a real estate agent working to guide friends -new and old - into homeownership in Fort Worth's best neighborhoods. With her successful brokerage Fort Worth Focused now adding agents to the team, one of which is husband Joe, Chelsie has made another big leap as she opens the doors on the new "home" of Fort Worth Focused, a beautifully renovated historic house just steps from Magnolia Avenue.
1309 Fairmount Avenue
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In the spot formerly occupied by GROW, this new food trailer is serving up some authentic and unforgettably-delicious Jordanian and Palestinian fare. Order the plate for a sampling of it all. Yum!
1250 W. Magnolia Ave.
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Longtime Near Southsiders will instantly recognize Haytham's warm smile from years behind the counter at Paul's Donuts. Now, he is venturing out with his own donut shop, open daily until 3pm with decadent treats.
201 W. Rosedale Street
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Mistletoe Heights resident and accomplished Chef Mark Guatalara was born and raised in the Philippines. Today, his Ober Here food truck is parked behind Hotel Revel where he dishes up delectable Filipino meals.
1165 8th Ave.
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A unique marketplace experience for wedding and event planning is opening on Park Place Avenue. The Ruche Collective will offer wedding couples a single destination for all their vendors, from traditional services, like wedding planners or florists, to non-traditional but on-trend services such as balloon arches, geometric backdrops, white bouncy castles, mobile bars, coffee carts and macarons! 1612 Park Place Avenue
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Delicious coffee, tea and a very special lemonade in a cozy environment.
1121 W. Magnolia Ave.
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Old-school bowling alley meets sports bar. Scratch kitchen, darts, & pool
941 W. Vickery Blvd.
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Now open and serving coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch in The Mercantile.
1217 8th Ave.
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A fond farewell to a friend |
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THANK YOU CANNON CHINESE KITCHEN
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Back in 2015, when Casey Kha, Jarry Ho, and Mary Ho boldly launched Cannon Chinese Kitchen at 304 W. Cannon, they not only introduced delicious traditional Chinese dining to the Near Southside, but they also introduced thousands of visitors to an overlooked but charming section of our district over the last six years. Cannon played an enormous role in transforming the historic Leuda-May-St. Louis neighborhood into the vibrant and popular location it is today. The influx of investment and new residents in the surrounding area wouldn’t have taken shape the same way if not for Cannon’s pioneering effort. Don’t miss the final chance to enjoy a delicious meal before their last day on August 7. After that, keep supporting that same restaurant team led by Casey, Jarry, and Mary by visiting Shinjuku Station on Magnolia Ave.
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...and welcome to these coming soon. |
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Hailing from Houston, but now a proud Fort Worth resident, Chef Dustin Lee is using his Facebook feed invite the community into the progress underway to open The Beast & Company, a New American restaurant in one of Magnolia's prime storefronts. From dining room design to menu development you can follow Dustin's journey here as we await his opening. 1000 W. Magnolia Avenue
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TRE MOGLI
Wishbone & Flynt owner Chef Stefon Rishel and Trident Restaurant Group are deep in construction on a new Italian restaurant in S. Main Village.
401 S. Main Street
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After paying their dues in the Airstream at the SoMa parking lot, the pit masters of Brix announced a brick and mortar in S. Main Village is under contract at
1012 S. Main Street
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While the announcement came pre-pandemic, we're still excited about this all-day brunch restaurant planned for corner of Pennsylvania and S. Main.
601 S. Main Street
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Near Southside biscuit and beignet man Trey Smith is hard at work on his new South Main Village storefront for the Dusty Biscuit as he transitions out of the Fork Worth Airstream into brick-and-mortar, opening soon!
411 S. Main Street
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CHUCK BOULIGNY
2021 NSI + NSA BOARD VICE CHAIR
Grandma’s, Juggle app, Innovate FW podcast
This month’s member spotlight shines on another multitalented member of our leadership team: NSI Vice Chair Chuck Bouligny. We expect many of you already know Chuck well, as he’s one of the most active and enthusiastic community leaders in all of Fort Worth.
The Near Southside has benefitted greatly from Chuck’s vocal advocacy and energy in support of our district and organization. And most importantly, Chuck brings to the Near Southside a creative entrepreneurialism that continues to generate exciting and innovative ideas and economic activity for our district and the city.
Chuck was the founder of one of the district’s pioneering creative firms, Ascend Concepts, before expanding his efforts to include development initiatives through his company Elkhorn Union. Chuck soon added mobile axe-throwing company Wivot to his portfolio, then brought new energy and activity to the historic block at 715 W. Magnolia as owner of Grandma’s NSFW.
This month, we were excited to learn more about Chuck’s latest endeavor as he shared the full story of the new Juggle app on the Innovate Fort Worth podcast hosted by Cameron Cushman at HSC. We strongly encourage you to tune into their entertaining discussion to learn more about Chuck’s story and the cool Juggle app. We also hope you’ll stick with it to the end as Chuck shares some love for the Near Southside and the amazing community that our team at NSI is fortunate to work for and with everyday.
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iter8 health innovation update |
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Cook Children's Hyperinsulinism Center Wins International Award
Cook Children’s Health Care System said its Hyperinsulinism Center has been named one of six Hyperinsulinism Centers of Excellence worldwide, by Congenital Hyperinsulinism International.
The designation recognizes centers that provide the "highest level of multi-disciplinary care to congenital hyperinsulinism patients and their families," Cook Children's said.
Hyperinsulinism is a rare genetic disease in which the pancreas produces too much insulin, driving blood sugar levels dangerously low and depriving the brain of important fuels it needs to function. It affects about 1 in 20,000 to 30,000 newborn babies each year.
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Chamber honors health care leader with Halsey Award
The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce recognized Barclay Berdan, CEO of Texas Health Resources, with the annual Susan Halsey Executive Leadership Award at the Chamber’s 139th annual meeting at Dickies Arena.
The award, named after the late Susan Halsey, honors leadership excellence in business in the Fort Worth metropolitan area. It recognizes presidents, principals or chief executive officers for devoting time and energy to strengthen and transform the organization they lead. The award was created to honor Halsey, a formidable Fort Worth attorney and businesswoman, who died in December 2014. She was the managing partner of Jackson Walker LLP.
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NEAR SOUTHSIDE MAKING HEADLINES |
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CRG, the real estate development and investment arm of Chicago-based Clayco, partnered with Near Southside’s ArtSouth to select and commission a mural from North Texas artist Eric ‘Drigo’ Rodriguez.
The artist selection was driven from a community-led vetting process in February that resulted in 89 applications during the region’s historic ice storm.
CRG supplied a $50,000 budget and worked closely with ArtSouth program administrators, who extended the application deadline and supported artists as many completed applications from their cars, warming centers and other public spaces available during the statewide power failures.
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James Walker believes a renaissance is occurring in south Fort Worth — one rooftop at a time.
Walker is a real estate broker, and he is among a handful of developers buying up empty lots in the Hillside-Morningside neighborhood just east of Interstate 35W, and building new homes that sell mostly in the $175,000 to $225,000 range.
At a time when many prospective buyers are unable to find homes in their price range in better-known residential areas of Fort Worth — where the median home value is now higher than $300,000 — the home-building activity in this historically Black neighborhood shows its potential to fill a need in the city and once again become a thriving, self-sustaining neighborhood.
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In the downtowns and entertainment districts of many cities some curbside parking has been replaced with patios for diners and drinkers — a concept born in the pandemic to give restaurants more outdoor space that has been slow to catch on in Fort Worth. That’s slowly changing in the Near Southside, where two parklets on Magnolia have popped up in the last few months and a third is planned for South Main Street. In August, the city’s TPW staff will recommend the city adopt a policy for turning parking spaces into people spaces.“I think people really enjoy the ambiance. Magnolia is such a wonderful place, to be really out in it is really attractive to a lot of people,” said Toni Guinn, owner and manager of Grand Cru Wine Bar.
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Do you have news to share or a project we should know about? Let's talk!
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SAVE THE DATE, JOIN THE FUN! |
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FRIDAY ON THE GREEN + ARTSGOGGLE FOR 2021 |
Please save the date for a single Friday on the Green on Friday, September 10 and ArtsGoggle on Saturday, October 16 presented by Trinity Metro.
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...but wait, there's more!
The Near Southside is home to hundreds of destinations offering weekly programming such as restaurants, live music venues, theaters, and galleries.
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