Looks like things are moving right along with the old Knights of Pythias building on the east side of downtown. For the uninitiated, this little building - a historic structure, being an African-American hall from back when the Knights were segregated - was slated for demolition, as we reported first, breaking the story back in June. After many efforts, some from Fort Worthology and some from other concerned citizens, it was announced that TownSite Co. had purchased the building and would be restoring and redeveloping it.
More details are coming out now about the plans to redevelop the Knights building. The redevelopment project goes before the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission this Monday, at their meeting at 2:00 PM at City Hall. We don’t have much in the way of specific details, but the plan is to add a set-back third floor to the building, and add garages to the south side of the building on what is currently vacant land. The new third floor would add space, but being set back from the building’s parapet it would not impact its historical appearance. This is similar to what was done with the new sixth floor of the Sanger Building when it was redeveloped into the Sanger Lofts by architect David Schwarz in 1991.
I’m going to try to find out more about the KofP plans and report further. This is a great success story, and it will be fantastic to get this little building restored and reopened.
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