The Tornado-Bent Poles Are Back!
That’s right – the famed metal poles which held an advertising billboard until the 2000 tornado ripped through the city are back at last at the new Museum Place development. The poles, stripped of their billboard and bent sharply over by the tornado, are being reinstalled today as part of the new public plaza that will go along with the new United States Post Office at Museum Place (seen in the background covered by Tyvek wrap). Fort Worthology reader Jeff W. sent me this photo of the reinstallation underway:
The wall of the Post Office fronting the plaza will be covered in ceramic tiles featuring a large mural of a thunderstorm rolling across the prairie, along with the words “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
It may seem odd to be so excited over the return of a few bent pieces of metal, but I think the reinstallation of the poles in the new plaza is a wonderful piece of public art. They are an incredible reminder of the sheer power of nature, bent as they were simply by the power of wind, and will serve as a fascinating landmark for the redeveloping Cultural District.
Just an FYI to all the loyal fans of J&J’s Hideaway. The Hideaway will be closing its doors on July 13th to make way for the next phase of Museum Place (Aloft?). I am a loyal reader of this site and I just wanted to pass along the info. Keep up the good work!
Fortworthian,
Thanks – the Hideaway is actually being cleared for a building that will be retail on the ground floor and apartments above. So is the old Post Office, as well as the lot that was already cleared where the old Pro-Cuts strip mall was. In fact, that whole section of street that runs between the Hideaway and the old Post Office is going away, too.
The Aloft is going in the already cleared lot where the medical office building on Arch Adams between Camp Bowie and 7th was – it was the one that fronted Camp Bowie right next to Domain.
Kevin-
Any idea on the status of the vacant lot that lies between the PO parking lot and the white stucco apartments (due west of the PO lot)? I think it’s owned by Bill Massad, the guy who, years ago, moved and restored an old mansion from Hattie Street on the southside to W. 7th and made it his office. The same one he’s now trying to give away to anyone willing to haul it off. The lot I’m asking about is directly behind the old mansion. Any news on the old mansion?
Don,
I’m not sure exactly which lot you’re talking about. I’m planning a photo excursion later if my headache subsides, and will check it out. We’re talking about the old Post Office at Arch Adams, not the new one under construction, right?
Right. I think there’s a large pecan tree still left there right next to the apartment house. I think there used to be a house on the lot. It is directly behind the old mansion I mentioned.