Jul 8, 2009
Signs of Retail Life at West 7th
By: Kevin Buchanan
With the economy in the tank the way it is right now, empty storefronts are a common sight in many new developments across the United States. Thankfully, the retail mix at the West 7th development in the Cultural District still seems to be shaping up, for the most part. One by one, actual “coming soon” signs are going up for several of the development’s announced tenants.
Delaney’s Irish Pub looks to now be located in the northwest corner of the parking structure on 7th Street, at 7th & Norwood.
Heading onto Crockett Street between the two apartment/retail buildings, you’ll find more of West 7th’s tenants making their presence known.
Paciugo will occupy a space in one of the two apartment buildings.
Patrizio likewise takes up a space on Crockett.
Fireside Pies will be moving in on the other side of Crockett.
Other tenant signs include Bailey’s Prime Plus Steakhouse, Yofe Cafe, and Movie Tavern, which will be on Currie on or near the Currie/Crockett intersection.
The colored concrete intersections in the West 7th development have been poured as well, and the entire development is starting to take on a more finished appearance. We hope to have the chance to take another look through West 7th as it nears completion.
I walked through the development the other day. This is going to be such a fun place to live/play!
Don’t forget to look further east and across to the Montgomery Plaza as well. Luke’s Locker (fitness/running store) just moved in, abandoning University Village, and Fort Worth Running Company has a “coming soon” sign plus the telltale boarded windows of construction activities in the new building further east, near Trinity Park.
One more thing – after taking the T (#2) from downtown to Montgomery Plaza and as I walked thru the parking lot from Luke’s to Baker Bros. (if you must know), I noticed they’re doing some pretty hefty iron work and landscaping on the roof of the old Montgomery Ward building. Looks like rooftop gardens or something. Can you get the lowdown on this, Kevin?
@Doug
That’s the rooftop pool area. If I recall correctly, they have a waterfall, cabanas, a spa, etc. planned for this “resort-style” amenity for their residents.
I’m looking forward to Capital Bar. I’m not very interested in any of these specific Plano Vanilla type franchises that are going in to the development. But I’m looking forward to the infusion of activity.
Can’t beat the swirls at Gloria’s IMHO.
The Movie Tavern concept is utterly mind-boggling. It’s the Cultural District… the cinema should be an Anjelika.
What’s the word with the Bowling Alley? Lucky Strike still happening?
Rumor is that Starwood Hotel with height restrictions is going in at So7
Looking forward to seeing how it all shakes out.
@Jefferey
I agree 100%! To bad so many chains are moving in. I would like to see more “Mom and Pop” type shops with character… I hate the fact that no matter where you live in this country.. you pretty much get the same plain vanilla Plano, Frisco, South Lake, Burleson, etc.. etc.. stuff
On the bright side, we have Fred’s. La Familia, Chimy’s… and the Capital Bar look like it will be really cool too!
Neil
It’s a damn shame it’s going to be chain central. And why so many damn restaurants? Do we really need that many restaurants in such a small area? Maybe, I guess. It’s seems like food is the new entertainment.
I would have to agree with the “cookie cutter” approach. I’m a fan of the Austin lay out, in having mom and pop places to add that personal flare. Hopefully the Fort Worth South area will provide us with something a little different. I would like to see a warehouse done as a restaraunt. I was in Atlanta a couple months ago and ate a great place that had this idea. The loading dock was used as the valet drop off….pretty cool idea. Here’s the joint I’m referring to http://www.twourbanlicks.com
I think the thing to keep in mind is that the buildings are more permanent than their ground-floor tenants. Getting the physical form right is Job 1. As long as the physical form is right, then the tenants can come and go until the right balance is reached. Some of the chains will last, some will fail. Some that fail might be replaced by local establishments. The physical form of the buildings is good and urban and so whatever tenants move in/replace will be in a good, walkable form.
I would agree, the buildings are done very well. The architecture is long lasting.