During the holidays, XTO Energy’s restoration of 714 Main made great progress, and the nearly-finished facade is exposed along Main Street.  The re-created lower levels of the building feature tall arched windows, warrior heads atop the arches, logos for the building’s original owner (Farmers & Mechanics Bank), and a re-creation of the original grand entrance in the center of the Main Street facade.  The 7th Street facade appears to be just a short distance behind the Main Street facade.

It remains to be seen how XTO’s recent acquisition by Exxon will affect its ability to buy and restore historic Fort Worth buildings.  For now, let us enjoy the work XTO’s done to 714 Main, built in 1921.  The building was the tallest in the city until the construction of the now-demolished Landmark Tower in 1957, and for a time after its opening it was also the tallest building in Texas.