High-rise project in Downtown Fort Worth set to move forward
September 2,2021
See full article by Fort Worth Business Press staff here.
Southern Land Company, a national real estate developer of mixed-use developments and master-planned communities, has begun off-site work for its new 27-story luxury high-rise rental residences at 969 Commerce Street in Fort Worth, marking the start of a significant new residential project in downtown Fort Worth.
SLC’s residential community will feature more than 300,000 square feet with 302 for-rent efficiency, one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes and penthouses, eight floors of above-grade parking, and abundant resort-inspired amenities. Additionally, the community will include retail and restaurant space on the first floor.
“These will be the first luxury high-rise rental residences in downtown Fort Worth, and we could not be more excited to have the off-site work underway,” said Tim Downey, founder and CEO of Nashville-based Southern Land Company. “We believe this project will attract residents who seek a refined living experience in the heart of the city. Additionally, we expect it to help pull in more transformative projects that will only add to Fort Worth’s vibrant culture and economy. We are proud to build a community here and look forward to seeing it come to life.”
Upon completion, SLC’s project will afford residents convenient access to dining, shopping, entertainment venues, parks, and transit, including Fort Worth Central Station.
“We recognized a prime opportunity to make high-rise rental living possible in Fort Worth’s central business district, where it wasn’t previously available,” said Downey. “We are passionate about providing distinctly beautiful living options in places that boast great character, notable destinations, and access to plentiful businesses and services.”
Downey credits the City of Fort Worth and Downtown Fort Worth Inc. as key partners on the project.
“The City of Fort Worth and Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., have been integral every step of the way,” Downey said. “They understand the positive impact this project will have, and they have championed it from the start. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”
Michael Hennig, interim manager and TIF administrator at the City’s Economic Development Department, agrees the project is set to be a catalyst for more development in Downtown Fort Worth.
“The team at Southern Land Company has long shared our belief in the potential for new high-rise residential development in Downtown Fort Worth, and their partnership on this project has helped make that a reality,” said Hennig. “Not only does this project fill a growing gap in the market, but it is evidence that Downtown Fort Worth is ready to enter a new chapter in its development that will play an important role in attracting more investment and young professionals to our city.”
According to Andy Taft, president of Downtown Fort Worth Inc., the project will be a perfect fit in Downtown Fort Worth.
“Southern Land Company is building exactly the kind of new residential product that Downtown Fort Worth needs,” said Taft. “It’s high-density, transit-adjacent, and offers a variety of unit sizes and top-shelf amenities. This is the future of downtown residential and it is coming at a perfect time.”
Design and engineering partners on the project include: GDA Architects of Dallas, Kimley-Horn (civil engineer), Thornton Tomasetti (structural engineer), Faulkner Design Group of Dallas (interior design), Rone Engineering of Dallas (geotechnical engineer), and Basharkhah Engineering of Dallas (BEI; mechanical and electrical engineer). SLC’s in-house commercial construction team is serving as general contractor. Additionally, SLC is the landscape architect on the project.
The luxury high-rise rental residences in downtown Fort Worth mark SLC’s first multifamily project in Fort Worth and sixth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. SLC opened Morada Plano in 2019 and Nové at Knox in Dallas in 2020. SLC previously developed, owned and sold Arthouse in Keller, Junction 15 in Plano, and The Lofts at Watters Creek in Allen. Additionally, SLC developed and operates a single-family community, Tucker Hill, in McKinney.
SLC plans to break ground on the luxury high-rise residences in Fort Worth this fall. More details about the project will be shared at an upcoming groundbreaking event.
Location Mentioned: Deco 969