Fort Worth's growth is far from just outward - think Alliance, The River District and its growing, tentacle-like city map - but also upward. New residences occupying old buildings and contemporary dwellings spiraling sky-high, popping up at a frenetic pace, have become the norm in the city's center.
Millennial singles and couples without kids between the ages of 25 and 40 - smack dab in the middle of Fort Worth's median age - are ditching the suburbs for concrete pastures. According to a recent resident survey report, this group makes up over one-third of downtown's dwellers. And this exodus makes sense. After all, downtown living affords a lot of benefits, from shortened commute times and easy access to our highways, to low maintenance living − eliminating your home projects list and giving you back your weekend. It is also attractive to those in search of healthier lifestyles where walking and cycling are already the norm.
We looked for some of the hottest spots in the heart of the city in our quest to find the best downtown domiciles. If you sleep better knowing you're in the midst of the hustle and bustle, these are the addresses we recommend checking out.
Alexan Summit
1424 Summit Ave. | Number of units: 372 | Price range: $1190 to $2345 |alexansummit.com
This brand-new apartment community is now leasing on Summit Avenue, placing it near the West Seventh corridor and just across the interstate from the hospital district and Near Southside.
Alexan has some nice perks for pet owners. For starters, it is located across from tree-lined Harrold Park. And, a new dog run and pet grooming area just debuted in February for added convenience.
Alexan on Summit ranges from studio to two-bedroom, with about 20 different floor plans to choose from. The style is billed as "midcentury for the new millennium," and the amenities follow suit. The common space has a skyline view with seating for relaxation and a patio to take in the view. There are a few work spaces and a boardroom for easy work-from-home options. A fully equipped fitness area offers cardio and weights.
First-floor units have stained concrete flooring, while the upper floors in this five-story complex are hard wood. Some units overlook an inner courtyard while others surround the pool. And, select units come with pre-installed Sonos speakers and closets decked out with Elfa storage.
Techno-savvy residents love the fact that every apartment comes with its own Amazon Echo, complete with a technician to get it set up. And new leases come with a free year of Amazon Prime.
The Tower Condos
500 Throckmorton St. | Number of units: 279 | Price range: current listings from $275,000 – $1,995,000 | thetowerfortworth.com
The Tower started life as a 36-story office building in 1974. When it was constructed, it held the record as the city's tallest building until the Burnett Plaza Building overtook it in 1983.
Then, the Tower was ravaged by a rare F3 tornado that swept through town in 2000. Fortunately, it was spared from demolition and was reborn in 2005 as a luxury high-rise condo tower with 279 residences.
Most of the one- to three-bedroom condos include features like high-end finishes, granite countertops, recessed lighting, hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, private terraces and deeded parking spaces in the garage. All are unique in their design and finishes, and most are available for sale only.
The developer built a private resident oasis (complete with trellises and vines) a few stories above the busy street level that includes a pool, spa, grills and beautiful gazebos. There is even a grass lawn for pets. The prime location is perfect for walking to work and entertainment, with round-the-clock staff and security.
The Omni Residences
1301 Throckmorton St. | Number of units: 86 | Price range: current listings from $698,000 – $975,000 | omniresidencesfortworth.com
These condominiums are considered some of downtown's premier luxury living spaces. Built in 2009, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel strikes a dramatic pose in our skyline.
Perched high above the city with spectacular views, the Omni Residences rise 33 stories high. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford dramatic vistas from every room, and some even have wraparound views from their breathtaking balconies. High-end design and finishes include quality fixtures and sleek, modern kitchens with with top-of-the-line appliances like Viking and ASKO.
Living in a hotel has its perks. Residents receive discounts to hotel restaurants and the Omni's highly rated Mokara Spa, housed in the same building. With 24-hour, on-site security, this is an ideal, low-maintenance option for jet-setters in search of the lock-and-go lifestyle.
Expect some exclusive resident-only privileges like a concierge service, a roof-top pool area for lounging, a private workout room with the latest equipment and a Zen garden for relaxation.
Trinity Bluff & District Urban Apartments
701 E. Bluff St. | Number of units: 560 | Price range: $1,100 – $2,100 | trinityurbanapts.com
Located just across Belknap overlooking the river (on the courthouse end of downtown), this trendy neighborhood has tree-lined streets with sidewalks and is within walking distance to Sundance Square.
Two separate buildings - one, the Bluff, located just off Bluff Street, has crown molding and a more traditional feel, while the other building known as the District, off Samuels Avenue, has a more modern look with dark cabinetry. Floor plans range from studios to three bedrooms.
The midsize buildings are only four stories, offering modern living with a 24-hour clubhouse and fitness center. Business centers are also a perk for residents as are the popular, planned community events allowing neighbors to socialize.
Security features include key-fob access, which is required for all doors and controlled access for garage entrance. With direct access to the river making an easy entrance to the Trinity Trails, Trinity Bluff allows residents ample outdoors activities and the chance to walk or bike to work.
Firestone at West Seventh
1001 West Seventh St. | Number of units: 350 | Price range: $1,350 – $2,000 | cwsapartments.com/firestone-west-7th-fort-worth-tx
Firestone became one of the earliest downtown residences to open back in 1999. It's also a historic address. The former home of the 1920s Firestone Tire Shop - whose exterior retains much of that architectural appeal and historic charm.
The apartments are located just across the Seventh Street Bridge, where you'll find all the nightlife your heart desires. You can expect the Firestone's one- and two-bedroom apartments to offer contemporary and open spaces with gourmet kitchens. The transitional appeal blends with many styles of furnishing.
Residents enjoy use of the community clubhouse with both shuffleboard and billiards, along with a full kitchen for entertaining larger groups. There is no need to pay to work out at a local gym with your own on-site, two-story cardio and weight training fitness center that includes an indoor half-court basketball court. The grounds also house a lovely pool and hot tub area as well as a sand volleyball court, fire pits and an on-site dog park.
Sanger Lofts
222 W. Fourth St. | Number of units: 59 | ssqmgmt.com/sanger-lofts
This five-story building has been right in the thick of the action since 1929. With retail on the first level and lofts on the upper four floors, it was originally the home of Sanger Brothers Department Store and later housed the largest U.S.O. in the nation during World War II.
This historic building made of concrete is faced with stone and was renovated by Sundance Square and architect David M. Schwarz Architectural Services, Inc. in 1986.
The Sanger Building extends from Houston to Throckmorton along West Fourth Street, making it a prime address. It is now primarily a residential building with 59 lofts located on the upper floors and six penthouse units in the Cassidy Building.
Sanger Lofts have a true uptown, open floor plan, loft feel complete with exposed ducts and pipes and high ceilings. All residents are provided with a City Club membership and access to the sixth-floor clubhouse with outdoor grill and television. Underground parking is another plus, as is 24/7 on-site security and concierge.
Broadstone on Fifth
500 Energy Way | Number of units: 345 | Price range: $1,070 – $4,985 | broadstoneonfifth.com
This brand-new residential community has a lot to offer. Phase one just opened at the end of December. When phase two of the Broadstone on Fifth opens in April, it will offer floor plans ranging from studios to three-bedroom townhomes.
The townhomes will be two- to three-bedroom units with their own garage entry. Interiors throughout the property offer modern luxury with designer features like floor-to-ceiling windows, 10-foot ceilings and cove lighting.
Other amenities include a dramatic, rooftop plunge pool with stunning downtown views, a clubhouse, a spin studio and yoga room, and a workout room with Techno gym equipment. The community also has access to the theater room for private screenings.
Resort-style spaces set the Broadstone on Fifth apart, like its courtyard which will be an oasis complete with waterfalls and cabanas for lounging. There are some very modern twists as well, like co-working spaces and private conference rooms, an on-site bicycle maintenance shop and the Hub - which is its 24-hour lounge for residents to relax while arriving and departing by Uber.
More Residential on the Horizon:
311 Nichols: three-story new construction with 56 units
Burnett Lofts: mixed-use building will include 254 units
The Worth: 24-story, luxury condo tower will include 115 condos
Hilton Annex: reimagined 13-story tower with ground floor retail and 143 apartments
The Hampton: will add 350 rental units
901 Commerce: tower will be approximately 35 stories tall with ground-floor retail and restaurant space, adding 250 units
Rocklyn: under construction on Samuels Avenue with 274 apartments
7th and Summit: proposed seven-story will bring 200 apartments
