The Tower at 500 Throckmorton Street is a building with a dramatic past, stubbornly surviving to adapt itself to the future. Once known as the Bank One Building, yes, that Bank One Building, was at ground zero of the horrific March 28, 2000 tornado, which left half a billion dollars worth of damage to Fort Worth’s downtown in its wake. Work to reconstruct the building began in 2001, but extensive asbestos abatement and other unforeseen costs halted the effort. For several years, it stood, an urban oddity, half clad in plywood and metal, its very existence uncertain.
In 2003, realizing the potential payoff of a prize location in the heart of a lively downtown, TLC Realty announced plans for an urban, mixed-use revamp of the storm-orphaned edifice. Work was completed in 2005. The six-sided structure is now enveloped by a square proscenium of stone, which anchors it to the city block it occupies. The 1974 conception of Atlanta architect John Portman has stood the test of time and looks 21st century, fresh as paint.
The project has been so successful that units in the building hit the market rather infrequently. So when one of the four, two-story, penthouse units is offered for sale (it’s been on the market for less than one week) the real estate community takes notice.
The corner unit, 3602, embraces luxury on a nearly unprecedented scale. At almost 5,600 square feet, the three-bedroom, two-full-and-two-half-bath apartment offers the space to spare one would normally seek in newer, single-family houses in Montserrat. The entrance is paved with rare multicolored marbles and features a stunning modern Murano chandelier. The powder bath to the left is embellished with a sink of solid amethyst.
A dramatic curved staircase with a decorative wrought iron banister sweeps to the second floor. Chevron-patterned wood floors and burnished Venetian plaster walls and ceilings run throughout the residence. The living room terminates in one of the three gas fireplaces. Paintings conceal the televisions over the chimneypiece.
The living room/dining room area captures thrilling views to the south and, unusual in a 36th-floor high-rise unit, the windows can actually be opened. Lighting in the apartment is almost exclusively provided by decorative pendant fixtures rather than the usual cans blighting the ceilings.
No less opulent is the kitchen, equipped with a lovely, large La Cornue range, copper sinks, pot racks, and stove vent. Pleasing pale green onyx covers the bar and wine tasting-area cabinets. A second gas fireplace defines an additional entertaining area off the kitchen.
The master bedroom soars to double height. Naturally, curtains throughout can be controlled by remote.
The onyx countertops in the master bath can be illuminated from below. Multicolor marble floors incorporate a pleasing Ming green in their design. A large shower comes equipped with steam. The spacious closet is of enviable proportions for a high-rise.
Upstairs, a gallery office with the third fireplace overlooks the master bedroom. It can be reached from a compact tube elevator.
The two upstairs bedrooms are the size of large master bedrooms in most residential buildings. One is hung with delicious iridescent silk which matches the window shades.
The main upstairs bath is as lavish as the master. A sylvan materials palette of forest green and striéd gray and brown evoke a feeling of warmth. The upstairs has a bonus room with a half bath now used as a game room but could be easily converted into a home office.
The mother-daughter team, Debbie Hunn and Alana Long, of Williams Trew are offering 3602 at 500 Throckmorton Street for $3.8 million. The virtual tour is well worth a look.
Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt.
