If this downtown loft in the historic Texas and Pacific building isn’t under contract within the next two weeks I’ll eat my hat. Yes, I possess several.
I wrote up a listing in this unique building two years ago but remain fascinated — my mind excited by the many possibilities this living situation would address.
I can think of three friends with fast-lane careers, working equally in Dallas and Fort Worth who would benefit from a pied-à-terre with a handy commuter train awaiting on the ground floor. Perhaps my own trans-metroplex work schedule causes me to fantasize about an Interstate-30-less existence.
Then there is the — sorry, I have to use the word — iconic Texas and Pacific building, a sort of Neo-Gothic, Art Deco fantasy. Imagine crossing the original travertine floors to reach the golden elevators, straight out of an Astair and Rogers extravaganza, to transport you to your flat.
Millions in private and civic investment have been poured into the restoration of this historic building in the last two decades, and it absolutely shows. There was a great legacy worth preserving. The period ceiling is an admirable architectonic conception and those stunning chandeliers would fetch a pretty penny at auction.
And yet it all could have so easily fallen victim to the wrecking ball. Elevated Interstate-30, running parallel to the building and within spitting distance, seemed to bisect the structure, robbing it of its grandeur.
The razing and rerouting of the interstate has to be counted as one of Fort Worth’s most inspired urban planning coups, without which the redevelopment of the Lancaster environs and South Main districts would have been unthinkable.
In contrast to its vintage skin, the interior of the 1,135-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath unit is sleek and modern. Well planned, too. One lone duct bisects the main, open room to deliver air to both bedrooms. Floors are polished, stained concrete.
The kitchen has benefitted from a recent do over with bright quartz counter tops, new appliances and custom cabinetry. The apartment is on the third floor and stands alone with no shared walls.
The master bedroom is roomy with a large closet and ensuite bath and linen closet.
There is a $652 monthly HOA that covers amenities rivaling the premier downtown high-rises, including business and fitness centers, a pool, and three courtyards.
Two parking spaces are allocated to the unit. Besides the commuter train, there is also access to the Trinity Metro which offers twice hourly service to D/FW International Airport. After a long day, you might choose to wind down with a classic cocktail served at the in-building T & P Tavern.
Holly Warriner of Berkshire Hathaway HS PenFed TX is offering 201 W. No. 321 for $250,000.
