In the race to keep up with itself, Fort Worth is doubling down on protecting its past. The Fort Worth Historic Preservation program boasts a treasure trove of over 7,000 historical resources, making it the second-largest initiative of its kind in the Lone Star State. This includes an array of buildings, sites, and objects that hold the keys to the city's storied legacy, according to the City of Fort Worth.
As Fort Worth expands at a breakneck pace, the historic preservation staff are staying on their toes, focusing keenly on safeguarding the city's cultural heritage. With projects like the Historic Resources Plan and Survey, they're planning the protection of the past for the future. The latest grant from the Texas Historic Commission will spur the updates of 10 local historic district surveys, slated for completion by 2026—because, apparent after all, is that history doesn't record itself.
The program isn't just about keeping lists; it's about action. In the last year alone, staffers have designated fresh landmarks such as the iconic Oil and Gas Building on W. Seventh Street. Moreover, the Historic Site Tax Exemption has recognized 12 properties, where owners have poured more than $2.7 million into rejuvenating their slices of history.
Other feathers in Fort Worth's cap, the preservation team hosted two wood window workshops and put on a regional training jamboree, drawing a crowd of over 45 preservationists from across Texas. Not resting on their laurels, the city's historic custodians have got another regional training in the pipeline for May 18 and are planning another wood window workshop for the fall—it's clear that when it comes to timeworn windows, Fort Worth doesn't shutter away from responsibility.
Looking ahead, the city isn't just buffing its historical bona fides but also expanding them. One of the key projects is the enlargement of the Stockyards Historic District, ensuring that more of Fort Worth's authentic flavor is preserved for future generations to sample. It's a commitment to history that Fort Worth wears on its historical sleeve, ensuring the city's roots aren't overrun by its growth.
