Wilks Development breaks ground on the historic Fort Worth Public Market
The Public Market gets a second life as an active senior living community.
FORT WORTH, TX—Wilks Development broke ground on its Fort Worth Public Market project Tuesday, June 20, 2023, the 93rd anniversary of its original opening, at the historic landmark on Henderson St. For over a decade, the family-owned Fort Worth real estate developers have focused on creating long-lasting communities in North Texas and beyond. The Public Market is their latest and most anticipated effort as they work to bring this historically and culturally significant area back to life.
According to Wilks Development President, Kyle Wilks, restoring The Public Market is a long-time dream finally coming to fruition. “Coming from a family of masons, I remember driving by The Public Market and being mesmerized by the building’s stonework. Like others in the community, I’ve wondered what would become of the building. So, when the opportunity arose to purchase and restore this beautiful space, we knew this was a project we had to take on.”
After sitting idle for nearly twenty years, Wilks Development aims to create a cultural hotspot to house active seniors and connect Downtown and the Near Southside. With a restorative approach to development, Mr. Wilks, his brother Josh, and his cousin, Jess Green, hope to honor the history and legacy of this historic building while bringing new life to benefit the entire city.
Wilks states the project will finish in late 2024. It will feature The Harden, a five-story senior-living building named for original developer John J. Harden, which backs up to the original building and Interstate 30. The building will also include restaurant and retail spaces. A landscaped green space and pavilion will connect the old with the new. Additionally, Wilks hopes to include a café in the Public Market building for all to enjoy.
During the event, Mr. Wilks, project architect Mark Dabney from BOKA Powell, HUD Director of Multifamily Production Kenneth Cooper, Tom Purvis, historian, and Executive Director Jerre Tracy of Historic Fort Worth, Inc., gave remarks.
For more information about the project and updates, please visit fortworthpublicmarket.com or on Instagram and Facebook.
About Wilks Development
Wilks Development is an intentional and innovative real estate development and investment company. Since its founding in 2012, brothers: Kyle and Josh Wilks, along with their cousin: Jess Green, have built a diverse portfolio of real estate projects, including sturdy stone storefronts, Class-A commercial offices, thriving business parks, multi-family communities, and vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.
Contact: Nicole Ellis, Director of Marketing & Communications
Telephone: 817-720-0821