Perhaps one of the most iconic gathering places in the city, Sundance Square serves as a focal point for scenic downtown Fort Worth.
Whether it's watching the annual Christmas tree lighting each winter or hyping up a big game with ESPN's cross-country crew in town, we all have our own reasons for trekking into the plaza and out into the surrounding retail offerings.
The face of Sundance Square could theoretically change. Under the recently announced 100% ownership by Sasha and Ed Bass, they promise to take Sundance to the next level. With that in mind, our editors — Brian Kendall, Samantha Calimbahin, Scott Nishimura, and Matt Payne — speculate over what we'd like to see join the popular venue for our latest Q&A column, 4 on 1.
The Question: What should Sundance shoot for?
Brian: I’m sure many are clamoring for an Apple Store in the heart of downtown Fort Worth — all those Sundance residents shouldn’t have to drive all the way to University Park Village to get the gunk out of their iPhone charging ports, ’miright? But I fear opening the Square up to retail giants could diminish the area’s charm. Personally, I’d rather see one of our superb local coffee shops take the space Starbucks currently occupies, or the addition of another cozy locally-owned bar/music venue to keep the activity going past 10 p.m.
Samantha: Fewer chains, frankly. It's been nice to see locally owned joints like Buffalo Bros., MELT Ice Creams and FunkyTown Donuts and Drafts make their way onto the Sundance Square roster. Let's keep doing that. I'd also love to see more budget-friendly cafes and coffee shops — you know, the sidewalk dining experience where you can enjoy an artisan flatbread and iced latte in a cute dress during springtime. That sounds nice.
Scott: I just want to know where they'd put the Apple Store, if Apple said yes.
Matt: When I get the urge to spend some hours at Sundance Square, I’m looking for an experience more than anything, and the open aesthetic of the spot lends itself most to that in my mind. I’m probably simple for saying this, but public, interactive art is what I admire most about the downtown venue. I hope whatever happens maintains creative amenities like the jetted fountains, murals, and pop-up displays.
