Courtesy of Craftwork
A rendering of Craftwork's planned location at Alexan Waterloo
Craftwork may no longer have coffee shops in Fort Worth, but the company has very much stuck around, restructuring to focus on hospitality concepts over standalone cafés.
Now, the company has more tangible plans to announce as it ventures into residential real estate.
Craftwork plans to bring its new business concept — building cafés within residential communities while also offering additional hospitality services — to eight locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston. Some of those communities include Camden Property Trust’s Camden McGowen Station in Houston, Cortland’s Farmer’s Market in Dallas, and Trammell Crow Residential’s Residences at The Grove in Dallas and Alexan Waterloo in Austin.
All eight locations are expected to open within the next six months, joining the already existing concept within The Cooper apartments along West Rosedale Street in Fort Worth.
“As residents are looking for connectivity and engagement while still managing through the dramatic changes of the past year, the onsite products and service Craftwork provides and the culture they bring to the communities will set these properties apart from other luxury residences,” Matt Enzler, senior managing director of North Texas at Trammell Crow Residential, said in a statement. “We are excited to offer the convenience and Craftwork experience to our residents."
Courtesy of Craftwork
A rendering of Craftwork's Residences at The Grove location
Craftwork's mission hinges upon interpersonal connection — the company cites a 2020 Cigna study that states that three in five Americans have experienced feelings of isolation or loneliness.
"Our core operational focus is to help residents feel generously seen with human-centered hospitality in the places they live," Riley Kiltz, CEO and Craftwork founding partner, said in a statement.
According to Craftwork, the business model also follows a growing real estate trend known as "hotelification," as more multifamily developments incorporate concierge-style services like housekeeping, laundry, grocery delivery, and pet care to residents through apps. On top of building a coffee shop within an apartment community, which also offers grab-and-go food and alcoholic beverages, Craftwork's Resident Hospitality Bar service includes prospective resident and guest check-in, amenity management, poolside delivery, and weekly community gatherings.
"The pandemic accelerated many existing trends," Trevor Hightower, chief development officer and Craftwork founding partner, said in a statement. "As location becomes less important due to remote work, the resident experience will become more critical for multifamily owners. In addition, we are in a cultural moment where many people are increasingly lonely or isolated. Craftwork sits at the intersection of these two trends to provide a solution."
Courtesy of Craftwork
An already open iteration of this concept exists at The Cooper, a residential community along West Rosedale Street in Fort Worth.
