Architecture in Fort Worth
In the heart of Fort Worth's Sundance Square, the winds of change are stirring, and it feels as though the vibrant downtown district is entering a new chapter. Once the home to culinary landmark Reata and creative gems like the comedy troupe Four Day Weekend, the iconic space at 310 Houston Street is on the brink of a transformation that will pay homage to its lively past while breathing fresh energy into the area.
In late spring, the building will become "The Spotlight," according to a report by the Dallas Business Journal, a live music venue poised to evoke the magic of its former tenant, Caravan of Dreams.
Before the space was home to Reata’s famous Western fare and Four Day Weekend’s laugh-out-loud shows, it stood as a vibrant cultural center for nearly two decades, hosting jazz legends and creative souls. It was the perfect venue for an eclectic blend of live performances, art, and imagination. Now, Ed and Sasha Bass, the couple currently at the helm of Sundance Square, could bring that same energy back to the stage with a new chapter for the building.
It’s hard not to feel a bit of nostalgia for the spots that once anchored the corner of Houston Street. Reata, the longtime favorite that brought the flavors of West Texas to life, has already packed up and moved — again. This time, they’ve found new life a couple of blocks over at 530 Throckmorton Street, eager to bring back the same signature dishes and the warm atmosphere that has made them a staple for more than 30 years.
Owner Mike Micallef shared last year, "We’re still looking for other locations in downtown, mainly because the old location was bigger, but we wanted to be in downtown Fort Worth just because we've been in downtown Fort Worth since 1996.”
The same wave of change has been felt by Four Day Weekend, the beloved comedy troupe that made its mark in Sundance Square. After 27 years of making audiences laugh in the heart of the district, their lease was not renewed, forcing them to pack up and move on. After a brief 6-month stint at Stage West, Four Day Weekend is again looking for a permanent venue.
A message to their fans on social media two weeks ago read, "Our last show at Stage West will be on Friday, February 28th. (Coincidentally, our very first show was on February 28, 1997.) Rest assured, we are committed to finding a new home in Fort Worth. Please hang tight as we continue to finalize plans. We will keep you posted!"
The troupe is taking their pop-up shows across Fort Worth, including performances in nearby Mansfield and Casa Manana’s Reid Cabaret Theater. They’re committed to staying close to their Fort Worth roots as they search for a permanent home, keeping the laughter alive wherever they go.
And then there’s MELT Ice Creams, the sweet spot that became a cherished part of the Sundance Square landscape. After five years of serving its handcrafted cold treats at 308 Houston Street, MELT also moved on as its lease came to an end last year.
Founder Kari Crowe-Seher shared, "It is with mixed emotions that MELT Ice Creams announces the closure of its beloved Sundance Square location. After years of serving the community with handcrafted, delicious ice creams in this vibrant spot in Sundance Square, we’re making way for new downtown Fort Worth opportunities as our lease comes to an end."
However, MELT Ice Creams found a new downtown home at 700 Main St., just steps from the Fort Worth Convention Center in November of 2024.
“I am thrilled to bring MELT back to the downtown Fort Worth community!” Crowe-Seher wrote. “We’re super excited to be close to all of the action at the Fort Worth Convention Center and to be part of the downtown scene once again.”
Since Reata, Four Day Weekend and MELT Ice Creams left the space months ago; it’s clear that the winds of change are ushering in a new era for 310 Houston Street.
And though the neighborhood may be evolving, one thing is for sure — Sundance Square is now showing signs of life.
