Rendering Courtesy of Artisan Circle
The heart of Fort Worth’s cultural district will soon have a new look to go along with its new brand — Artisan Circle. This 282,805-square-foot urban village, encompassing five walkable blocks is scheduled to be under construction beginning January 2024, according to a release. This 12-to-18-month project boasts a strategic plan that includes new gathering spaces, enhanced wayfinding, updated signage and lighting, and improved accessibility.
Formerly Crockett Row, Artisan Circle’s revamp is being headed up by Dallas-based Younger Partners, who acquired the five city blocks in the Southeast quadrant of University Drive and West 7th Street in August. This section of Cowtown is already home to more than 25 upscale dining, wellness, and entertainment options. To top this off, Artisan Circle has plans to add several new restaurants and retailers per its redevelopment plan. Businesses expected to be open by the end of the first quarter of 2024 include Terra Mediterranean, La Cabrona, and Si Tapas restaurants, as well as the Rose Couture Nail Bar.
“Our commitment is to enhance accessibility, aesthetics and the overall user experience – to ensure that Artisan Circle becomes an iconic Fort Worth destination,” says Kathy Permenter, co-managing partner of Younger Partners. “From colors, textures, lights, sounds and tastes – we’re focused on each sense and detail.”
The actual revitalization process of the area is set to start with the installation of new hydraulic elevators in three of the five parking garages—in the North Central, South Central, and Southeast areas. These new elevator systems are being installed to provide easier access from the upper parking levels to shopping and dining destinations. To top this off, two new valet locations are planned within the North Central and South Central parking garages.
Not sure if there’s space for your car? Well, there’s good news, real-time parking garage capacity indicators will be installed in this new development’s five garages. Another added bonus is free parking with validation in all five of the newly revamped garages.
Rendering Courtesy of Artisan Circle
The second phase of this rebranding/revitalization project will take place in the central courtyard on Crockett Street which will undergo some extensive improvements, which include the installation of new benches, modernized lighting, and landscaping. The outdoor patio areas will also be redesigned along with new lighting and wayfinding improvements that will all connect to the central courtyard. The paseos in the central courtyard will also feature state-of-the-art digital and interactive directories that will help guide visitors to shopping and dining destinations, along with new directional signage.
Speaking of signage, two large-format, outdoor digital displays are proposed to be placed on several buildings along West 7th and University Drive that will showcase local imagery and more.
"Artisan Circle is more than just a new name; it's a symbol of the vibrant transformation and creative changes we are making,” Permenter says. “We’re inspired by the beauty and artistry that surrounds us in the Cultural District – from the world-renowned museums to the masterpieces they hold. Our vision is the advancement of this development and the creation of a vibrant hub where people can gather, dine and explore the heart of Fort Worth's Cultural District.”
