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Issue 43 | Inside and Out September/October 2024
Publisher Victoria Wise
Editor Lee Virden Geurkink
Associate Publisher Jennifer Kieta
Contributing
Writers
Edward Brown
Angela Clifton
Ambyr Davis
William Wise
Contributing Photographer
Amber Tice
Illustrator
Trish Wise
Lead Design
What defines your personal style?
QContributors Question
Trish
A grateful daughter of God armed with a paintbrush!
Victoria
Edward
I've been told I'm the poster child for "Ivy."
William
Ambyr
Outdoor Preppy Minimalism? Is that a thing? My closet is a meagre blend of an LL Bean catalog and khaki chinos and Oxford cloth button downs reminiscent of my old Country Day uniform. Or as the OED says: “Staid: sedate, respectable and unadventurous.”
Conor Dardis Cover Design
Comfort and sustainability. I almost exclusively shop second-hand. When you see the massive piles of clothing that the fast-fashion industry creates (that I once perpetuated), it will make you consider your shopping habits. I also purchase timeless high-quality pieces made from natural fbers to complete the look.
Victoria Wise
Madeworthy Magazine is an extension of Tanglewood Moms, LLC., and serves to tell community stories for a family audience. For website and magazine advertising opportunities, please contact: Victoria@MadeworthyMedia.com
Looking for more copies of Madeworthy Magazine? You can subscribe at TanglewoodMoms.com for free or pick up copies at Central Market in Fort Worth.
The famous American horticulturist Liberty Hyde Bailey wrote, "A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfll good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.” Beyond patience and a willingness to expend effort, "someone" should ideally be imbued with equal parts science and art and have an intense love of plants.
Enter Sarah Copp, founder of Good Copp Creative, a landscape architecture and design frm that's transforming Fort Worth yards into stunning expressions of natural beauty.
My personal style can best be described as eclectic amidst overfowing books. Although I utilize as much hardware of the period of our 1919 home as possible, our art and decor run the gamut of the places we have lived and traveled to over the years.
Angela
I like to stick with classic, elegant staples with a bit of Western fair.
Lee
I have no personal style. Maybe clean… ish?
plants that thrive in Fort Worth are not necessarily what will work in the Teton Mountains, though. "In Jackson Hole, they have a tiny growing season,” Sarah explained. “And you have to know what can and can’t be planted on the north or south side of a house. You have to know purple lupine is heartier than the pink variety.”
She's Here for the Plants
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Sarah spent her early career in high-profle marketing and advertising with Fortune 500 companies. But Sarah grew up in a gardening family where weekends were spent nursery hopping and planting new “fnds” with her father. Never having been "a big fan of being indoors all the time," she felt a deep pull to pursue the horticultural arts.
Knowing she was not prepared to go out on her own, Sarah thought outside the box to get real-world experience.
She sent her resume to all the top landscape architecture frms in Dallas, where she lived at the time, offering herself as an in-house marketing expert in return for a paycheck and the opportunity to learn the business. It didn’t take long before one frm took her up on her offer. She spent
by William Wise
the next several years learning landscape architecture and design on the ground while also earning her Texas Master Gardener certifcation.
After COVID-19, her employers decided to retire, so Copp began to take on projects of her own here in Fort Worth, slowly growing her business through word-of-mouth referrals.
Then, a timely-though-unexpected post in the Tanglewood Moms Facebook group in February 2023 had business blooming. "It was like I had this new horse," said Sarah, "and I was walking along next to it, thinking that someday I would be riding it. Then the next thing I knew, the horse was sprinting." Sarah reminded herself that she was "here for the plants" and saddled up.
decisions about priorities. "I still put my kids above all else," says Sarah, “and working for myself gives me the fexibility I need to do that.” It also gives Sarah the freedom to spend each June living and working in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where her sister lives and provides a white-glove home organization service for locals, as well as part-time residents and second homeowners.
During a visit several years ago, Sarah started providing landscape design and implementation services to some of her sister's clients.
As a wife and mother of two girls (10 and 14), settling into the new pace of her life meant making some crucial
As in Fort Worth, her Jackson Hole client roster blossomed, and her annual summer visits have metamorphosed into lucrative work/play trips.
“My tagline is ‘Landscaping with Science and Style,'" said Sarah. “I think a lot about soils and sun and shade and drainage because I really care about the plants." The
There is a strong movement in Jackson Hole to be “Trout Friendly” in and around the delicate ecosystem of the Teton River. A local organization, Friends Of The Teton River, hosts an annual “Trout Friendly” certifcation program for landscapers and other residents of the area. Copp explained, “I love the science behind it all,” so she sought the certifcation to be as well-versed in the region's horticulture as she is in her native Fort Worth.
In fact, Sarah is an avid proponent of education and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Ecological Restoration in conjunction with a graduate certifcate in Urban Horticulture from Colorado State University, with an expected graduation in 2026. "I'm very interested in urban horticulture and can defnitely see myself getting involved in it in the future, but for now, I am really enjoying residential landscape architecture. I fnd it so fulflling to customize something with unique plants that are exactly what the client wants and needs in terms of beauty, implementation, and maintenance,” Sarah said, followed by what has undoubtedly become her personal and business mantra.
“I’m here for the plants.”
Fort Worth Events - Sep/Oct 2024
Through Sep 15
Art and War in the Renaissance: The Kimbell Art Museum kimbellart.org
Through October 27
Dario Robleto The Signal Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org
Aug 31
Clifford Crossing Grand Opening: Fort Worth Public Library fortworthtexas.gov/ departments/library
Sep 1
Cowtown Unplugged, Wonder Women of Country: Omni Hotel wonderwomenofcountry.com
Sep 3
Barcelona Barbecue: Central Market centralmarket.com
Turquoise & Co. Grand Opening: Fort Worth Stockyards turquoiseandco.com
Sep 14
The Carnival of the Animals: Fort Worth Zoo cliburn.org/family-concerts
Sep 17
Brews and Soap Making: Martin House Brewing martinhousebrewing.com
Sep 19
Joyce Yang, Piano: Kimbell Art Museum cliburn.org
Sep 21
Courtesy of FWMSH
Wild Kratts® Creature Power Opens: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org
Sep 21
Hecho en Fort Worth Gala: Fort Worth Convention Center fwhcc.org
Sep 26-28
Fort Worth Oktoberfest: Trinity Park fortworthoktoberfest.com
Sep 28
Mad Scientist Ball: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org
Oct 1-6
Company: Bass Hall Basshall.com
Oct 4 – Jan 5 Freeman + Lowe Sunset Corridor: The Modern themodern.org
Oct 6
Mindfullness in Texas, Author Series with Michael Smith: Vivian J. Lincoln Library fortworthtexas.gov/ departments/library
Sept 10
The Next Act Annual Party: Hotel Drover amphibianstage.com
Sep 11 Green Day: Globe Life Field globelifefield.com
Sep 12
Magnolia Avenue Walking Tour: Texas History & Culture eventbrite.com
Sep 14 – Oct 27
Courtesy of The Botanic Gardens ¡Celebramos! A Celebration of Latin American Culture & Heritage: Fort Worth Botanic Garden fwbg.org
Oct 20 Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Fort Worth runscore.runsignup.com
Oct 20
of
Gold Over America Tour: Dickies Arena goldoveramericatour.com
Oct 21-22
David Tripp Watercolor Workshop: The Women’s Club thewomansclubfw.com
Oct 22
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band: Bass Hall Basshall.com
Oct 24
Halloween Movie Night, Hocus Pocus: TX Whiskey Ranch txwhiskey.com/whiskeyranch/
Oct 25-27 Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering: Fort Worth Stockyards fortworthstockyards.com
Oct 26
Southall: Stockyards billybobstexas.com
October 26
Photo by Phil McCarten
Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com
Oct 10-13
Christmas in Cowtown: Will Rogers Memorial Center christmasincowtown.com
Oct 11
The Avett Brothers: Texas Trust CU Theater texastrustcutheatre.com
Oct 16
Joseph Parrish, Bass Baritone: Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall cliburn.org
Oct 19
ArtsGoggle: Near Southside artsgoggle.org
Trails and Treats: Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge fwnaturecenter.org
Oct 27
Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters: Tannahill Tavern and Music Hall tannahills.com
Oct 29-Nov 3
by Matthew
Beetlejuice: Bass Hall Basshall.com
Oct 31
Street Treat Stockyards Spooktacular Halloween Festival fortworthstockyards.com
Oct 31
Welman Project Tour: The Welman Project thewelmanproject.org
Photo
Murphy
Fresh Family Recipes
For this issue’s installment of Fresh Family Recipes, we reached out to Chef Victor Villarreal. You may remember Chef Villarreal from the November/December 2022 issue of Madeworthy. (He and his wife Misty were the cover story.) While he and Misty made the painful decision to close their glorious seafood restaurant La Onda this last January, the good news is that Chef Villarreal is still cooking. He is doing pop-up appearances and chef dinners at various locations around DFW, and he was kind enough to share two delicious, healthy, and easy recipes with us.
Red Snapper Ceviche
Ingredients
8 ounces red snapper, boned and skinned (you can ask for this to be done at the store)
4 ounces cucumber [Editor's note: I used an English hothouse cucumber as these have fewer seeds]
4 ounces jicama, peeled
1 serrano chile
4 cloves garlic
2 ounces cilantro
2 ounces parsley
Juice of 4 limes
Juice of 1 large lemon
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
8 ounces Sprite (yes, Sprite)
Directions
Cut the red snapper into small cubes. Place a wire rack over a paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread the snapper cubes over the rack. Place the baking sheet into the fridge and chill overnight. Do not cover the fsh. This is an important step, so don't skip it!
Cut the cucumber and jicama into small cubes. Mince the garlic and the serrano (you can remove the ribs and the seeds if you don’t want as much heat). Chop the cilantro and the parsley.
In a large, non-reactive bowl (glass, stainless steel, or plastic), combine the snapper, cucumber, jicama, serrano, garlic, cilantro, parsley, lime juice, lemon juice, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper and stir to combine well. Allow to sit in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours. The citrus juices “cook” the fsh and need time to do it.
Just before serving, add the Sprite and mix well. The Sprite cuts the sharpness of the citrus juices and elevates the ceviche from the "yeah, sure it's good" to the "gimme, gimme, GIMME." Serve with tortilla chips, tostadas, or fried plantains with your favorite hot sauce and/or salsa on the side. (I like it on tostadas with diced avocado and a couple of dashes of green hot sauce for lunch.) This ceviche is not a dish that will keep. Serves 2 to 3.
Eating raw or undercooked fish can increase the risk of foodborn illness, especially in people with certain medical conditions.
Grilled Head-on Prawns with Shaved Fennel Salad
Ingredients
For the prawns
1 pound head-on prawns that have been peeled, cleaned, and butterfied (you can ask for this to be done at the store)
½ cup grapeseed oil
½ bunch thyme, fnely chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 ounce fresh ginger, peeled and minced (about a thumb-sized piece of ginger)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
For the fennel salad
1 large bulb fennel, shaved thinly on a mandoline or the slicing side of a box grater
1 shallot, shaved thinly into rings on a mandoline or the slicing side of a box grater
3 radish bulbs, shaved thinly Juice of half of a small orange Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Directions
Mix all ingredients for the marinade except the prawns in a non-reactive bowl (glass, stainless steel, or plastic). Add the prawns and rub to coat with the marinade. Allow the prawns to sit in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours.
While the prawns are marinating, add the shaved fennel, shallot, and radishes to a non-reactive bowl and toss to combine. Add the orange juice, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and mix the salad. This can sit in the fridge for several hours.
Preheat a grill, plancha, very large skillet, or griddle to medium-high heat to cook the prawns. (I used a 12-inch skillet.) Place the shrimp on the cooking surface, fesh side down, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly browned. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Immediately after the prawns are cooked, place them on a plate and garnish with the fennel salad. Drizzle some of the dressing from the bottom of the salad bowl over the plate and serve with some good bread. This made a lovely romantic dinner for my husband and me when the kids were out with friends.
Illustrations by Trish Wise
In the world of estate sales, there are different types of people.
There are early birds who’ve been waiting in line for the doors to open since dark, hobbyists who leisurely wander with coffee in hand on a Saturday morning, competitive and/ or frantic shoppers who rush room to room, and occasional browser who stumbled upon a sign at the entrance of the neighborhood, and those on a mission to complete a project.
I fall into the last category, those on a mission. You know the television shows where chefs are given random ingredients and must create a delicious dish using only those ingredients? Picture that, but swap the food for furniture.
I had a crazy idea to furnish my entire guest house using only what I could fnd at estate sales and on Facebook Marketplace. To help, I needed someone with a creative vision and an eye for a good fnd. They also had to be as crazy as I was to take on the challenge. I had worked with Lauren of Lauren Storms Styling to design our entire home, and I knew she was up for the challenge of estate sales and scouring Marketplace with me to create the perfect space.
As she helped design our home, Lauren never batted an eye at my crazy texts at all hours as I sent her a photo of an estate sale fnd. “Will this old rug work?” “How’s this couch for the living room?” “What if we base the bedroom's colors off this random pillow that I just got off Marketplace?” Her quick responses of “Love it” or “Hate it” were vital in sourcing furniture and
Sensory Explorations
Saturday, October 12 | 10–11:30 a.m.
Sensory Explorations is a free event o ered twice a year for families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. Explore artworks in the galleries, enjoy interactive experiences, and get creative while making art!
Stay in the loop on Access events and resources at the Carter. Sign up for our newsletter at cartermuseum.org/SignUp
Treasure Huntıng
by Angela Clifton
accent pieces that perfectly ft us and our home.
The biggest score of all my estate sale searches for my house are the Ralph Lauren granite end tables that we used in my living room. I bought them for $350, but they retail for almost $8,000 a piece! Another fnd is the gorgeous buffet I purchased at an estate sale for $175, which highlights the entryway and rarely goes without a compliment. If you added up the retail value of the estate sale pieces in my house, I actually made money furnishing our home. Or that’s what I tell my husband.
When I found out my long-term tenant was moving out of my guest house in Mistletoe Heights, I knew this was the perfect project for Lauren. Together, we sourced everything we needed to complete an entire guest house in just
three weeks. The hunt for furnishings is thrilling, and you never know what you are looking for until it screams your name from the corner where it's hiding. Finding the perfect piece is exhilarating, knowing it will fnd a new home and be loved again. Lauren's eye for design, cohesion, color, balance, and beauty (and the patience of a saint) combined with all my crazy ideas to create a unique and charming space with just the right amount of Fort Worth fair to fnish this formerly drab and hopeless space.
Once we acquired all the pieces we needed, Lauren sent me out to purchase specifc paint colors. The walls were freshly painted, the furniture was moved in, the chandelier was hung, and the television was mounted.
Then Lauren and I went to fnish the
space in a day. We arranged furniture, styled accessories, and hung estate sale fnds on the walls, and I wound up with the prettiest little guest house ready to host weekend stays right in the heart of our perfect little city.
Some of the pieces I love are the James Dean framed poster we scored for $20, the $15 woven basket on the dining room wall, and the cowboy artwork in the bedroom that I dug out of a pile at the home of an artist, which cost me all of $4. The big splurge was the Restoration Hardware coffee table, which I got for $100; the bigger splurge was the living room rug, which cost me $200.
All in all, I spent a total of $1,493 to decorate an entire guest house. That includes everything in the house, from the couch to the bed, the television to the books and artwork, the dining table and chairs to the knickknacks on the shelves.
I can’t wait to get back to some estate sales to see what other treasures are out there.
Houses Word Search
Wild at Heart
by Edward Brown
Christi Braswell’s earliest lessons in fashion came from her grandmother, Ann Stevens, and her greatgrandmother, Avis Livingston. Both women raised families in the Ridglea Hills neighborhood of Fort Worth, and both set an example for the future fashion entrepreneur.
“They were always well-dressed, and I admired that,” Christi recalled. “I loved their fur coats, and [I] later inherited them.”
Last year, Braswell began her frst venture as an entrepreneur after spending 12 years raising her son, Roman Braswell, as a stay-at-home mom. When Christi realized there were few options for relining her grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s coats with custom silks, she began learning about the silk industry and patternmaking.
“I’ve learned a lot about silk over the past year,” Christi said. “I like quiet luxury. What is luxurious to this person might be different to you. I lined one coat for a girl who sent me a photo of a cow. I made it look fashion-forward and pretty. It is meaningful to her.”
Wild Silks launched in March. The company designs and sells an exclusive range of scarves, twillies [a twilly is a long, narrow, double-sided silk scarf], and jacket linings and is barely fve months old, but her business connections and partners already span the globe and include Italian fashion houses Silkpro and Silk Lab Italy and New York City-based Lost Pattern New York.
Andrew Hunt, who took over ownership of local furrier David Hunt Furs in 2018, was an early supporter of Christi’s vision. She was a regular customer who — like thousands of North Texas women — brought her coats to David Hunt Furs for safe storage every summer. When she told Andrew that she was learning to realign fur coats with custom silks, he had an idea.
“Why am I buying lining from a third party?” Andrew recalled. “Why don’t I work with her?”
The partnership allows Wild Silks to use David Hunt Furs’ store and showroom. When new and long-time customers purchase a new fur coat or bring in an heirloom to be relined, they now have the option of customizing the lining. Christi sets up a time to meet with the customer at the store to discuss what they want.
Starting with a questionnaire, Christi notes favorite colors and what themes or specifc designs they want to incorporate. Sometimes, the customer has a picture or a favorite pet that they bring. Then, she works with her design partner, Molly Stevens, to draft three to six digital mockups for the customer. Andrew said the partnership has been benefcial to both their businesses.
Although Christi exclusively handles customer conversations — her favorite part of her job, she said — much of the design work happens collaboratively between her and Molly. Both women contribute unique designs to Wild Silks' scarves and twillies. Molly describes her creative process of taking Christi’s notes and bringing them to digital fruition.
photos by Amber Tice Photo
“We start with what [the customer’s] likes are,” Molly said. "They may have a particular design or color in mind. Then, my creative mind takes over. I like to come back with a few different options for them to pick from. The silk printing process retains the essence of the original art. I enjoy seeing the vision come to life from the design I create. When you fnally get to touch it and wear it, that's my favorite part. It's gone from inside my head to being out in the world.”
Andrew said the blending of silk and fur options at his store is a “peanut butter and jelly” combination that customers appreciate.
“Adding [Wild Silk’s] scarves to our inventory made sense because that’s a big thing for the stock shows,” he said. “With my experience on the fur side, I have been able to help Christi navigate that world while using my store as a home base. Customers love her because she is very genuine, and everything comes from the heart.”
Fort Worthians approach furs differently than Chicagoans or New Yorkers, Andrew continued. “People up North buy furs for warmth,” he said. “Here, it’s more for fashion reasons. You may want to wear it to a rodeo or with jeans. You want something versatile that will stay in style. When you have daughters, you can pass it on to them. I’ve known people’s grandmothers and moms who have coats that my dad [David Hunt] started them with. It’s a really personal thing.”
Younger women who inherit their mother’s or grandmother’s furs and don’t want a full-length coat can work with David Hunt Furs and Wild Silks to repurpose the outerwear into a fur shawl, purse, vest, jacket, or even a rug. Christi said it’s the fur that matters to the women who inherited the coats, not necessarily the form it later takes on.
While the idea was born from a desire to fnd linings for heirloom fur coats, Wild Silks is increasingly focused on creating custom scarves and twillies. Any product sold by Wild Silks is of the highest quality, sold in eco-friendly packaging, and crafted by women earning fair wages.
of her gratitude and an example of Texas hospitality.
“If I meet with someone, I bring a product, and I leave it for the team,” she said. “I want them to have a piece of Texas. It shows them something about me and where I come from. My designs are different from theirs. That was fun for them. They were proud to show me the behind-the-scenes of their factory and were eager and excited to work with someone from Texas. They call me the ‘Texas girl.’ I was nervous [to meet them] at frst, but the visit gave me the confdence to know that I’m good at what I’m doing.”
Christi plans to travel around three times per year to meet the silk producers she works with in person, stay up to date with world trends, and be inspired by other cultures.
She said the countries involved in fabricating and printing designs on silk are masters in different types of silk and printing techniques. Some of her scarves are printed in Europe, while others come from China.
"One company may do better with lightweight, breathable silk while another is better for thicker materials or hand-rolling," she said. "Anywhere you go, people are making cheap stuff and high-quality stuff. I want to be versatile, and I'm picky."
In September of 2024, Christi is attending New York Fashion Week as the guest of Yong Wang, CEO of Lost Pattern New York. She will use the opportunity to make new friends and business connections as she grows Wild Silks’ footprint. Many of her current connections have started with cold calls to silk producers and printmakers. Not every call leads to a business connection; sometimes, the deal depends on whether their personalities mesh.
change in the coming years, given the fast growth of Wild Silks and the new connections Christi and Andrew have made over the past few months.
The explosive growth of Fort Worth and its growing reputation, thanks in part to our “cowboys and culture” heritage, as well as the popularity of new Western-themed shows on major streaming services, are creating new opportunities for a Fort Worthbased clothing brand to beneft from Cowtown’s growing cultural and economic footprint.
Christi said her growing product line is and will likely always be customizable and unique.
“My passion is personalizing fabrics and silks to make each coat unique,” she said. “I love having a third piece, whether that’s a belt, scarf, jacket, or handbag. It completes the look. Personally, I can put on a fur coat over athleisure wear. Whatever makes me feel good, that’s what is in style for me.”
Molly, who is in her twenties, said Wild Silks appeals to women of all ages. The tiny but mighty duo is preparing to launch TCU-themed silk products that should prove popular this year. Plans are in the works to feature prints based on original works by local artists. Molly added that the frst samples of Wild Silks' new ties and bowties for men recently arrived.
“Fort Worth feels small, but it is also so big,” she said. “There are so many things you can do with silk, which means we can continually grow and do so many things with it and not just stick with the scarves. We're excited about seeing where it can possibly go."
Wild Silks’ Western sensibilities, Molly added, will always be at the core of the company’s design work. Andrew said the feedback from locals about the new custom silk linings and scarves has been “great” and that Wild Silks’ full line of scarves and twillies is ready to meet heavy demand this fall.
“[Christi and Molly] love the products, and [that’s seen] even in the presentation of the boxes,” he said.
Wild Silks started with fur linings and then branched out into silk scarves and other silk products. Now, the design of each new product doesn’t feel like starting over, Christi said. She is already researching how to print on new textiles, like intricately woven jacquard fabric, and design garments from scratch. (Hint: She's open to launching a clothing line.) The fashion world always favors bold new ideas, Christi said, adding that she plans to do everything she can to focus on her future business relationships with people with whom she has personal connections.
“” Younger women who inherit their mother’s or grandmother’s furs and don’t want a full-length coat can work with David Hunt Furs and Wild Silks to repurpose the outerwear into a fur shawl, purse, vest, jacket, or even a rug.
“Our scarves are hand-rolled, not machine-rolled,” she said. “That is a very traditional method that is rarely done anymore. The businesses I work with give these women gainful employment so they can provide for their kids. That’s important to me because I’ve been a stay-at-home mom until recently.”
Christi recently visited Northern Italy to see frsthand the work of Wild Silk's top silk producers. She always leaves the artisans she visits with small gifts as a sign
The silk maven often jokes that one of her most signifcant assets is her love of talking to anyone she fnds, but there's more to her socializing gifts than gabbing. Anyone who knows Christi personally (myself included) knows she's an equally attentive listener who can meet people on their level and make them feel immediately valued and appreciated.
Christi has scheduled meetings with big-name retailers interested in purchasing her silk products for the fall of 2024. Andrew said their collaborations will continue to grow, as well. Fort Worth is not known for launching original luxury clothing lines that sell nationally and internationally. However, that could
After graduating from TCU with a degree in psycho-social kinesiology, Christi Braswell spent most of her adult life focused on raising her son. The recent jump into entrepreneurship was inspired by her familial elders who tirelessly worked as frefghters, engineers, and other felds. She also wants to set an example for her son while proving to herself that she has what it takes to build something beautiful.
“It’s an exciting time,” she said. “I now believe in myself and know I have it in me to do this.”
Fort Worth's Favorite Shopping Destinations
by Lee Virden Geurkink
Where do you go in Fort Worth for the best recommendations? I'm talking about the tried-and-true, frst-rate, absolutely correct recommendations that you and, more importantly, your family can trust. Tanglewood Moms, of course!
From plumbers to pediatricians, arborists to accountants, the ladies of the Tanglewood Moms group on Facebook know the best person, place, or thing for the job in Fort Worth. So naturally, they knew the best boutiques in town when we asked for their recommendations!
Color Game
4725 Camp Bowie Boulevard
It’s hard to look chic on game day, y’all. Fan apparel, while, um, exuberant, is not usually fashion-conscious or even particularly feminine. Erica Bracken understands. As the founder of Color Game, she knows you want to wear something other than an oversized jersey to support your team. Color Game carries a wide assortment of clothing and accessories that are a la mode in the colors of your favorite team. Are you looking for a baby doll dress in burnt orange? A cami in cardinal? A puff sleeve top in purple? Color Game has you covered. (They also carry clothing for non-game days.)
The Mercantile
7200 Camp Bowie Boulevard (on the traffc circle)
Since 2007, The Mercantile on Camp Bowie has offered Fort Worthians a place to shop for antiques, fashion, home décor, and furniture from a wide variety of vendors before indulging in a tasty lunch or decadent high tea in the Rose Garden Tea Room. A “mercantile” was another word for a general store, and The Mercantile lives up to its name. The vendors in the 200+ booths have an astonishing variety of offerings. No matter what you’re looking for, you will fnd it (and about 25 other things!) at The Mercantile.
The FORT TX
Located in The Market Ridglea 3400 Bernie Anderson Avenue
Do you love Fort Worth? Do you want to support local designers and makers? So do the folks at The FORT. Owner Jennifer McKnight curates an outstanding collection of apparel, fashion accessories, and home décor featuring their own designs and collaborations between local creatives and entrepreneurs, all inspired by Texas in general and Fort Worth in particular. The inventory is constantly changing, so check in often to see new items!
Alana Kay Art
www.alanakayart.com
Alana Kay Latiolais loves color. I mean, she REALLY loves color. She truly believes in the power of color; she knows that color can empower people and inspire joy. As a resin artist, she creates bold paintings that turn heads. She also digitally transforms her art into fashion, accessories, and home décor. And in May of 2024, Alana Kay launched her collection on HSN, othrwīs by Alana Kay, which brings her wearable art to the world.
Morgan Mercantile
121 South Main Street
Chance Morgan and his wife Kala are passionate about Panther City. They produce some of Fort Worth's most creative custom-printed goods and merchandise. Starting their business in 2015, the Morgans opened their brick-and-mortar retail location in the Near Southside in 2019. Their inhouse label, Panther City Provisions, is now seen on some of Fort Worth's most infuential infuencers. Chance and Kala's eye for design has elevated Morgan Mercantile from a simple print and promo company to a company that refects the creative vibe of Funkytown.
P.S. the Letter
2100 Hulen Street
P.S. the Letter is all about bringing people together to celebrate. Whether you need a gift for a girlfriend’s baby shower or stationery for your wedding thank-you notes, P.S. the Letter has you covered. They have a fantastic selection of beautiful china, crystal, silver, and home décor that will be sure to make the recipient happy. The ladies of P.S. the Letter will guide you in choosing the perfect gift and stationery for any situation.
Monkee’s of Fort Worth
5234 Marathon Avenue
Franchise owner and Texas native Harriet McKinney has created a fun boutique full of carefully curated designer fashions. Monkee’s of Fort Worth offers upscale shoes, clothing, and accessories in a fun environment. You will fnd that shopping at Monkee’s of Fort Worth is a highly personalized experience. In fact, after shopping at Monkee’s, you very well might need a bigger closet.
Local Design Studio
3610 West Vickery Boulevard
In 2017, the owners of Lila and Hayes, Paige Casey and Amanda Galati, founded Local Design Studios with one mission in mind – to offer offce space and warehouse space, as well as a storefront for womenowned businesses in Fort Worth. Fast forward to 2024, and Local Designs Studios is the home to six businesses: Kori Green Designs, Clearly Handbags, The Bow Next Door, Fort 52, RM Rynd Interiors, C&B Furs, CITY Boots, and, of course, Lila and Hayes. The showroom is open on Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm or by appointment.
You Are Here
4804 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Don’t all the best ideas start on a cocktail napkin? Anne Walker Miller and Joanna Bennett, the owners of You Are Here, think so. From an idea on a cocktail napkin to a pop-up store to a brick-and-mortar boutique, You Are Here has everything from the most comfortable jeans you will ever own to jewelry that is destined to become an heirloom. But the best part about shopping at You Are Here is that Joanna and Anne will make you feel like a long-lost friend the minute you step inside.
Fort Worth's Favorite Shopping Destinations
Wright at Home
5277 Monahans Avenue in the Shops at Clearfork
Owner Adrian Wright knows what his customers want. While the store’s name is a play on his name, Wright wants every person who walks into his store to feel right at home. After almost 20 years on Camp Bowie Boulevard, Wright at Home moved to the Shops at Clearfork in 2020, but it still offers the same carefully selected collection of gifts and home accessories, as well as Wright’s personalized design services.
Beehive
Fort Worth: 4808 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Austin: 3300 Bee Caves Road
Beehive owner Claire Craig started Beehive in Austin when she was only 25 years old. She wanted to create a boutique full of unique statement pieces, a cool and relaxed vibe, and colors and patterns to make you smile. Both the Beehive Austin and the Beehive Fort Worth cater to women who like their clothing and accessories to be high-end with just a touch (or maybe more than a touch) of wacky. Claire believes that you will leave her boutiques inspired to live life just a little funkier and a whole lot brighter.
Simple Things Furniture Company
7401 West Vickery Boulevard
Since 1997, Simple Things has been Fort Worth’s go-to for furniture and antiques furnishings. They are serious about chairs. And sofas. And bedding. And it works. And that incredible repurposed industrial light that will look amazing over the antique table with the gorgeous vintage place settings. (I’m no longer allowed in Simple Things by myself.) But if you’re looking for unique, high-quality pieces that are destined to become family heirlooms, look no further.
Chieffalo Americana
4698 Camp Bowie Boulevard
While TCU alumnus Rodger Chieffalo made his name in real estate, he found his joy when he turned his hobby into a business. Nearly 20 years ago, Chieffalo started fnding and restoring vintage Western hats. As his passion grew and people discovered his Chieffalo Americana hats, Rodger and his wife Jackie opened a Western accessories shop on the bricks of Camp Bowie. In fact, it was the store that brought them together! From vintage hats, scarves, belt buckles, and cuffinks to retrostyled sunglasses, designer clothing, and jewelry, Chieffalo Americana fts Fort Worth to a T!
Carter Bowden Antiques
4003 Camp Bowie Boulevard
I must admit that I love a good antique. So does Carter Bowden. He has an eye for antique art, home furnishings, and décor. The items in his shop on Camp Bowie can range from vintage Talavera pottery from Mexico to antique Steuben crystal to works by Texas artists. No matter what you are looking for, I will guarantee that you will fnd it (and lots more) at Carter Bowden Antiques.
THREE Fort Worth
3460 Bluebonnet Circle
Named in honor of owner Kristi Parker’s three daughters, THREE provides local fashionistas with unique-yet-on-trend clothing and accessories at an affordable price point. Located on Bluebonnet Circle and beloved by local students, THREE is the place to fnd the absolutely perfect outft, complete with the absolutely perfect accessories, for whatever occasion may arise without breaking the bank.
Casa Bella Décor
1617 Park Place Avenue
Casa Bella believes that furnishings and décor should be affordable, comfortable, and functional while refecting your individual style. If you don’t love a piece, it doesn’t matter how comfortable it is or how affordable it may be. The designers at Casa Bella take the time to get to know you so that together, you can create a home that is stylish and that you can live in with ease. And because Casa Bella believes that shopping should be convenient, they offer in-person and online shopping options. No matter which method of shopping you choose, you will fnd just what you’re looking for at Casa Bella Décor.
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Moms helping moms through life's greatest challenges.
Ask the Experts: Design Edition
by The Madeworthy Editorial Team
One of the most popular topics in the Tanglewood Moms group on Facebook is interior design. From choosing fooring to hanging artwork, our Moms are great at helping with tough design questions. However, there are times that call for expert advice, so we reached out to three designers in a feature we like to call Ask the Experts.
Savannah Jones of Where the Heart Is
Madeworthy: When a homeowner has existing artwork but wants to refresh their space, what do you recommend?
Savannah Jones: We determine the signifcance and visual impact of the art. Next, we assess the placement of the artwork — sometimes, a simple rearrangement can breathe new life into a room. We consider reframing certain pieces or adding new, complementary art for a fresh and updated perspective. Our favorite simple and inexpensive update is the creation of an accent wall or using new wall colors to enhance the artwork and create a cohesive look.
MW: How have designs for a home’s primary bathroom changed over time?
SJ: The primary bathroom has evolved into a personal retreat, so my approach has shifted towards creating a spa-like experience using more natural materials like natural stone or wood, integrating blues and greens to evoke a calm and serene feeling, and focusing on open, airy layouts. Custom vanities, freestanding bathtubs, or large walk-in showers with multiple shower heads have become more popular. It’s about making the bathroom both functional and beautiful.
MW: What are some tips for decorating for the winter holidays?
SJ: Embrace the magic of the season. Start with a theme - traditional, rustic, or modern - and build around that. We work with existing pieces our clients have before purchasing more to meet their holiday season needs! I also suggest using a consistent color palette to create a cohesive look that can easily move from season to season without fear of being too trendy.
MW: When it comes time to sell a home, which two areas do you recommend “staging” to allow the house to shine?
SJ: Focus on the living room, main dining space, kitchen, primary bedroom, and primary bathroom. Use a transitional style and neutral decor that appeals to a broad audience. Styling the home with minimal but tasteful accessories and decor allows the new homeowner to imagine their life in them.
Jenna LeBlanc of Winton and Waits
Leah Shellhorse of Shellhorse
Madeworthy: Color trends change so rapidly. How do you choose colors that don't look dated?
Leah Shellhorse: Earth tones will generally stand the test of time and can be incorporated into any style. Stay away from fashy colors that dominate a space. Look to the past to see what has remained popular. I love it when a color could be original to the home but still feels fresh and combines with your décor.
MW: What are the top two things homeowners want to address when working with you?
LS: Homeowners often say they love a specifc wallpaper, couch, or tile but don’t know how to make it work with a cohesive design. Decisions are hard – that’s where I come in! I’m often asked to help add character to new homes or preserve character in old homes. This character will make your house stand out.
MW: What’s the most important thing to consider in a kitchen remodel?
LS: Remember the function and fow. Make sure that the paths between your sink, stove, and trash fow easily to avoid choke points. Also, avoid trends and mix styles to create a lasting design.
MW: Wallpaper: yes or no?
LS: Yes and no. It all comes down to what wallpaper you choose and where you install it. For example, grass cloth has been around for years and is very adaptable. Color and pattern are important considerations; consider what will stay current.
MW: How do you approach light fxtures?
LS: Make sure the fxture's scale fts the room's scale. A large room and table deserve a grand light fxture, but a more modest dining space can be overshadowed by a fxture that is too large.
Madeworthy: Tell us a little about your design process for homes and clothing.
Jenna LeBlanc: I love telling color stories and had trouble fnding prints that would serve as a baseline on which to build. So, I started designing my own prints. The silhouettes have evolved out of a desire to bring a more effortless vibe to my wardrobe and home. I’m looking for a little less chaos and a little more ease. We started using the phrase “Maximal Style – Minimal Effort.” Good style should be accessible and attainable.
MW: How can you fnd the perfect gift for someone celebrating a special occasion or milestone?
JL: A "go-to" gift is always helpful (I have a closet stocked with go-to gifts!), but when you can, try to think of something personal. What color do they wear a lot? Do they love to cook or make fun cocktails? Do they have a pet? Are they a reader, or do they like to journal? Or fip it and ask yourself what is something you love and want to share with them?
MW: You offer events in your space for others to gather and create. What are some favorites?
JL: We’ve been a part of signifcant birthdays and going away parties, baby and bridal showers, girlfriends’ get-togethers, and team-building experiences, and we’re so grateful to be a part of each unique group. Connection and creativity go hand in hand. By the end of the class, you’re more connected AND have beautiful handmade creations to take home.
MW: Tell us about decorating spaces that will get used frequently, like your short-term rentals. Which items do you have to consider durability?
JL: We love creating spaces where people can connect. I curate a mix of found items with modern pieces to create warmth. I always add an unexpected detail to the room — a pop of random color, an interesting book by a comfy chair, a quirky game to play with family or friends. One home has a pink pool table and refrigerator, and relics from an old monastery turned into lighting. Another home has an oversized arched window frame with antique mirrors instead of glass. We even have a converted school bus with a mural painted by two local artists inside that sleeps four guests. I want guests to feel like the home was just waiting for them to arrive and leave inspired to do something fresh and new with their own spaces.
Interiors
photo by Ashley Randall - Brand Social MGMT
photo by Avery Earl Photography
photo by Maria Paz / Ardent Collective
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Located in an adorable cottageturned-boutique set in an incredible garden on West Vickery, Brooke Wright Designs offers Fort Worthians everything from art and home décor to clothing and accessories. Madeworthy recently talked with owner and artistic genius Brooke Wright about running a successful design business.
Madeworthy: Can you tell us a little about you and how you became a designer?
Brooke Wright: My mother taught me to sew, although I was never profcient. As a young mom, I designed custom art, stationery/invitations, and cups, so taking my art to fabrics and textiles was the next step. We work with wonderful teams who bring life to our designs. Eleven years have fown by, and I love that I was given this opportunity to design.
MW: What kind of items do you like designing the most?
BW: My scarves. I can incorporate so many different patterns within patterns, which makes my job so much fun. We produced custom pieces for some of the newer scarves for our resort stores, using designs we created just for them.
MW: I love your shop on West Vickery! How did you transform that little house into your showcase?
BW: My husband loves a great project, and he and I worked on that space together. All he wanted was for all the pillows we were designing at the time to be out of our dining room! It started as an offce and warehouse/showroom and transformed into a cute, colorful shop. The back is an occasional event space, complete with our nine chickens. I love to garden, and it has been so fun to transform the location into an oasis.
MW: Who is the Brooke Wright Designs customer?
BW: She is someone who loves color and loves our functional style. Our pieces make everyday wear feel dressy and unique. Our Nancy shift dress is probably one of our customers’ favorites – the ft is fattering, it’s a
perfect length, and it’s 100 percent cotton. We strive to make every piece functional and beautifully constructed.
MW: I love the whimsical patterns and bright colors in your designs. Do the colors and patterns inspire the designs or vice versa?
BW: Great question. It truly depends. I research old books, whether they are quilting, Turkish print designs, or textbooks, and look for inspiration there. Often, I see a bouquet of fowers, and it inspires me. Generally, I design patterns that will work on clothing, so typically, the seasonal patterns come frst, and then the new pieces!
MW: What are THE accessories we need for our wardrobes and in our homes for Fall '24?
BW: I feel like my favorite fall accessory will be anything vintage, including our scarves! I LOVE vintage sunglasses, belts, and jewelry, so those are always must-haves for me. Our Mimi Dress pairs beautifully with a pair of knee-high suede boots.
known for design and fashion. What do you think it is about Fort Worth that is contributing to the burgeoning design scene?
BW: I think it’s because there are so many fabulously fashionable people in Fort Worth. My friends are constant inspirations for my designs! We all play off one another in our choices for our own personal styles. Having such strong cowgirl roots in Fort Worth contributes to so many wonderful interpretations of the modern/coastal cowgirl, and let’s face it, it’s fun to play dress up.
MW: There seems to be a thread of vintage inspiration in your designs. What decade is your to-die-for design decade?
BW: I don’t have a favorite, but I do love the 1960s and 1970s. I love their foral combos and color combos. I also love the classic and elegant lines of the 1940s. The pieces were so well-made, but they simply don’t ft our modern bodies. But the lines are there. I love re-imagining pieces to use in today’s outfts.
MW: Fort Worth is quickly becoming
MW: Can you tell us a little about your family? You're a working mother, and our readers are primarily working mothers who love to hear about others' successes!
BW: My family is such a driving force for me. When I started this business, my older was one, and I was pregnant with the younger. My husband is also a hugely creative force, and my success is a wonderful partnership with him, and our girls contribute, too. It’s not easy, and it takes a team around us, but we love what we do. Our people are our family.
BEHIND THE SEASON OF FORT WORTH FASHION WEEK
by Phillip Maximillian
This issue of Madeworthy is all about design—home design, landscape design, and fashion design—so it was natural to reach out to Phillip Maximillian, the founding genius and Creative Director of Fort Worth Fashion Week and the owner and designer of a bespoke clothing brand in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Fashion Week is a whole week of events that happens twice a year – Spring/Summer and Autumn/ Winter. Most events of this size can take an entire year to plan for that one day, so imagine a whole week of events with multiple events on the same day. As Fort Worth Fashion Week events grow and evolve, I constantly need to think bigger and better and outside of the box, and it all starts with questions.
How are we going to approach this season? Is there a theme? Are there specifc genres or trends of clothing that we would like to focus on? Are there brands or designers that are releasing their new collections?
And then it’s Fashion Week, and we are hosting the shows. My favorite part of the whole process is the production of the shows. During each show, I have
to be really dialed in because the production level is so important. As an owner of a clothing company and a designer myself, I understand how much work goes into creating a collection and how important it is for the designer to present their pieces in a way that best conveys their vision to the audience.
Fashion Week begins with coordinating with the designers and brands on what they envision for their fashion show. We discuss everything from the individual pieces and the models to the choreography and setting. Every fashion show is different.
Music, proper lighting, down to the arrangement of seating – it’s all in the details. And it gets pretty wild backstage. It’s a room full of models getting their hair and makeup fnished, designers doing garment logistics, photographers and videographers trying to get the best shots, all while I have to ensure
everything operates seamlessly before, during, and after the show. This insanity lasts seven consecutive days, not including all the pre-show rehearsals.
Once all the shows in a season of Fort Worth Fashion Week are over, we are already planning the next season. There are no days off for me. While I'm planning and organizing each Fashion Week, I'm also creating the next collection for my brand, Mener Grand Train Co., which specializes in men's bespoke suits and women's couture. Designing forces my mind to be creative, and it allows me to keep perfecting my craft. From patternmaking to construction, designing gives me a keen eye for seeing every detail down to the stitching and thread.
Fort Worth Fashion Week has given our whole team the chance to meet and work with so many amazing people and make a difference in our city. Our partnerships with TCU’s Department of Fashion Merchandising and with the Fort Worth
Independent School District provide students with valuable experience in the fashion industry by offering opportunities for hands-on learning and career development. We collaborate with the students on their school projects, and we host annual fashion show fundraisers that support students' growth and development in the feld of design and merchandising. We are mentoring the next generation of designers who may debut their collections at Fort Worth Fashion Week.
For all the craziness, I love that I get to pursue my passion, and having a great team by my side has made all the difference. Each season brings something new. Nike showcased their latest Nike Well Collective collection in Autumn/Winter 2023. We brought multiple Texas universities together for the frst-of-its-kind collaborative fashion show at the Modern Art Museum. That event, in particular, was a huge success.
We’re excited for the upcoming season of Fort Worth Fashion Week. We’ve been working on a signifcant project for it, although specifc details cannot be revealed at this time. However, I can share exclusive information about one of the season's main events, which focuses on creating a new historical moment in Fort Worth and honors a pivotal event in American fashion history. You can expect a unique approach to the fashion show, with leading designers presenting their collections on the runway. I can’t disclose the location yet, but I can confrm that it will take place at a Fort Worth landmark in late autumn.
We look forward to sharing more details about our upcoming events very soon.
Innovating the Future by Preserving the Past
by Ambyr Davis
by Olaf Growald
A neglected, near-forgotten building is intensely studied—the structural foundation, each angle, every stud. Only then can a second-generation layer of stucco be peeled away. A white cursive ‘C’ across a faded red background is revealed. As the slow removal of the stucco continues, the iconic script of a 1930s-era Coca-Cola sign comes to life.
Not every moment in adaptive reuse architecture is akin to an archeological treasure hunt, but the restoration of the WA Powers Building on South Main sure was when architects Steven Halliday and Jason Eggenburger embarked on it in 2015. Halliday and Eggenburger’s architecture frm, 97w, was hired by building owners Lori and Tucker Henderson not only to restore the historic structure to its former glory but also to outft it for local businesses, and another chapter in its legacy in Fort Worth was born.
The SOMA project, as it became known, evolved to encompass Tarantula Tiki Lounge, Southside Cellars, Morgan Mercantile, and Tinie's Mexican Restaurant. Tinie’s collaborated further with 97w in a design that captures juxtaposing plush yet rustic elements, vintage yet sleek. 97w delivered an ambitious, imaginative, and ambient-driven vision as intoxicating as Tinie’s inventive cuisine and incendiary cocktails. The WA Powers SOMA project is only one of many adaptive reuse projects the duo of Halliday and Eggenburger have undertaken across Fort Worth. They have been instrumental in the transformation of Fort Worth’s Near Southside. I was already enamored with their work when I sat down with Steven Halliday to discuss his work and what he envisions for our special pocket of Fort Worth.
Steven and Jason headquartered 97w in an old Texaco service station that they transformed with orange egg-slicer slats akin to a Ferrari Testarossa across an expansive window. The forward-styled landmark houses their studio as well as the brilliant flmmakers at Genius House Media. It is one of many elevated buildings of an increasingly energetic cityscape that now adorns a once-dilapidated stretch of South Main.
With a home base that exemplifes their credo, 97w is named for the 97th meridian that runs through Fort Worth. According to their website, it was
“identifed as the gateway to the western frontier. Embodying that spirit, 97w seeks to reshape the modern frontier through thoughtful design and innovative thinking.” Halliday and Eggenburger have done just that and are a driving force behind this urban corridor’s revitalization.
The South Main area was once home to the frst trolley system of Fort Worth that connected downtown and the hospital district to Fairmount and Forest Park neighborhoods. As suburbanization grew and city dwellers spread across the growing metroplex, the once-vibrant neighborhood began to decline. In the mid-1990s, an effort was made to clean up this dilapidated yet historic urban corridor. Over the new millennium, this initiative picked up steam; the city began to install trees, lamp posts, and updated infrastructure, and the appeal of Near Southside was rekindled.
97w has breathed new life into myriad historic buildings along South Main and Magnolia through adaptive reuse architecture, including Heim BBQ, Cherry Coffee House, Salsa Limon, and College Avenue Lofts. The College Avenue Lofts are truly a work of art. Once home to the College Avenue Baptist Church Annex, built in 1926, 97w retained the historic façade of the three-story brick building. Inside, raw brick and patinaed paint were preserved and glazed and then offset with glossy, modern features, staggering views, and modern functionality for the ultimate in Fairmount loft living. They recently uplifted the old Adkins-Polk/ Western States Grocery Building, which now houses Bowlounge Fort Worth, as well as law offces and marketing and real estate frms. Traverse the Near Southside, and you will see their fngerprint across the neighborhood.
A Fort Worth native with deep roots in the city, Steven Halliday’s frm has also played a part in myriad projects outside the Near Southside. 97w contributed to Casa Mañana’s Reid Cabaret Theatre, where they imbued its speakeasy with a cool, intimate vibe. “To be a part of that was really special. Lots of childhood memories there,” he explained. In the Stockyards, 97w designed Taco Heads and contributed to Mule Alley’s revitalization with the Sidesaddle Saloon, combining a modern Western aesthetic with a cowgirl glam twist. Both projects are the brainchildren of Sarah Castillo and
the unstoppable group behind Tinie’s. Working collaboratively with such creative clients continues to inspire new projects for 97w.
Despite his work throughout the city, Halliday continues to champion the development of the Near Southside’s urban corridor. In an explanation flled with passion and vision, he said, "There's just more to be done. There is building stock that is underused and left. Just look outside. It’s still only skin deep. We’re still driving to these locations. It’s the most walkable part of the city. Urban corridors should be more than one block deep. [But] it’s not going to happen fast. This is our life’s work at 97w. Our desks are where this Texaco station’s gas pumps used to be. This is where we’re going to be.”
The Near Southside today is a stark contrast to the state of the neighborhood when I moved away from Fort Worth over twenty years ago. Back then, it was little more than the dodgy bit one had to traverse to the hospital or downtown. Yet, it always had a historical and architectural appeal to me. When we returned to Fort Worth in 2020, the district had become a vibrant neighborhood of fantastic restaurants, bespoke shops, local coffee houses, and wine bars, and it was the epicenter of local art. It had charm and swagger, thanks to the iconic buildings that gave character and appeal to the urban landscape a century ago. Now the most walkable and energetic pocket of our city, the Near Southside is a neighborhood with a tight-knit community spirit. Today, our family rides bikes down to Magnolia. We spend memorable nights with friends along South Main. It feels like the city we all hoped it could be. To see this charming sector of historic Fort Worth come vibrantly back to life reaffrms our desire to nourish roots in our forever home here.
What 97w has done, along with Near Southside, Inc., and the City of Fort Worth, is preserve what’s charming and authentic about our city. It’s this spirit of community and passion for revitalization, coupled with their creative energy, that makes 97w a signifcant force in Fort Worth’s future. Their energy and ethos make this special part of Fort Worth home. Just like Steven Halliday, this is where we’re going to be. So, here is to the next chapter of our history!
