via: nbcdfw
The National Trust for Historic Preservation added the Fort Worth Stockyards to its annual list of 11 most endangered historic places. Organization officials said they include the Stockyards on their list because of the new development proposed in the area.
.@SavingPlaces says $175 million hotel/condo/office project endangers unique historic value of @ftwStockyards @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/adE7ItbYIT — Jeff Smith (@JeffSmithNBC5) June 24, 2015
“I don’t know that it is a list that you don’t want to be on,” Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said. “I think it helps raise the profile of how critical the Stockyards are to Fort Worth.”
The $175 million proposed redevelopment in the Historic District includes nearly 70 acres of hotels, condominiums, shopping and entertainment. The city council approved zoning changes for the new development in 2014.
Residents and preservation societies opposed to the development say it would ruin the historic value and tourist charm of the area.
“I think you have to walk the line,” Price said. “And that’s why we appointed a 15-person committee of citizens and business people to work on guidelines for the historic property and the new development coming in”
Diana Leante, a tourist from Miami, visited the Stockyards and said she appreciated the authentic western feel.
“As long as you can have the experience, it’s fine,” she said. “If you develop and still keep having the Western experience, that would be great”
Stockyards from the air in the 1970’s