Mixed Use and Then Some is the Theme of WestBend

The scope of the project as seen from an interesting vantage point.

FORT WORTH—Land totaling 3.5 acres adjacent to the 278,000-square-foot WestBend mixed-use development in University District is currently occupied by a Hawthorne Suites hotel. That is about to change. Trademark Property Co. is under contract to purchase the land with plans to possibly go mixed use cubed. “We believe this is one of the best pieces of land in Fort Worth with incredible visibility and frontage on both University Drive and the Trinity Trails. This acquisition will allow us to expand our retail footprint and improve accessibility,” said Edward Manuel , senior vice president–development, Trademark Property Co. Conceptual planning is underway to develop additional mixed-use space featuring ground floor retail with either a signature hotel or multi-family and condo units above. Terry Montesi , CEO, Trademark Property Co. tells GlobeSt.com: “This prime piece of land is a great opportunity to take WestBend to the next level. We see substantial demand in the University District for more retail/restaurant space and high-quality hotel, multifamily and condos. Once we complete our due diligence, we will decide if one, two or all three are the right fit for the market.” The parcel is located on University Drive immediately south of WestBend, along the Trinity River. “We are redeveloping WestBend with the vision of becoming the go-to 21st Century retail/mixed-use development in Fort Worth. This acquisition will give us over 1,150 feet of frontage on both University Drive and the Trinity Trails, and will allow us to add a new traffic light and additional retail space. This is truly world class real estate,” Montesi continues. The expansion isn’t the only milestone at WestBend this month. Tyler’s will open its first Fort Worth location at the property in early March. In addition, construction is underway on two additional Fort Worth firsts: Drybar , slated to open in spring 2016 and HG Sply Co. , open in summer 2016, complete with a 5,000-square-foot patio along the Trinity River and Trinity Trails. The new tenants come as part of Trademark’s WestBend redevelopment, which includes adding new retail, restaurants and office space. Most recently, CorePower Yoga, Pax & Parker and Woodhouse Day Spa have opened at the property, joining existing tenants The Fresh Market, Zoë’s Kitchen, East Hampton Sandwich Co. and Silver Fox . In addition, Trademark completed WestBend 2, a new 81,150-square-foot building that includes The Fresh Market on the ground floor and 57,000 square feet of new class-A office space directly above, overlooking the Trinity River. In total, WestBend includes 278,000 square feet of retail, dining and office space, including the existing River Plaza office building. WestBend’s redevelopment is designed to align with the principles of Trademark’s Conscious Place initiative, a stakeholder-driven development model that aims to ensure that its properties are more than just places of commerce, but also places of community and meaning. In support of this initiative, Trademark is incorporating features and amenities designed to educate, inspire and engage all patrons, including a public art program with works commissioned by local artists, Trinity River and Trinity Trails integration, bike racks, upgraded landscaping, valet, free structured parking and generous outdoor seating areas on the Trinity River and Trinity Trails.