By STEVE BROWN

Real Estate Editor

stevebrown@dallasnews.com

Crescent Real Estate is planning what will be the company’s first major development in its hometown of Fort Worth.

The commercial property firm — which has been a major player in Dallas’ Uptown district — will build a $250 million mixed-use project in Fort Worth’s cultural district.

The development, which will start this summer, includes a 200-room luxury hotel, 160,000-square-foot office building and 175 luxury residential units.

The Museum Place project, located on Camp Bowie Boulevard near the Will Rogers Coliseum and across the street from the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum, will also be the new home for Crescent Real Estate and offices for Contango Oil & Gas.

“We are excited to bring a first-class mixed-use project to the cultural district,” Crescent Real Estate CEO John Goff said in a statement. “The Crescent brand is now known around the country for our luxury hotel, office and residential projects.

“Now, for the first time, we are coming home,” he said. “We are going to build the finest hotel in the city that we hope will become the living room of Fort Worth.”

Crescent Real Estate, which got its start in the mid-1990s, has previously invested in Fort Worth properties.

“We owned a 1 million-square-foot tower in downtown Fort Worth for many years,” Goff said in an interview. “Currently we don’t own a thing there. We never had a development in Fort Worth, and it’s time.”

Several developers have looked at building on the block where Crescent plans its new Fort Worth project.

“I drive by this land every day,” Goff said. “The opportunity to buy came up and we snagged it.”

Crescent doesn’t plan to seek zoning variances for the project, which is scheduled to open in 2023, Goff said. Denver-based OZ Architecture designed the development.

“We went with OZ because we have done a lot of business with them in Denver and Boulder,” Goff said. “They are extremely creative. We really liked the designs they came up with. You have to be very respectful with the wonderful architecture across the street and create something that compliments but doesn’t compete.”

Crescent Real Estate’s most recent Dallas projects include the McKinney & Olive office and retail development in Uptown and the Luminary office building in downtown Dallas’ historic West End.

The company also owns the luxury Crescent Court Hotel and is negotiating to acquire Uptown’s landmark Crescent complex.

“I’ve grown a number of different businesses in Fort Worth including Crescent,” Goff said. “While we have done a lot of work in Dallas, it’s time to put some work in Fort Worth.”

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The Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas (FWBG | BRIT) announces Patrick Newman as its new CEO and president effective May 1, replacing current president, Ed Schneider, PhD, who is retiring to California.

Newman brings more than 14 years of public gardens experience, serving most recently as executive director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center since 2016, overseeing a $5 million annual budget and supervising a staff of 60 employees and 800 volunteers. Under his direction, the Center increased earned and contributed income, added to its endowment and dramatically increased annual attendance.

“Patrick is the right leader at the right time as we transition toward becoming a world-class botanical organization,” said Board Chair Greg Bird. “After an exhaustive national search that yielded several impressive candidates, the board was delighted to find someone right here in Texas and familiar with positioning a botanical center as a leading cultural destination.”

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Trinity Collaborative Inc. has canceled the Mayfest 2021 festival in the interest of public health and safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The collaborative’s statement:

“It is our social responsibility to continue to place the safety and wellbeing of our patrons, volunteers, vendors, partners and community as our top priority. This difficult decision was made with great care and deliberation after numerous meetings with public health officials. At this time, a gathering as large and populous as Mayfest negates the efforts to minimize the effects of COVID-19. The cancelation will help advance the health of our community, allowing for future opportunities to safely congregate and unite once again. We are enthusiastically planning the 50th anniversary of Mayfest on May 5-8, 2022. Now more than ever, we look forward to connecting people to the river, our parks and each other in a safe, welcoming environment.”

Trinity Collaborative Inc., formally known as Mayfest Inc., recently expanded the organization’s operations to produce other events and introduce new programs in addition to the annual Mayfest festival. Plans are underway for new, exciting developments that support the organization’s mission to raise and contribute funds for the Trinity River, surrounding parks and community programs.

The Camp Bowie District is launching an economic development plan designed to create a healthier economic structure, drive investment and growth to Camp Bowie and result in an improved tax base and growth in property values.

“We believe that with these additional resources we will be able to give our property owners, businesses and members intel that they otherwise would not have access to,” said Wade G. Chappell, executive director of the Camp Bowie District. “Our aim is to build a stronger business community for today and tomorrow.”

Chappell mentioned the challenging year for small businesses and growth along Camp Bowie, but said that with the completion of a rebranding campaign and the launch of the Strategic Economic Development Plan, “we are setting the course for success.”

The plan includes two aspects. The first will conduct an economic analysis of the Camp Bowie district to identify key opportunities and threats to Camp Bowie’s economy and help protect businesses. The second part will focus on creating an improved vision of the commercial corridor.

The district is working with Buxton, a firm that is conducting an economic analysis. After months of data collection, Camp Bowie District will be able to provide property and business owners with crucial market research data.

“As Fort Worth and its economy bounce back from the pandemic, the economic structure will continue to evolve as we adjust to the new normal,” said Mark Harris, Camp Bowie board member and economic development committee member. “By actively staying ahead and understanding the economic landscape of Camp Bowie Boulevard, we can fulfill tactics that will increase the economic opportunity for businesses and property owners in the district.”

Camp Bowie Boulevard’s historic assets place the district in a position to compete with its peer districts while repositioning itself to attract and retain new and old audiences. Building on a well-established lineup of merchants, the strategic plan will position the district to compete with peers such as the Near Southside, the Stockyards and Clearfork.

Consistent with the City of Fort Worth’s economic goals, the design of the plan ensures it can retain existing Camp Bowie businesses and create opportunities for smart development and complementary businesses.

Register for the virtual State of the City Address. The livestreamed event will provide an exclusive opportunity to see “Betsy Unplugged,” as Mayor Betsy Price speaks candidly about the current state of Fort Worth and her time as Fort Worth’s longest-serving mayor.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 25 with visits to sponsors in the virtual Expo area and one-on-one networking. The program begins at noon.

NBC-5 morning newscaster Deborah Ferguson will interview Price. The program will focus on how the city remains Standing Strong headed into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event is free to watch on Hopin. For $20, viewers can opt to join Hopin’s 1:1 Networking feature, which allows audience members to match with other attendees for five-minute conversations designed to build their networks and establish new connections.

Organizers encourage attendees to host a watch party at the office – following company safety rules, of course – and to take part in the event by sharing photos and using the hashtag #FWTXStandingStrong. Be sure to wear masks, convene in a space like a conference room or training room that has enough room for social distancing and support a local restaurant by ordering lunch for the team.

To learn more, contact the Fort Worth Chamber.

City officials raised the Fort Worth flag Tuesday on a 20-story building that will be the new City Hall next year.

Fort Worth closed on the building on Jan. 27. The purchase price was $69.5 million, and renovations will bring the total estimated project budget to $100 million. Renovations will include constructing new public meeting spaces and reconfiguring offices.

The former Pier 1 Imports headquarters building, at 100 Energy Way, is a landmark glass tower that commands the skyline on the west side of Fort Worth’s Downtown. The building is situated on an 11.9-acre site overlooking the Trinity River.

An interdepartmental steering team of city employees will guide visioning, programming and transition for the new City Hall, current City Hall and several other city-owned and leased buildings in Downtown and Near Southside.

The team will be assisted by a project management consultant, who will then hire an architect and construction manager-at-risk to complete renovations at the new City Hall. The business equity goal is 10% for project management.

Move-in is expected to begin in 2022.

Neil Noakes, who has served in the Fort Worth Police Department for more than 20 years, was named police chief by City Manager David Cooke on Monday.

“Chief Noakes brings many years of community-based law enforcement experience to the chief’s office, and even more important, he brings innovative leadership and a desire for genuine engagement with the residents we serve,” Cooke said. “In every position throughout his career, Chief Noakes has focused on community problem-solving, reducing crime and enhancing justice and equity for all of our residents."

Noakes has a master of science degree in criminal justice and criminology from Texas Christian University and a bachelor degree in criminal justice administration from Tarleton State University. Since March 2019, he has been deputy chief of the Fort Worth Police Department. Other positions with FWPD include commander of the North Patrol Division (2017-2019); lieutenant in the Internal Affairs Section (2015-2016); sergeant (2012-2015); corporal/detective (2008-2012); and officer (2000-2008).

Noakes is an honor graduate of Class 102 of the Fort Worth Police Academy.

“Chief Noakes is the right leader, at the right time, for the Fort Worth Police Department and the City of Fort Worth,” Mayor Betsy Price said. “Chief Noakes has proven to have a heart for servant leadership and a vision for rebuilding and strengthening relationships within our communities. He and the 2,400-plus sworn and civilian employees of the department must work with the community in a spirit of solidarity and partnership to continue to build on the foundations that Chief Kraus has laid. I look forward to voting on his appointment with the other councilmembers at our February meeting.”

Six finalists were interviewed for the chief’s job after more than 50 original candidates applied for the position.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Botanical Institute of Texas welcome nationally-acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty in February as he weaves, twists and shapes a one-of-a-kind Stickwork sculpture in the Fuller Garden.

As he has done many times before at many other locations, Dougherty will take the sticks and, aided by a team of volunteers, weave, wind and twist them into — what? who knows! A hut, a nest, a cocoon, a tower, a maze — whatever Dougherty wants it to be. One thing can be certain: The resulting creation will be as unique as the Garden and as rooted in the landscape of Fort Worth.

“We are delighted to have Patrick Dougherty bring his distinctive form of outdoor installation art to Fort Worth,” said President and Executive Director Ed Schneider. “I can’t wait to see what he creates here — it’s sure to be unexpected.”

Dougherty’s stick-based artworks have been featured in more than 300 locations around the world, from Japan to Belgium, and were described by the New York Times as “startling” and “delightful.” For the first time, he is bringing his art to Fort Worth. He will begin creating his structure on Feb. 1 and work through the month. Visitors are invited to view Dougherty and his team of volunteers as they work.

Once it is completed, the Stickwork, whatever it might be, will remain in the Garden for guests to explore for as long as it survives the wind and weather. Eventually all of Dougherty’s works return to the nature from which they came, usually lasting a year or two.

The sculpture exhibit viewing is included with the price of general admission. Members receive free entry. Winter hours are 8 am. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

The U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP loan.

Key PPP updates:

• PPP borrowers can set their loan’s covered period to be any length between eight and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs.
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier cost and worker protection expenditures.
• The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations.
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees.
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP loan amount.
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP loan.

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses.
• Has no more than 300 employees.
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

Learn more on the Small Business Administration website.

Bolstered by new developments and creative energy, Fort Worth has been named to Travel & Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021. This national recognition was a top goal for Visit Fort Worth and its New York-based agency, Quinn PR.

Calling out “a walloping dose of Texas heritage – with some luxe, modern updates,” the magazine highlighted the Stockyards’ new Mule Alley and Hotel Drover, the artists’ collective Art Tooth and the city’s newest boutique property, Hotel Dryce in the Cultural District.

“When the time comes to travel again, these destinations – all right in your own backyard – are the ones to visit next,” Travel & Leisure stated.

“This is a major recognition of the visionary investment in a western renaissance as well as the young, creative Funkytown energy we see through art, music and film,” said Bob Jameson, president and CEO of Visit Fort Worth.

The listing is Fort Worth’s first time to appear on T&L’s top 50.

Visit Fort Worth’s efforts alongside public relations agency Quinn PR helped land the city in the top 20. Pitching efforts for the last five years have developed important relationships with national media.

Visit Fort Worth has focused storytelling and positioning on the city’s diverse arts scene, food and dining and major developments in tourism districts.

Travel is an economic driver for the city. Before COVID-19, Fort Worth’s hospitality industry employed more than 24,000 and supported local businesses with a $2.6 billion economic impact.