More Than A Dozen Structures Coming Down At The Stockyards

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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Demolition work at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards is set to begin Monday morning.

More than a dozen structures will be coming down in the coming weeks as part of a multi-million dollar redevelopment project.

Many of the structure set to be demolished are on the former Swift & Co. meatpacking property where only one structure, the Swift & Co. laboratory building, will be preserved.

"We got to move forward but that also requires some things to change and maybe some things to go away," said Kerby Smith, senior vice president for Majestic Realty.

Smith said the removal of some crumbling structures is needed to pave the way for a $175-million redevelopment project.

Developers will spend $40-million of that to revitalize and preserve the historic horse and mule barns. Both of which are currently not in use.

The project will also include a historic walking tour, initially including 12 historic sites and structures.

The Stockyards Heritage Trail will be similar to the Freedom Trail in Boston and the Constitutional Walking Trail in Philadelphia.

The project will also include a new hotel, multi-family housing, and restaurants.

"What we're after is what I think we are all share which is the love and respect for the Stockyards," said Smith at an open house on Sunday.

Developers have spent more than 18 months evaluating the buildings in the Stockyards.

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