With orange umbrellas on a new patio, signage and a LED lit architectural feature, the Hooters coming to downtown Fort Worth will retain its brand identity, despite requests by residents to tone it down.
The Downtown Design Review Board approved the construction of the exterior changes at 150 Throckmorton Street by a unanimous vote. The board is responsible for creating the vision of downtown.
The board approved the patio and architectural feature as they were presented, but it voted to allow only one sign with 30-inch letters in height, and requested it be backlit after residents voiced complaints. The original plans by GHA Architecture called for two 36 inch signs with stronger lighting.
“Too many signs, way too large, and way too bright,” said Sasha Camacho, who lives in a building across the street. “Do you want to go to bed at night with the orange glow of a word that is vulgar?”
Hooters from TCU Student Media on Vimeo.
In a petition against the restaurant, residents voiced unease about how a business centered on beer and scantily clad women might affect the family-based atmosphere of Sundance Square.
Although the petition called for residents in opposition of the Hooters to attend Thursday’s meeting to air their grievances, the board does not have the authority to decide whether or not the Hooters can occupy the space.
Did you know that development has begun on a Hooters in Downtown Fort Worth? Neither did we and now we’re fighting back….
Posted by Say NO to Hooters in Downtown Fort Worth on Monday, January 25, 2016
Don't objectify women for beer and wings. Don't let restaurants like this in our downtown.
Posted by Ty Bowden on Tuesday, January 26, 2016
The Good news is it looks like we got a Hooters coming this summer. The review board isn't going to allow them to have…
Posted by Say YES to Hooters in Downtown Ft Worth on Thursday, January 28, 2016
Hooters leased the space from Spire Reality in a private deal independent from the Downtown Design Review Board, said Sevanne Steiner, a planner with the board.
“Any comments that aren’t relevant to design, I ask you don’t bring them to this board,” said Nina Petty, chairwoman of the board.
Residents’ concerns at the meeting focused on the signs.
“The design and homestyle feel of downtown Fort Worth is why I moved here,” said Brian Medina, a Sundance Square area resident. “Having too many large signs will detract from the downtown Fort Worth feel.”
Hooters plans to open the downtown location in late June, according to a statement by Mark Whittle, senior vice president of global development at Hooters of America.
“We’re pleased to provide Fort Worth with a fresh new prototype restaurant from more comfortable seating with revamped high back chairs and booths to sleek finishes and top-of-the-line AV packages designed to enhance the guest dining experience from the moment they walk through the doors. The location will also feature a centrally located bar area, offering a wider selection of cocktails and 40 draft handles, including numerous craft beers.”
Mark Whittle, senior vice president of global development at Hooters of America.
