Historic Fort Worth has evolved over the years, expanding its mission based on the vision of the board and needs of the community. The organization was established in 1969 to provide a city-wide revolving fund for the purchase of threatened buildings to sell to buyers with preservation deed restrictions. Blake Alexander, professor of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin, was hired to conduct our city’s first credentialed survey of historic buildings. In keeping with the definition of preservation at the time, fourteen central city buildings were identified as significant. The Pollack-Capps House (currently, the Law Offices of Dwain Dent) at 1120 Penn Street, was saved from demolition when it was purchased by the early revolving fund. By 1976 HFW’s work slowed because many of the buildings on its list were either saved or owned by individuals who understood their significance. Only three buildings on the original list have been demolished.
Then, in 1984 HFW reactivated to manage the Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House, one of the properties on Alexander survey list. At that time the Junior League of Fort Worth deeded the house to HFW to place the property in the hands of an organization with a preservation mission and expertise.
By 1996 the board of Historic Fort Worth prioritized returning the scope of the mission to its original city-wide roots. Then, in 1998 the board adopted its current mission: to plan for, preserve and protect Fort Worth’s unique historic identity through action, education and advocacy. Shortly thereafter, another respected preservation organization, the Historic Preservation Council for Tarrant County, closed its doors and sent its programs to HFW.
Since HFW’s beginning, this board-driven organization has worked hard to fulfill its mission. The following programs have been established to benefit the community:
- Emergency Advocacy Program (since 1969). When a building is threatened for demolition, the most secure advocacy plan is to purchase the building. Originally HFW was established as a Revolving Fund. In 2004 the board re-established the Revolving Fund as a valuable, emergency, advocacy program. In addition, HFW members and staff advocate at public meetings and “behind the scenes” for the preservation of threatened buildings.
- Restoration and Property Management Program (since 1984). This program was established with the ownership of the Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House. In addition, tours of the McFarland House are provided to the public for a nominal charge, and are free to members. The house is available for rent for special events. Furthermore, all buildings accepted into HFW’s Gifts-of-Property program receive restoration and property management services that match the level of need with the preservation goals of the board.
- Membership Services Program (since 1980). On a regular basis HFW offers special tours, sneak previews, lectures, newsletters, special events and children’s programming to its diverse membership.
- Historic Resource Survey Assistance Program (since 1981). The Historic Resource Survey Assistance Program utilizes HFW staff to navigate callers and visitors through slide, photograph and neighborhood survey files. In addition, advice is rendered on a variety of preservation matters including preservation tax benefits, compatible design and materials, and the roles of preservation counterparts in city, state and federal government. To advance this program, in 2003 the board established a staffed Preservation Resource Center.
- Heritage Tourism Program (since 1995). HFW has continued to expand this program as a tourism product for special national and state conventions. In 2004 The Hidden Garden Tour of Fort Worth was established as an annual reason to visit our extraordinary city.
- Façade Easement Program (since 1997). To preserve historic buildings and to assist developers with restoration costs through a federal tax deduction, the value of a building’s façade is appraised and an easement reflecting that value is donated to HFW. In return for this benefit, a cash contribution is made to cover the organization’s cost of monitoring the building. In this program, the developer benefits through tax deductions and the community is assured that the integrity of the historic façade will be monitored and preserved for the future.
- Gifts-of-Property Program (since 2002). Donors of properties to HFW are assured that their property will be preserved for future generations and realize a federal income tax charitable deduction. If requested, special arrangements can be made for donors of residences to continue to live in their home for a certain period of years while securing their gift to HFW.
- History Detectives Children’s Program (since 2003). Children ages 6-13 explore historic buildings and attend special parties in architecturally-significant buildings through membership in History Detectives.
In short, preservation programming at Historic Fort Worth, Inc. benefits the community in diverse and valuable ways. Historic Fort Worth is pleased to connect businesses, tourists, children, and neighborhood citizens to the value of historic preservation.