Public Market
by Joan Carroll
Title
Public Market
Artist
Joan Carroll
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photograph
Description
Took a wrong turn on day in my home town only to be shocked to see this gem of a building that I had no idea existed! A much stained plaque on the side of the building says that this is the Fort Worth Public Market Building. "Oklahoma city developer John J. Harden had this commercial structure built in 1930 to profice market space for local farmers, vendors, and retail businesses. Designed by B. Gaylord Noftsger, also of Oklahoma city, it features influences of the Spanish colonial revival, Italian Baroque revival and art deco styles. The Public Market remained in operation until 1941 and the building later housed a variety of businesses. (Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980). At its peak, the Public Market had space for 145 farmer or vendor stalls and 30 permanent retail shops. Farmers pulled their trucks into the shed and displayed their produce on tables. However, economic difficulties eventually forced the closure. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 5 (my birthday, dontcha know), 1984. The main building is rectangular in plan, with towers at three corners. The entrance tower is the most notable feature of the structure, with an ornate recessed entry, trimmed with terra cotta and tall vertical window panels with stained glass. Within the stained glass are panels spelling out "Public Market" that are illuminated from within (seen in the photo). In 2008, Historic Fort Worth placed it on its most-endangered properties list. An oil and gas mogul bought the property in 2012 and is considering returning the property to its original use as a public market.
FEATURED PHOTO, Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group, 5/24/13
Uploaded
May 23rd, 2013
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Comments (117)
Paul Quinn
I have been passed that building many times and wonder why no one has restored it yet. A beautiful building and beautiful shot.
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