A. Lee Graham lgraham@bizpress.net
Retired seniors could gain new residential living options if Trinity Terrace opens a third tower. The planned 23-story tower would sit on land currently used as a parking lot at West 10th and Fournier streets. It would cover 290,000 square feet and offer 123 apartments.
An estimated construction cost has not been determined. “[We] originally considered it in 2008, but the economic world took a downturn and the expansion was not as appetizing,” said Lee Patterson, executive director of the housing community, which is owned by Cumberland Rest Inc., a Fort Worth nonprofit. Trinity Terrace debuted in 1983 with a 15-story tower featuring 197 apartments and a skilled nursing floor with 60 beds. A second tower opened in 2008, a floor taller than the original tower and boasting 80 units. If marketing studies confirm strong demand, prospective tenants can expect apartment pre-leasing to begin in January; half of the planned units need to be leased before construction begins, Patterson said. “We are conducting a feasibility study to see what the market will sustain,” he said.
Apartments would range from 1,600 to 2,700 square feet. But what would distinguish the third tower from the existing towers? “It will expand our skilled nursing facility and assisted living along with a dining room venue in on the 16th floor,” Patterson said. A skywalk is planned to extend from that level to the Terrace Tower, providing a connection to the new sky dining room that will serve as the dining area for both towers. Plans call for independent living units on the new tower’s ground level, with residents entering the building through private 10th Street entrances. Filling the other floors would be assisted and independent living units, topped by penthouses on higher floors.