Cassco Development Co.
4200 South Hulen St.
Fort Worth, TX 76109
www.clearfork1848.com
Clearfork straddles two worlds, bridging the gap between outdoor living and suburban sophistication.
It’s that distinction — a deliberate move by project developer Cassco Development Co. Inc. — that sets the 270-acre, mixed-use development apart.
Not only does the project offer miles of hike-and-bike trails along the Trinity River in southwest Fort Worth, but plans also call for upscale housing, dining, shopping, entertainment and office features.
With mixed-use projects gaining popularity citywide, industry observers might wonder whether such developments are gaining attention due to a strengthening economy or whether interest varies depending on the project.
“I would have to say both,” said Paxton Motheral, vice president of Fort Worth-based Cassco.
“Growth is a constant in the development world when the economy is strong, but what truly strengthens interest in a project is its offerings and what sets it apart from every other development project,” Motheral said.
Since 1958, Cassco Development Co., the development arm of the 7,000-acre Edwards Ranch, has overseen the creation of neighborhoods and commercial developments in southwest Fort Worth. At the core of its development philosophy, the firm is committed to the land and its historical importance to Fort Worth.
Clearfork — taking its name from one of four forks of the Trinity River — already teems with activity months before many of its features open.
Already open are The Trailhead, poised on the riverfront of the hike-and-bike trails. The 13,000-square-foot site attracts cyclists and runners and features Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, Pedal Hard workout facility, Press Cafe and an outdoor fitness lawn.
Also open are Heart of the Ranch, an event venue surrounded by native trees, and The Kelton at Clearfork, a 392-unit multifamily development offering one-, two- and three-bedroom studios, loft apartments and townhouses.
Also open for business is Clearfork West, home to Acme Brick headquarters, as well as medical and other professional offices.
Rounding out Clearfork’s first phase are a farmers market that is set to open in May; 5600 Clearfork Main, a 180,000-square-foot, six-story office building between the Trinity Trails and Chisholm Trail Parkway that is set to open in the fall; and the Shops at Clearfork, anchored by Neiman Marcus and offering 320,000 square feet of retail space, 85,000 square feet of dining area, a 45,000-square-foot movie theater and 128,000 square feet for office space. The project is set to open in February. Cassco and Simon Property Group Inc. is serving as developer, Simon is handling retail leasing, Nelson Partners is the architect and Beck is handling construction.
A growing list of tenants includes Smith & Nephew Inc.; Dr. Brent Hicks, DDS; Fort Worth Orthodontic Specialists; Fort Worth Pediatrics; Muckleroy & Falls; Reynolds Capital Partners; Stoll Neurodiagnostics; Preece, Church & Associates; Acme Brick; The Law Offices of John David Hart; The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute; and Texas Center for Urology.
“As a legacy project, there is patience and careful consideration on how and when the remaining phases are developed,” said Motheral. Cassco is planning a hotel, more multifamily housing and additional riverfront retail tenants in the near future.
“These projects will complement our diverse offerings for the Fort Worth community,” Motheral said.