The developer of a planned 343-unit apartment community along the Trinity River and Samuels Avenue has completed its purchase of land for the nearly 11-acre project and should soon hear whether it has permission from the Army Corps of Engineers to build on the waterway.San Antonio-based Embrey Development Co. has been working on the project, Domain at Bluff View, for more than a year. Last May, it received approvals from the city's Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission to restore the historic Garvey House, 769 Samuels Ave., that will become part of the project, as well as from the Downtown Design Review Board for construction.John Kirk, Embrey's vice president of development, declined to discuss the project Monday, saying details will be released soon.Embrey acquired the land, some from families that held the property for more than a century, on Feb. 28, according to deed records. The area once showcased large Victorian-style homes, including the Garvey House, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.Among the property sellers were real estate investors Tom Struhs and Rudy Renda. The men sold a 5-acre tract to Embrey, located behind the Garvey House. Their company, Trinity Bluff Development, sparked redevelopment along the river bluff and Samuels Avenue more than a decade ago.In 2003, the men announced they had acquired about 40 acres just northeast of downtown. Their plan to raze dilapidated buildings and replace them with apartments, condos and restaurants has nearly been realized. They have about about 16 acres remaining along Samuels Avenue, Struhs said.According to site plans, the apartments will be built around the Garvey House, primarily to the back and to the north of the historic home. The Garvey House will be renovated to become a leasing office and would also include amenities for residents. Another historic home, the Talbott-Wall House at 915 Samuels Ave., will be moved to a nearby lot.Embrey financed the land purchases and construction with a $44 million note with Frost Bank, deed records show.Because the project is along the river bank, Embrey needs permission from the Army Corps to make alterations that will allow for stormwater runoff into the Trinity River. The public comment period on the project ends Friday, according to a filing.Embrey has also filed for building permits from Fort Worth. It will be Embrey's first Fort Worth project. TownSite Company in Fort Worth is working with Embrey on the project.Sandra Baker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TNS) Continue reading...
Apartment Complex Overlooking Trinity River in Fort Worth Moves Another Step Closer
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