Fort Worth’s Historic Northside district is experiencing a wave of revitalization that is reshaping North Main Street. Owner John Laudenslager, whose Black Tie Real Estate firm purchased the historic S.T. Percy Building in 2025, says the progress is tangible despite delays and higher costs.
Renovation of the S.T. Percy Building
The two‑story brick structure at 1426 N. Main St., now called The Percy, is undergoing extensive upgrades, including newly epoxied floors and a second‑floor veranda railing. Laudenslager notes that the building, which has served as a saloon, lunch counter, and various retail spaces over its 117‑year history, is poised to become a modern anchor for the neighborhood.
“There’s the Marine Central development, there’s the Mercado project, there’s Panther City BBQ coming,” he said. “You can see it and feel it. It wasn’t like this just a year or so ago.”
New Retail Anchors Arrive
Just south of The Percy, the 24,000‑square‑foot Marine Central building at 1332 N. Main St. has secured its first retail tenants. LanCarte Commercial signed Wild Knox Hat Bar, Cultura Markets, and Sol Dias Ice Cream & Paleteria to occupy the space, adding variety for both residents and visitors.
“North Main continues to be one of Fort Worth’s most exciting growth corridors, and we’re thrilled to help bring businesses like these to the project,” said Brittany Doyle of LanCarte Commercial.
Panther City BBQ Joins the Mix
In a further boost to the area’s culinary scene, award‑winning Panther City BBQ will take over the former La Playa Maya restaurant at 1540 N. Main St., a 6,463‑square‑foot space that recently closed. Laudenslager expressed optimism, noting the transition from La Playa Maya to a beloved local BBQ brand.
Mercado Building Revitalization
North of The Percy, the 52,983‑square‑foot Mercado Building at 1500 N. Main St. is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade by CDC Development, led by twin brothers Rian and Rory Maguire. The mixed‑use property, originally opened in 2005, will see renovated restrooms, upgraded lighting, and new conference and break rooms. Ample parking, once underutilized, will now serve surrounding businesses, fostering cooperation among local enterprises.
“Now it is and that is key to these developments, working together. We can all be successful here with some cooperation and that’s what I see happening,” Laudenslager said.
Economic Impact and Community Growth
The Historic Northside district, once buoyed by the early‑20th‑century meat‑packing boom of Armour & Co. and Swift & Co., faced decline after those plants closed in the 1970s. Today, the area is home to roughly 11,000‑12,100 residents, 97% of whom identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Since its launch, the Historic Northside Main Street pilot—one of two city‑designated Main Street America corridors—has supported more than 440 small businesses and helped spur $84 million in active and planned corridor investment projects.
Looking Ahead
With the Stockyards expansion and the Panther Island project framing the district’s growth, property values are rising and commercial pressure is increasing. The coordinated efforts of developers, city officials, and local entrepreneurs suggest a sustainable path forward for Fort Worth’s Historic Northside.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
