The Harden’s pools overlook the tower of the Fort Worth Public Market, an iconic Cowtown building

Just like the college kids are moving into the college dorms, it’s finally move-in time for The Harden at Public Market, a new residential high-rise revitalizing Fort Worth’s historic market.

Yes, Aug. 24 is move-in date for the seniors — senior citizens, that is, over 62 years old — at the slick new apartments located at 1400 Henderson near Downtown Fort Worth. These new residential units adjoin the Fort Worth Public Market, a once-vibrant marketplace listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

Now Leasing

The Fort Worth Public Market, abandoned for decades and later included on Historic Fort Worth’s “endangered” list, was purchased in 2015 by Wilks Development. While the public market is still receiving its glow-up, The Harden is leasing apartments. Model units are ready for viewing and are Instagram worthy — every bit as cool as the college kids’ set-ups but way more sophisticated. You know, it’s more to a super senior’s liking.

One-bedroom units offer square footage from 723 square feet to 1,473 square feet, while the two-bedroom units measure from 1,160 to 1,473 square feet, according to leasing representative Faith Heart. They were designed by Emerson James Studio and come in a warm, moody, cozy version and a light, bright, cool style.

The Harden offers 25 unique one- and two-bedroom floor plans designed to complement the historic Fort Worth Public Market’s distinctive shape. Each unit comes equipped with a washer and dryer, spacious kitchens featuring islands large enough for in-kitchen dining, quartz countertops, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, and walk-in closets.

Credit: Homes.com

The amenity deck is designed in a circular layout, with the pool divided into smaller sections that create more intimate swimming and lounging areas. Lounge chairs wrap around the perimeter that features TVs and grills, and a wide central walkway bisects the pool deck, giving the space a natural flow. Downstairs, residents can challenge a neighbor to a friendly game on the pickleball courts or take a stroll with their four-legged friend in the dog park.

The Harden offers both one- and two-bedroom options.

95-Year Landmark

The Harden takes its name from John J. Harden, the Oklahoma developer who created the Fort Worth Public Market. When it opened in June 1930, the busy marketplace contained vendor stalls and permanent retailers. Oklahoma City architect by B. Gaylord Noftsger designed the market in a Spanish Colonial Revival style. Its colorful tile roof, stained glass accents and an 85-foot terracotta have remained a Fort Worth landmark for 95 years.

The Great Depression forced the market’s closure in 1941, and the building endured various reincarnations over the decades, including surviving a fire in 2010. Wilkes Development bought it to transform it into a mixed-use destination of retail and restaurant businesses and to add the accompanying senior-living complex. Wilks Development broke ground on the renovation in 2023 — on the building’s 93rd anniversary, June 20. 


The Fort Worth Public Market, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits in front of The Harden.

Brothers Kyle and Josh Wilks, along with their cousin Jess Green established Wilks Development in 2012. The company focuses on real estate development and investment projects.

Even though leasing has begun, and move-ins are on the books, the official kick-off is still a few weeks away. An invitation-only grand opening for The Harden is planned for Sept. 18, with the marketplace opening at a later date…. maybe second semester?