Wilks built a 223,704-square-foot addition onto the \u201930s-era farmers market building with one- and two-bedroom apartments that range from $1,546 to more than $3,000 per month.<\/p>\n
The reimagined 15,365-square-foot historic market space will include a cafe, cocktail bar and fine-dining restaurant, all to be run by Fort Worth chefs Jenna and Micah Kinard. Those are expected to open in the spring. The space also includes 4,500 square feet for a leasing office and fitness center.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe may phase them in, but it looks like they\u2019re on schedule to finish within a couple of weeks of each other,\u201d Wilks Development spokesperson Nicole Ellis said of the food and beverage concepts.<\/p>\n
Kyle Wilks, one of the company\u2019s principals, said he expects those to become a destination spot.<\/p>\n
\u201c1,000%,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Kinards-FWPublicMarket.png\")
Chefs Jenna and Micah Kinard at the Fort Worth Public Market during construction and restoration of the space. (Courtesy photo | Wilks Development)<\/p>\n
Jenna Kinard is planning a \u201crefined Texas flair\u201d concept she is calling Madrone<\/a>. It will feature upscale dining with chef\u2019s tasting menus and private dining, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. She is the former executive chef at Max\u2019s Wine Dive, the Hotel Drover\u2019s 97 West and Jellico\u2019s at the Westin Southlake.\u00a0<\/p>\n Willow<\/a> will serve as a cocktail bar and lounge offering elevated craft beverages, a VIP experience and a premium liquor locker program.<\/p>\n The Kinards\u2019 Public Market Cafe & Goods<\/a> will be a community-driven space featuring freshly baked treats, coffee and locally made products, according to Wilks.<\/p>\n The Kinards plan to grow hydroponic produce on-site, including microgreens, herbs and tomatoes. They also will curate goods from regional farmers and makers.<\/p>\n \u201cThis city has shaped me personally and professionally \u2014 and now, alongside my husband, Micah, it continues to shape how we dream and create together,\u201d Jenna Kinard said in a news release. \u201cWe see this not just as a culinary venture but as a calling \u2014 to bring people together through exceptional food, drinks and hospitality while honoring the legacy of Fort Worth\u2019s Public Market.\u201d<\/p>\n Wilks had talked to Jenna Kinard about a development in Parker County, Ellis said. But she landed at the downtown development, 1400 Henderson St., because of her interest in Fort Worth.<\/p>\n \u201cJenna\u2019s very passionate about Fort Worth and the history of the building, and really wants to honor it,\u201d Ellis said.<\/p>\n Oklahoman John Harden<\/a> opened the building in 1930 as a farmers market that included spaces for retailers and other vendors. It closed in 1941 and has been vacant since 2002. Wilks bought it in 2015<\/a>.<\/p>\n The property\u2019s apartments start at 723 square feet and $1,546 per month in rent for a one-bedroom, one-bath floor plan. They go up to a two-bedroom, two-bath floor plan and 1,473 square feet for more than $3,000 per month. The property has 164 one-bedroom apartments and 35 two-bedroom ones.<\/p>\n In June 2023, Wilks estimated restoration costs at $54 million<\/a> and said the firm had applied for state and federal tax credits that would refund up to 45% of eligible expenses.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n
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