The Belmont Hotel, a historic gem on Fort Worth Avenue in Dallas, has been closed since 2020, following a series of unfortunate events that began with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hotel’s closure was exacerbated by a deep freeze in 2021 that caused significant plumbing damage.
Mary McDermott Cook, a longtime resident in the vicinity, succinctly summarized the predicament by stating, “COVID screwed the hotel. But the freeze [expletive] it.”
Cook, along with local community member Laurie Weeks, recently toured the now-gated and dilapidated property where overgrown vegetation and deteriorating structures tell a story of neglect.
Water dripped from a burst pipe into a trash can, while remnants of a once-vibrant restaurant could be seen, now reduced to a skeletal frame.
Ford, the current owner, reported that over 50% of the rooms sustained significant damage, creating a daunting challenge for any potential reopening plans.
As the trio explored the hotel grounds, they uncovered more evidence of disarray, including personal items discarded by individuals who have taken refuge in the area, heightening safety concerns.
Cook reminisced about the hotel’s former glory as a social hub, lamenting its current state.
She was instrumental in rallying her neighbors, who now regularly attend meetings at the Landmark Commission’s Designation Committee, where the future of the Belmont is discussed.
Ford’s ambitious plans to revitalize the hotel are estimated to cost around $130 million, involving a complete redesign of the property.
The proposed renovations include relocating the hotel’s entrance and pool, adding a patio to the restaurant, and constructing a penthouse to reclaim the lost view that once defined the Belmont experience.
Controversial additions to the development plan also propose 24 apartment units and a parking facility along Fort Worth Avenue, a move that has drawn criticism for potentially clashing with the hotel’s original architectural design conceived by Charles Dilbeck.
Sally Johnson, a member of the original redesign team, previously praised the Belmont’s unique blend of styles, echoing sentiment that modern changes should preserve its character.
Chair of the designation committee, Daron Tapscott, commended the overall vision for the property but expressed dismay at the proposed apartment project, which some local residents fear could encroach on their properties and alter the neighborhood’s character.
Weeks vocalized her concerns, as the development appears to threaten the views and tranquility of nearby residences, causing distress among community members.
In a move to address these complications, Ford reiterated the historical significance of the Belmont, promising to create a plan that respects the past while considering future viability.
However, substantial obstacles remain, including the zoning complexities that necessitate obtaining permits for hotel use, a process described as lengthy and contentious.
As the hotel has operated under different regulations since its inception in 1946, the path to reopening is fraught with legal hurdles that could prolong the timeline further.
Ford, the son of SMU trustee Gerald J. Ford, acknowledged the issues surrounding the property, stating that the complexities have contributed to the ongoing delay.
Despite repeated assurances that the hotel will eventually return to its former glory, the reality is that significant revitalization efforts are still in the works, with no clear end in sight.
The community, represented by devoted residents like Cook and Weeks, remains invested in the hotel’s future.
While they have been patient throughout the negotiations, the sentiment of frustration is palpable, as neighbors worry about the building’s deteriorating state and the potential for further decay.
As Cook articulated, the community’s involvement is driven by the recognition of the Belmont’s role in local history and its potential future impact on the area.
“Unfortunately my name carries a lot of weight in this town,” Cook remarked, reflecting her commitment to ensuring the Belmont thrives rather than deteriorates into obscurity.
The overall sentiment is a mixture of hope and skepticism as the project remains caught in a web of bureaucracy and community concern.
As Cook candidly concluded, her feelings towards the current situation are palpable: “I am sad. I am disgusted. I am ticked off.”
The ongoing saga of the Belmont Hotel is a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving historical landmarks and navigating modern development demands.
For now, the empty hotel on the hill stands as a poignant symbol of both lost vibrancy and the potential for renewal.
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