A hotel centered around a historic Fort Worth building is coming to the Near Southside neighborhood: Called The Nobleman Hotel, it's a Tapestry Collection by Hilton concept, opening at 503 Bryan Ave. in the Magnolia Avenue-area of Fort Worth.

According to a release, it'll open in early 2025.

The development is anchored by the No. 5 Fire Station, a landmark building from 1911 that was home to many noble Fort Worth firefighters, thus the name of the hotel.

Developed by Jeff Blackman of Bedford Lodging, the property wraps a collection of 153 guest rooms and suites — including 121 guest rooms and 32 extended stay suites with kitchenettes — around the original 1911 building.

The release notes that each brick is a remembrance of the firefighters who protected Fort Worth, including halting the great South Side fire from reducing the city to ashes.

The Nobleman Hotel, Tapestry Collection by HiltonCourtesy

The restored fire station serves as the heart of the hotel, housing guest check-in, communal areas, game spaces, and a new chef-driven restaurant called Duchess.

Amenities include a pool, fitness center, 1,500 square feet of meeting and outdoor event space.

“The Nobleman will be a stylish and approachable addition to the Near Southside neighborhood,” says Blackman in a statement. “We want to be a destination for the weekend traveler, for those visiting our renowned medical district, for business purposes, and definitely for our local residents — we want it to become the go-to neighborhood spot.”

Spacious communal areas, rooms, and restaurant are designed by Kathy Moran Clarson, founder and owner of KMC&A Design, a design firm that specializes in the interior design of hotels and resorts.

The hotel's entry in the 1911 building is enhanced by a revitalized staircase that includes the actual fireman’s pole. A lobby features restored white tiled walls, brass accents, and concrete floors. Outdoor spaces are outfitted with fireplaces and green landscaping as well as activity spaces.

Original fire stationCourtesy

Dining
The in-house restaurant Duchess will be located in the fire station building at street level — setting the tone of the property with an energetic and lively atmosphere.

The cuisine will be New American with a Texas influence, with a menu conceived by a name known nationally as well as in Dallas-Fort Worth: Casey Thompson, who worked at The Mansion on Turtle Creek before rocketing to fame when she appeared as a contestant on Top Chef. In 2010, she helped launch Brownstone, a restaurant in Fort Worth's West 7th district where she served as a consulting chef for a year.

Thompson is concepting the menu at Duchess and will help recruit an executive chef, still to be named. Dishes named so far include Texas burrata, snapper crudo, brined roasted hen, red snapper, and a center-cut filet.

"Duchess will create a unique destination within the neighborhood, welcoming both hotel guests and locals alike," says Blackman. "Our property is designed to offer a heightened hospitality and a delicious culinary experience that will stand out in the city’s competitive market."

The team working on the project includes the Dallas-based agency Ashlar Projects, creating the hotel branding, and Kansas-based Crossland Construction, providing construction services.

With public spaces fostering community engagement, Duchess, and guest rooms providing a comfortable respite, the hotel is set to become a preferred destination for leisure and business travelers, as well as medical district visitors and employees.

Bedford Lodging was founded in 2013 by owner and president Jeff Blackman, who has more than 25 years of hospitality expertise in all aspects of the hotel business and is affiliated with the development of more than 150 properties. Bedford Lodging has developed 10 hotels and acquired four since inception, many in Colorado including The Hoffman Hotel in Basalt, SpringHill Suites in Lakewood, Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott in Lakewood, and the AC Hotel in Frisco (Colorado not Texas), as well as The Waters Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas.