Crystal Wise
Investors in the original Woodhaven development in the early 1970s included Perry and Sid Bass, as well as former Texas Gov. John Connally. The investor in the modern iteration is Crescendo, led by Will Northern, who is working on a vision for redevelopment.
Will Northern has an affinity for big, complex projects. He loves the challenge of pulling deals together — regardless of how complicated.
On the brokerage side, he helped assemble real estate in Pretlow Riddick’s vision for Criterion on Race Street. For his work there he was recognized by peers.
Now, Northern is about to take on the biggest deal of his life.
Northern, who co-manages Northern Crain Realty, has founded Crescendo Development, a sole proprietorship, which, according to its mission statement, is an “entrepreneurial, community-centric real estate development company creating value through land planning, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation of complex projects in Fort Worth and surrounding communities.”
The name “Crescendo” is a nod to Northern’s lifelong avocation as a drummer and the building increase of volume and sometimes tempo of a piece of music that grows to an apex.
Well, Northern’s first deal has certainly reached a point, quite a point. It’s a whopper with lots of intrigue.
But it could a catalytic moment for a part of the city that needs one.
Last week, Crescendo acquired more than 160 acres in Woodhaven on Fort Worth’s East Side in a foreclosure auction for $8.5 million.
Investors in the original Woodhaven development in the early 1970s included Perry and Sid Bass, as well as former Texas Gov. John Connally. It featured a club and a hilly, 18-hole golf course. It sat on ranch property formerly owned by the Boaz family.
There has been a decrescendo at Woodhaven in recent years.
About 92% of Woodhaven’s homes are multifamily or townhomes. Yet, many of the neighborhood’s 22 apartment complexes are deemed substandard. Crime statistics, which have spiraled over the decades, are clearly showing there is work to be done.
Northern, a TCU graduate in business administration and entrepreneurial management, learned real estate by managing and redeveloping his family portfolio of a dozen historic buildings around the San Saba courthouse.
In his former role as chair of the Fort Worth Zoning Commission, he was involved in more than 1,500 zoning cases. He always liked the front seat vantage point of learning how projects and proposals are done well and not so well. In fact, Northern says he doesn’t think he would be as prepared for his Woodhaven project without having experienced the hours and hours of listening to both sides of zoning issues.
Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens, who represents the area, says the project’s timing is perfect. She recently convened several meetings with Woodhaven stakeholders eager to see positive redevelopment.
There is already much wondering about Woodhaven Golf Course. Will Northern reopen it? His answer: It’s a question that is complicated and challenging.
“The best uses of the properties will be fully explored in the coming months. I will soon be reaching out to hear what residents and property owners think about the current conditions here. I would like to understand their experiences, viewpoints, and even dreams.”