Wilks Development
A rendering of the Public Market building.
Wilks Development announced on Tuesday that The Harden at Public Market, a 199-unit apartment community located behind the historic Fort Worth Public Market, has received approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to transition from senior living to conventional housing, opening the property to residents of all ages.
The Harden opened in October 2025 and offers one- and two-bedroom residences ranging from 723 to 1,550 square feet. Rental rates start at $1,391. They are available to lease immediately.
The multifamily residences were completed in conjunction with the renovation of the Fort Worth Public Market, a historic building protected at both the state and federal levels.
“With increased interest in the Fort Worth Public Market and The Harden from a wider range of Fort Worth residents, opening the community to all ages makes sense, so more people can enjoy the residences while allowing us to better support both buildings in the long term,” said Kyle Wilks, CEO and president of Wilks Development. “People have been driving by the Public Market for years, hoping to see it revitalized. Now they can live right next to it and walk over.”
Amenities include pickleball courts, a fitness center, a resort-style amenity deck with a pool and spa, and views of the Public Market tower and downtown Fort Worth. The community also features a clubhouse with coworking space and a pool table, along with a dog park.
Jenna and Micah Kinard are partnering with Wilks Development to bring three concepts to the almost 20,000-square-foot building that served as a farmers market when it was constructed more than 90 years ago.
The centerpiece will be upscale dining with what the team is calling “Texas flair.” Madrone will feature chef’s tasting menus and private dining experiences with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Madrone is a Texas evergreen tree that thrives in West Texas, and the flavor of the restaurant will be uniquely Texana, with a focus on seasonal native ingredients providing, says Jenna, “a taste of Texas in an elevated way.”
Complementing the restaurant will be Willow, a cocktail bar and lounge with a premium liquor locker program.
On the building’s north side will be the Public Market Café & Goods, which will feature freshly baked goods, coffee, and locally made products. The Kinards plan to grow hydroponic produce on-site, including microgreens, herbs, and tomatoes, while curating goods from regional farmers and makers, an homage to the building’s origins.
Those are expected to open this summer.
“Once the Public Market’s restaurant, café/market, and cocktail bar are open, this will be a vibrant area to live,” Wilks said.