During out tour of Ft Worth we also met with Ray Boothe. He is been a major player in growth and redevelopment of the near south side neighborhood in Ft. Worth.
The first place we visited with him was at Brewed.
Brewed is a great little coffee house that has opened up in one of his rehabbed building. Looking at the simple clean lines of this old 50's building... from the outside you cannot imagine how modern it will be inside. 
With simple green landscaping, this building has maintained its original architecture and has been put to a fabulous reuse. 
Inside this coffee house it was bustling with activity and you could tell that despite just recently opening up for business, it is already becoming the cool spot to stop for a drink or bite to eat.
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| Ryan's Deli- coming soon |
Along the same strip we also toured other projects that are still under construction like Ryan's Fine Grocer & Deli.
Ray is also an architect along with being an experienced developer so he has been able to follow his projects through all phases of completion and is an expepert at creative financing and use of TIF funds to get the most out of his projects.
He was very knowledgeable in all phases of construction and explained how he has been utilizing the older buildings natural design and retro fitting them to accomodate the new uses. He is fitting his projects with energy efficient materials, taking advantage of natural lighting and using water conserving landscaping.
He explained how he was able to creatively meet city codes for areas that serve alcohol with minimal cost by building up the grade and the use of retaining walls to get the most out of his space and adding character and design at the same time.  |
| Fire Pit in patio |
He also added little finishing touches to the patio areas like fire pits that I really liked
Since he has been developing this area for years he has many other projects from an old drugstore, a bank and many other mixed use building that contain lofts, restaurants etc.
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