Downtown Fort Worth Live Cam

Burnett Plaza is the Tallest Building in Fort Worth

Live Webcam Burnett Plaza, Downtown Fort Worth, Texas - United States

Downtown Fort Worth History

Downtown Fort Worth has a rich and colorful history that spans more than 150 years. The area was originally settled in the mid-1800s by pioneers who were drawn to the natural resources and fertile land of the Trinity River Valley. Fort Worth was established as a military outpost in 1849 to protect settlers from Indian attacks.

As the city grew, the downtown area became the hub of commerce and culture in Fort Worth. In the late 1800s, the city's economy was driven by the cattle industry, and the famous Fort Worth Stockyards were just a few miles to the north. The downtown area was home to numerous saloons, hotels, and businesses that catered to the cowboys and ranchers who came to town to buy and sell livestock.

In the early 1900s, Fort Worth began to diversify its economy, and the downtown area saw a building boom as banks, department stores, and other businesses set up shop. The city's first skyscraper, the 20-story Flatiron Building, was completed in 1907 and remains an iconic landmark to this day.

During the mid-20th century, the downtown area experienced a decline as suburbanization and the rise of shopping malls drew business and residents away from the city center. However, in the 1980s, the city began a revitalization effort that focused on preserving and restoring the historic buildings and landmarks in the downtown area.

Today, Downtown Fort Worth is a vibrant and thriving urban center that boasts numerous restaurants, bars, cultural attractions, and businesses. The area is home to the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Sundance Square entertainment district, and the Bass Performance Hall, which is widely regarded as one of the finest performing arts venues in the country.

Downtown Fort Worth Top Tourist Attractions

  • Sundance Square: This 35-block entertainment district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, theaters, and bars, and is one of the most popular destinations in the city.
  • Fort Worth Water Gardens: This stunning urban park features a series of pools, fountains, and waterfalls that are popular with both tourists and locals.
  • Fort Worth Stockyards: Located just north of downtown, the Stockyards are a historic district that celebrates Fort Worth's cowboy culture with daily cattle drives, rodeos, and western-themed shops and restaurants.
  • Bass Performance Hall: This beautiful performing arts venue hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and musicals throughout the year, and is home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Texas Ballet Theater.
  • Kimbell Art Museum: This world-renowned museum houses a collection of art from around the world, including works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Monet.
  • Amon Carter Museum of American Art: This museum showcases the art and culture of the American West, with a collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden: This beautiful garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from around the world, and features several themed areas, including a Japanese garden and a rose garden.
  • Fort Worth Zoo: This popular zoo is home to over 7,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
  • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth: This museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, including works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
  • National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame: This museum celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of women in the American West, with exhibits that showcase the history of cowgirls, rodeo queens, and other trailblazers.

Downtown Fort Worth Climate

Downtown Fort Worth has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer months (June through August) is around 94°F (34°C), while the average low temperature in the winter months (December through February) is around 34°F (1°C).

The city also receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of around 35 inches (890 mm). The wettest months are typically May and June, while the driest months are typically August and September.

Like much of Texas, Downtown Fort Worth can experience occasional severe weather events, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hailstorms. It's important to stay aware of the weather forecast and any warnings issued by local authorities during severe weather.

Downtown Fort Worth Geography

The city is situated in the Trinity River Valley, with the Trinity River running along the western edge of downtown.

The downtown area is roughly bordered by the Trinity River to the west, Interstate 35W to the east, and West 7th Street to the south. The northern boundary of the downtown area varies depending on the specific neighborhood or district, but generally includes the Stockyards and the Cultural District.

Downtown Fort Worth is relatively flat, with an elevation of around 650 feet (200 meters) above sea level. The area is located on the eastern edge of the Great Plains, which stretch westward to the Rocky Mountains.

The surrounding area is characterized by prairies and grasslands, with occasional stands of trees and small waterways. The nearby Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.

Burnett Plaza

Burnett Plaza is a skyscraper located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. The building was completed in 1983 and stands 40 stories tall, making it the third-tallest building in the city.

The building was developed by the Burnett Foundation, which was established by Texas oilman Cullen Davis and his wife, Priscilla. The foundation was created to support various charitable causes and initiatives in the Fort Worth area.

The design of Burnett Plaza was inspired by the Renaissance Revival style of architecture, with a distinctive stepped pyramid shape that rises to a peak of 567 feet (173 meters). The building's exterior is clad in polished granite, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.

In addition to its striking appearance, Burnett Plaza has been praised for its state-of-the-art engineering and energy efficiency. The building features a high-performance curtain wall system that helps to reduce solar heat gain and improve thermal performance, as well as other energy-saving technologies such as energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. Over the years, Burnett Plaza has been home to numerous businesses and organizations, including law firms, financial institutions, and government agencies. The building has also been featured in several films and television shows, including the hit TV series Dallas, which used Burnett Plaza as the setting for the offices of Ewing Oil.