The Nobleman Fort Worth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the hotel's chef-driven restaurant, Duchess, opens in the Near Southside and Magnolia Avenue-area of Fort Worth. The hotel and restaurant are anchored by the historic façade of the original No. 5 Fire Station — a landmark building from 1911 that was home to many noble Fort Worth firefighters, and the inspiration behind the hotel name.
Developed by Jeff Blackman of Bedford Lodging, the property wraps a collection of 153 guestrooms and suites — a compilation of 121 guestrooms and 32 extended stay suites with kitchenettes — around the restored fire station structure that functions as the heart of the hotel, housing guest check-in, communal areas, game spaces, and Duchess.
"The Nobleman Hotel and our Duchess restaurant will be stylish and approachable additions to the Near Southside neighborhood," Blackman said in a statement. "We want to be a destination for the weekend traveler, for those visiting our renowned medical district, for business purposes, and to serve as a new, consistent dining spot for our local residents — we want to be the go-to neighborhood place."
Hotel amenities include a pool, fitness center, and 2,000-square-feet of meeting and outdoor event spaces, along with terraces. Further enhancing the guest experience, the culinary concept Duchess is found in the historic fire station building at street level, setting the tone of the property with an energetic and lively atmosphere.
Owner Blackman enlisted consultant chef Casey Thompson — known for her career at The Mansion Restaurant in Dallas that eventually led to multiple appearances on Top Chef — to concept Duchess' breakfast and dinner menus and to source an executive chef (to be named at a later date). Duchess will have approachable New American cuisine with a Texas influence and driven by seasonal ingredients.
In partnership with Lucchese Bootmaker, the Duchess bar program will have a tequila-based specialty cocktail, Lucchese Craftsman. The iconic bootmaker is also elevating the bar dining experience with their signature branded leather coasters and a Lucchese boot display.
The Nobleman's spacious communal areas, rooms, bar and restaurant are designed by Kathy Moran-Clarson, owner of KMC&A Design. The hotel's arrival experience in the 1911 building is enhanced with the revitalized staircase — including the actual fireman's pole — and a lobby with restored white tiled walls and brass accents. Public gathering areas offer a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on local materials and craftsmanship, while luxury outdoor spaces are outfitted with fireplaces, greenery, heaters, misters and leisure activity spaces.
The Nobleman Hotel and the Duchess identities were created and brought to life by Ashlar Projects' co-owners Brooke Hollis Hortenstine and Missy Wyszynski — the hotel and restaurant logos, messaging, menus, social media, visuals and more. Kansas-based Crossland Construction provided construction services, and the national hospitality management company, Crestline Hotels and Resorts, will manage the property.