On Wednesday, city officials met with Loutex, saying the company has until next week to hire an engineering firm to determine the risks to tenants, emergency responders and surrounding buildings. Owners must submit the report to the city by the end of the month and start any necessary repairs by Feb. 10. The building's been sitting there nine months with plywood over the windows and some other temporary measures. The building has been deemed structurally sound and is safe for tenants and visitors, said Bill Lawrence, a Loutex spokesman. People can access only the few floors where businesses remain, including the upscale Reata restaurant on the 35th floor.
Some elevators are closed, and some escalators are roped off.
There are sidewalk covers, and the windows that were blown out are still boarded. Loutex still plans to sell the building, which opened in 1974 as the Fort Worth National Bank building and was praised for its architecture. Farris recently bought another building near downtown and plans to move his law practice next month. We've enjoyed being here. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved.