The Land Title Building is a monument to architectural grandeur and historical interest that is tucked away in the center of Fort Worth, Texas. The building’s original stained glass windows whisper tales of its illustrious past, and its superb pressed red brick walls and red sandstone trim complete its eclectic Romanesque Revival design.
The Land Title Building has seen many changes in businesses and eras go by. It was once home to the Land Mortgage Bank of Texas, the Chamberlin Investment Co., and the legal office of Ross, Herd & Ross. Still, it stands, proudly emblazoned with R.H.R.
Does the Land Title Building have a death toll?
An incredibly lengthy list of previous tenants—as well as their deaths—is revealed when one looks into the building’s history since it was built in 1887.
It was once a Land Mortgage Bank and the Law Firm of Ross, Herd & Ross. Since then, it has changed into a beerhouse, a jazz club, a blue-collar meal plate diner, and even a burger place with a soap opera motif.
Surprisingly, the last item on the list provides some information on the potential haunters of the structure.
A 1983 story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram stated that one of the women who had the idea to open Soaps Restaurant and Bar had a family member die in the establishment.
Sadly for Shirley, Soap’s was only operational for about a year until it was forced to close as a result of water pipe damage.
Read More: Ghostly Gems: Discovering Connecticut’s Hidden Ghost Town Treasures
History of the Land Title Building
Marshall Sanguinet began construction of the Land Title Building in 1889. One of the few historic structures still standing in the neighborhood is this one.
It is regarded as one of Fort Worth’s most significant and best-surviving Victorian business buildings, despite being flanked by new construction.
There appears to be a pattern in local newspapers over the 130 years that the Land Title Block has been in place. For many years, it functioned as a sophisticated legal practice for a trio of lawyers, contrasting vividly with the vice and drinking establishments of Fort Worth’s early history.
White Way Cafe was a popular quick service restaurant in the 1960s. By the 1970s, it had transformed into a jazz club and was even frequented by Julie Newmar, the original Catwoman on television.
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, which is still operating today, was one of the building’s longest-tenant businesses. However, in 2013, the firm moved out to make room for expansion.
Read More: Louisiana’s Ghostly Past: 5 Abandoned Places Waiting to Be Explored
Present Condition of The Land Title Building
According to project managers Bennett and Benner Partners, the Land Title Building had its most recent restoration in 2013, which eliminated earlier modifications while preserving the building’s surviving historic character.
There are several historic features still present in the structure, such as the stained glass ceiling fan over the front door and the second-floor fireplace that dates back 130 years.
The owner of Bird Cafe declared in May 2020 that the COVID-19 financial impact had made it impossible for the eatery to stay open.
In order to maintain the Land Title Building’s historic significance, perhaps a new company will locate there. Look out for those stained glass windows on the second story in the interim. Please report any ghosts you see staring back at you.
Read More: From Glory to Ghost: The Untold History of Missouri’s Abandoned Reservoir
To Conclude
One reminder of Fort Worth’s long past is the Land Title Building. The structure has evolved to fit the ever-changing city, from its opulent beginnings as a financial center to its latter periods as a thriving restaurant and music scene.
The Land Title Building’s genuine legacy is its architectural beauty and its capacity to alter and serve the community, even though rumors of ghosts and former inhabitants add to the building’s interest.
After undergoing renovations, it appears that the building will carry on with its intriguing history for a very long time.
The Land Title Building’s striking facade is a reminder of Fort Worth’s rich history and a blank canvas for its exciting future, so keep a look out for it the next time you’re in the area.
