The project: The Fort Worth Stockyard Mule Barns project involved assessing all seven mule barns and preparing repair documents to extend the life of these historic structures.

The goal: The primary objective was to evaluate the condition of the barns, identify necessary repairs, and support the adaptive reuse of the structures for retail, office, restaurant, and event space while preserving their historic integrity.

The design: The assessment included visual observation, limited material testing, and non-destructive testing using an aerial lift. The repair documents addressed concrete damage, steel lattice column repairs, slab replacement, brick masonry repairs, foundation underpinning, supplemental steel framing, and rebuilding of the timber roof structure on the towers. As part of the adaptive reuse, our team developed core and shell documents, including demolition drawings, new storefront windows and canopies, a new slab-on-grade floor structure, and structural evaluations for mechanical unit installations. One of the barns, damaged by a previous fire, required salvaging exterior brick walls and constructing a new barn structure inside.

The outcome: The adaptive reuse of the mule barns preserves their historic character while transforming them into functional, modern spaces. The project included new floor slabs, openings in existing brick masonry for storefront areas, new canopies over doorways, and tenant-specific finishes. By combining structural rehabilitation with thoughtful design, the barns have been revitalized for contemporary use while maintaining their historical significance.