312-314 Houston Street, Commercial Building/Caravan of Dreams Performing Arts Center, c. 1884-85; 1981-82; 1991. One of the earliest extant commercial structures in Fort Worth (see also CBD 84, 111, 118), this two-story stone Victorian commercial building was probably built around 1884-85. City directory records show that the first tenant, James B. Grigsby and Jane Bondurant’s “City Saloon,” was located at 314 Houston St. by 1885. Fort Worth Printing House occupied both sections of the building shortly thereafter. Fife and Miller, a carriage and buggy dealer was located here from about 1900 until 1909, followed through the mid-1920s by a variety of tenants including a paint store, motor company, grocery, and furniture store. Both sections of the building were significantly altered through the years, including the modernization of the storefronts and the application of aluminum siding. Along with the building at 308-10 Houston Street (CBD 82), this structure was renovated in 1981-82 to serve as the Caravan of Dreams. The front facade with its original detailing, including the elaborate metal cornice, arched windows, and carved stone hood molds, was preserved and a new building constructed behind it. Margret Augustine of Sarbid Ltd. and James R. Wooten and Associates were the project architects. Thomas S. Byrne, Inc. was the general contractor. In 1991 Margret Augustine again served as architect for an interior renovation of the club.
