Fort Worth, Texas – Two months after the explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, surrounding businesses affected by the blast are receiving assistance from the city of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Local Development Corp. recently approved $250,000 in funding for a small business disaster recovery stimulus program. This program aims to provide relief to businesses impacted by the explosion on January 8, with grants of up to $50,000 available for eligible businesses.
To qualify for assistance, businesses must have a physical brick-and-mortar location near the Sandman Hotel at 810 Houston Street, employ between one and 50 individuals, and demonstrate a decline in employment or revenue due to the explosion. Additionally, businesses must be City of Fort Worth utility customers and be in good standing with city permits, licenses, utility payments, and property taxes. The funds can be used for various expenses such as rent, employee salaries, insurance costs, and utility payments.
Applications for the funding will be assessed and awarded by the end of April. The review process will involve examining several years of financial records to determine the impact of the explosion on the businesses. Ori Fernandez, Fort Worth’s assistant director of economic development, emphasized the importance of businesses providing comprehensive financial information to receive the appropriate level of support.
Robert Sturns, Fort Worth’s economic development director, highlighted examples of businesses that may benefit from the program, including Barber’s Bookstore, Thompson’s Bookstore speakeasy, and La’Creamian ice cream shop. Although the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, the incident resulted in injuries to 21 individuals and temporary closures of nearby businesses.
First Onsite Property Restoration filed a commercial remodel permit for the hotel’s restoration, indicating a job value of over $1.5 million. Despite inquiries, Northland Properties, the owner of Sandman Hotel, has not provided details on the restoration plans for the hotel, which opened in March 2023.
The Sandman Hotel, located inside the historic W.T. Waggoner Building, was brought to Fort Worth with the assistance of $8 million in incentives. The hotel is part of the Sandman Signature chain, led by Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi. As the city continues its support for affected businesses, the community looks towards recovery and revitalization in the aftermath of the explosion.