Fortunately, we were wrong.

Our thanks go to Fort Worth Weekly, the smart, straight-talking magazine that named So7 the Best Urban Diggs of 2010 just last week. Once again, we were celebrated for our enviable location and our “neatly kept, oh-so-hip” approach to things.

For the handful of you who don’t know Fort Worth Weekly, here’s a good description of their publication in their own words: “The Weekly provides a vibrant alternative to the city’s often-timid daily, with award-winning and irreverent reporters who keep readers well informed and the powers-that-be worried.”

Keeping readers well informed and being unafraid to speak the truth, huh? Well, let’s see what Fort Worth Weekly had to say about you know who.

According to the publication’s website, So7 was named the Critics’ Choice for Best Urban Digs of 2010, and here’s why: “This neatly kept, oh-so-hip development is a bit pricey but well worth it when you consider that it’s within walking distance of a park, hike-and-bike trails, high-end shops, sports bars, nightclubs, fancy restaurants, a movie tavern, and even a Target superstore.”

What the critics are saying here about real value strikes at the heart of true urban living. With a remarkable location in Fort Worth comes a remarkably distinct way of living. A home at So7 provides you with the freedom to discover all of the benefits of a downtown atmosphere, while experiencing wellness in every sense of the word.

By walking or taking public transportation to your favorite restaurants and retail shops, you are getting exercise, saving money, reducing your carbon footprint and avoiding the unnecessary hassles of parking downtown.

The nearby park and hike-and-bike trails are invaluable, especially when you consider the rate at which Fort Worth is growing. With a protected green space right in the neighborhood, you can enjoy a little fresh air and avoid gym membership fees at the same time.

These are just a few of the benefits from Urban Living on the Park in Fort Worth. To see what the neighborhood is all about, check out the Cultural District and a word from our President Ken Hughes.

For the first time ever, So7 has been included on the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) list of approved condominiums and townhomes projects. This approval is a notable achievement for the downtown Forth Worth urban development because it makes it easier than ever for prospective homebuyers to secure financing.

What’s more, the approval couldn’t have come at a better time. With the full backing of the US government, FHA loans provide most lenders with the peace of mind they need to lend money to individuals who might not otherwise qualify for more conventional mortgages. If you are a young professional or a first-time homebuyer, this is great news.

Here’s why.

With a FHA loan, you don’t have to have a substantial down payment or, in some cases, a down payment at all in order to purchase a home. Furthermore, your credit history may not even come into play. So even if your credit score is less than perfect, you will not be forced into seeking financing from alternative lenders with higher rates and fees.

While other mortgages require capital reserves after closing (two or three months worth of mortgages in your accounts), an FHA loan means that you may be able to get into a So7 condo loft with less cash on-hand.

Over the last six months, we have sold and closed 13 homes, nine of which sold and closed during July and August which have periodically been our slowest time of the year. Listed below are some of the many advantages that borrowers may enjoy from FHA loans:

• Down payments as low as 3.5%, much lower than a conventional mortgage. The entire down payment can be borrowed or even received as a gift from a homebuyer’s relative or close friend, an employer, a charitable organization or a government agency.
• Family members are eligible to co-sign for the loan amount.
• Low monthly payments.
• Low mortgage rates.
• A seller or other third party is also allowed to help pay the buyer’s closing costs.
• FHA loans have no pre-payment penalty.
• FHA guidelines are more flexible than conventional financing.
• FHA loans are assumable as long as new buyer qualifies (e.g., you can pass along your low rate if you decide to move).

The FHA can also help homebuyers finance their closing costs. Sellers can pay up to 6% of the sales price towards closing costs (note: as long as it is negotiated and agreed with the developer in advance).

Although these benefits are geared more toward homebuyers, there are benefits for current homeowners as well. Should you ever decide to sell your home at So7 (why would anyone do such a thing?), you’ll be glad to know that prospective homebuyers can secure financing more easily.

Whether you are already living here or are thinking seriously about purchasing, it’s definitely an exciting time to be at So7. We still stand behind each and every condo loft and townhome we sell. It’s just that now Uncle Sam stands behind them too.

Not to mention it would be a pretty cool ride.

Perhaps Fort Worth’s official website says it best: “This mode of transportation could open the door to a contemporary, urbanized Fort Worth, connecting neighborhoods and business corridors, promoting economic development in key areas and creating high-density and mixed-used development in the heart of the city.”

Contemporary? Urbanized? Connecting neighborhoods and business corridors? Could Fort Worth’s modern streetcar project be any more closely aligned with our vision at So7? No wonder we love public transportation so much.

Sure, the modern streetcar system would be a neat addition to the cityscape, but if you are like us, you may be wondering: where does the project stand now? Well, here’s a quick synopsis of the project’s recent developments and next steps.

In June the city’s Streetcar Task Force met with the consulting engineering firm, HDR Engineering, to discuss the scope of services for Phase 1 and 2. The task force reviewed the framework for the route options, economic analysis and evaluation criteria.

Now HDR is putting together a comprehensive picture of the project’s overall economic impact on the city. A study is also underway to examine funding sources for the project. These steps will help determine the feasibility of streetcars in Fort Worth.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, there is an open house and a public meeting about the project next Monday, August 9th, at 5:30 pm at the Intermodal Transportation Center. For complete details, click here or call Janeen Wells at 817-332-0404.

Soon the whole world will get a taste of what we already know and love—the restaurants, the bars, the whole North Texas vibe. So whether you tune in for the big game or the commercials, we’ll see you right back here in February.

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 21, 2010) — Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief and Ed Bass, developer of Sundance Square, announced today ESPN, Inc. has chosen downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square as its production headquarters for Super Bowl XLV. More than 80 hours of ESPN television coverage, as well as ESPN Radio shows, and other related content across ESPN’s multimedia platforms will be based out of Sundance Square. On-site telecasts will begin Monday, January 31st, 2011, and all shows will be open for free public viewing.

“I cannot think of a better partner for Fort Worth than ESPN,” said Mayor Mike Moncrief. “Super Bowl week is going to be very special for our citizens and ESPN will add to the excitement. We welcome the ESPN team into our family.”  ESPN selected Sundance Square for its ability to showcase the historic Tarrant County Courthouse, skyscrapers and the notable settings in and around Sundance Square.

ESPN will construct a large outdoor set in the Chisholm Trail lot at the heart of Sundance Square with Richard Haas’ three-story trompe l’oeil The Chisholm Trail mural as the backdrop. A separate ESPN Radio set and a demonstration field will also be built in this area. Equipment and production trucks will sit adjacent to the Chisholm Trail lot on the parking lot near the Flying Saucer.

Some of ESPN’s most popular programs will originate from Sundance Square throughout the week, including daily editions of Mike & Mike in the Morning, SportsCenter, NFL Live, a special three-hour edition of Sunday NFL Countdown on Super Bowl Sunday and more.

Chris Berman, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Ron Jaworski, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber, Stuart Scott, Hannah Storm, Trey Wingo and Steve Young are among the many on-air commentators expected to be featured throughout Super Bowl week, along with top guests from the world of sports and entertainment. Program schedules will be released at a later date and all shows will be open for public viewing.

“This is one of the biggest broadcasting opportunities we have ever hosted,” said Ed Bass, Sundance Square developer. “As the cultural heart of the city, Sundance Square offers the perfect location, availability of space, and built-in audience where ESPN can interact with our visitors. ESPN will benefit from this dynamic urban environment and Fort Worth will be showcased as a vibrant, authentic, and diverse city to millions of people across the country.”

ESPN the Magazine has also chosen Fort Worth as the site for its annual NEXT event, one of Super Bowl week’s top parties. ESPN the Magazine will announce the event venue later this year.

ESPN’s Super Bowl week coverage from Fort Worth will be seen and heard across ESPN’s many domestic networks — including in Spanish on ESPN Deportes — and available in more than 100 countries and territories via ESPN International. In addition, ESPN Radio 103.3, the wholly-owned ESPN property based in Dallas-Ft. Worth and one of 750 ESPN Radio affiliates nationwide, will broadcast from Sundance Square during the week.

“The city and business leaders from Fort Worth and Sundance Square have welcomed ESPN with open arms, and we are thrilled that our production headquarters, ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT party and other related events will originate from this world-class destination throughout the week of Super Bowl XLV,” said ESPN Executive Vice President John Skipper.

Super Bowl XLV will be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 6th, 2011.

One way the magazine does this is by turning to its readers once a year to ask their opinion on Tarrant County’s finest on everything from the trendiest restaurants to the hottest hangout spots. Well, when it comes to popular places to live, this year the people spoke loud and clear, naming the 7th Street area as the Best Development for 2010.

Here’s what the magazine had to say about our favorite stomping grounds: “Sluggish economy? Nobody seemed to let the 7th Street corridor between downtown and the cultural district know about it. Quickly becoming a hub for retail and commercial activity in Fort Worth, 7th Street shows no signs of slowing down.”

To see the article for yourself, visit the magazine’s online publication.