FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) – It’s been nearly 20 years since a tornado lumbered through downtown Fort Worth and experts say the deadly storm left behind more than just destruction.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that experts say the twister in 2000, which caused an estimated $400 million in damage, triggered a valuable opportunity for business redevelopment and more housing.
Insurance Council of Texas records show the tornado that killed two people in Fort Worth was the 21st costliest storm in state history.
Fort Worth architect and urban planner Phillip Poole says the storm provided an opportunity to redevelop along the West Seventh corridor.
Tarrant Appraisal District records show that from 2000 to 2018, the value of the storm-damaged areas of downtown and the Cultural District increased 359 percent from $1.63 billion to $7.48 billion.
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