Urban Blocks

Jarrett McKinney
Dec 21, 2015
1 min read

I was visiting my folks up in Fort Worth and came across this blockwork tucked away in an alley behind 7th street. Ever since I saw it, the work has been kicking around in my head.

Why isn’t this more popular? The actual cutting and laying of the block isn’t particularly complex (well, except for maybe an “M” or “Q”), and it looks great! Industrial and modern, but not bland. Cinderblock walls are a dime a dozen, and businesses all over town struggle to make their budget block walls more interesting. Here’s their solution! It really draws the eye and makes amazing use out of such a ubiquitous piece of masonry. It’s too bad that it’s built into an alley wall that exists to hide the dumpsters and workers on their smoke breaks.

These little masonic flourishes are far too rare when it comes to commercial and residential buildings, which is a shame; they are details that shape the spirit of a city for generations.