A popular Old Fourth Ward restaurant, Ladybird, is expanding with a second location, Ladybird Westside, in West Midtown’s transforming Star Metals District. The project aims to help turn the district into a lively mixed-use hub before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The focus is on adaptive-reuse, open-air spaces, and dining experiences that blend history with modern hospitality.
Ladybird Westside: A New Phase in Star Metals District
The new venue will occupy about one acre of the 3.3-acre Star Metals site. It will be a mostly open-air complex that highlights industrial heritage and modern design.
As Phase 6 of Star Metals, Ladybird Westside benefits from a unique height variance. The restaurant plans to move into Phase 4 when that future phase is ready.
A Custom Open-Air Concept in West Midtown
Ladybird Westside is designed as an adaptive-reuse centerpiece. It will feature open walls, partial roofs, murals, large greenspaces, and a beer garden alongside a full kitchen and bar.
This approach creates a relaxed yet polished dining space that honors the district’s industrial past. It also delivers a fresh outdoor dining experience.
Strategic Timing Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The project targets an opening before June 14, 2026, aligning with the area’s growth ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Nearby, a high-end cocktail bar called Incognito is also set to open by the same date.
A separate 17th-floor cocktail venue, Rabbit Ears, is awaiting final approvals in the Stella tower. These openings are part of a push to make Star Metals a top mixed-use destination.
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Stella at Star Metals: A Rising Mixed-Use Destination
Stella is the main development in the district. Construction is complete on the first phase, and about 60 percent of its retail is already leased.
The centerpiece is a 327-unit residential tower designed by Oppenheim Architecture. Its curved, copper-toned facade pays tribute to the area’s metalworks history while creating a modern look.
Architectural Identity and Design Partners
The master plan covers about 10 acres of connected spaces. The total planned investment is around $1.5 billion.
Design firms like Arcturis/Square Feet Studio and HAND Studio have shaped the district’s interiors and exteriors. Their work combines industrial textures with refined luxury.
Retail, Office, and Residential Milestones
As Stella grows, retail and hospitality options are expanding alongside office and residential spaces. Notable projects include Sentral at Star Metals and nearby office and retail buildings.
These additions aim to create a lively, walkable environment for the district’s future.
Amenities, Parking, and Dining Momentum
Stella has improved on-site parking to make visits easier and avoid past issues with parking shortages. The current plan sets parking at $5 for the first two hours, with a $7 evening valet.
Parking Strategy and Guest Experience
This pricing supports late-night dining and entertainment, while encouraging turnover in retail and hospitality spaces. The goal is to offer a better guest experience for both locals and visitors, including those coming for the World Cup.
Nearby Culinary Moves
The district is expanding its food offerings. Füm, a modern Italian restaurant, opened in February at Stella’s ground level.
Füm features a dramatic interior, open kitchen, hearth, DJ booth, cocktail and wine areas, pasta-making room, and a dry-ager. These elements show how the district combines craft with modern dining.
Interior Design and Public Spaces
Interiors across Star Metals use tactile materials and sculptural details. Highlights include a steel spiral staircase by Mill & Forge and custom furniture.
Finishes like walnut, leather, velvet, and blackened steel help create a warm, stylish setting for both nightlife and daytime retail.
What This Means for West Midtown and the Region
Star Metals District is shaping up as a transformative, long-term project. It could redefine West Midtown’s urban fabric.
The combination of Ladybird Westside and Stella’s rising presence signals a new era of walkable, transit-oriented development. A robust retail and office mix adds to this momentum.
For architects and engineers, the project offers a compelling study in adaptive reuse strategies. It also highlights midcentury-modern-inspired public spaces and the integration of entertainment-led hospitality with a dense, mixed-use footprint.
The master plan is moving toward a 10-acre footprint and a $1.5 billion investment. Star Metals blends historical identity with high-density urban living for a resilient, future-ready district.
Here is the source article for this story: Warehouse remake Ladybird Westside approaches grand opening
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