Cooksey partnered with Southern Land Company (SLC), an award-winning national real estate developer of master-planned, single-family, multifamily and mixed-use communities, to introduce Deco, its $150 million, 27-story luxury high-rise mixed-use community in Downtown Fort Worth.
As the first residential tower in Downtown Fort Worth in more than 30 years, Deco represents a milestone in the city’s evolution of vibrant urban living while also introducing a striking landmark to its skyline. Deco offers residents a collection of resort-inspired amenities with convenient access to dining, shopping and entertainment venues at nearby Sundance Square, parks and transit, including Fort Worth Central Station.
industry
- real estate
services
- corporate social responsibility
- marketing strategy & planning
- media relations
- special events
the challenge
Provide strategic communications services and event planning support to announce Deco’s presence in Fort Worth
SLC is known for its luxury Texas projects in Fort Worth, Houston and Dripping Springs, Texas. SLC also has a national presence with projects in Las Vegas, Nashville, Denver and Philadelphia.
With many competing luxury multifamily projects across the booming North Texas market, Cooksey was challenged with showcasing Deco as a transformational development for Fort Worth – marking the city’s first residential tower in more than 30 years and redefining downtown as a destination for elevated urban living.
SLC partnered with Cooksey to capitalize on the agency’s strong presence across Dallas-Fort Worth, deep expertise and longstanding relationships in the real estate and hospitality industries. Cooksey was tasked with developing a comprehensive media relations plan to generate a steady drumbeat of coverage around the grand opening, while also supporting efforts to foster community engagement and build relationships with key stakeholders.
the strategy
Develop key messaging for Deco as the first luxury high-rise in Downtown Fort Worth in more than 30 years
Cooksey held meetings with the SLC team and toured Deco as part of its extensive research ahead of the grand opening event. Cooksey developed a custom media and influencers list, leveraging its contacts across the real estate, hospitality, lifestyle and economic development sectors to drive consistent media coverage before, during and following Deco’s opening.
Using consistent messaging, Cooksey drafted and distributed a pre-event media advisory that was sent to key media members, coordinated media visits and interviews, and assisted with pre-event planning and preparation.
Cooksey provided community relations support and leveraged existing relationships with key municipalities, chamber of commerce, economic development and real estate sectors to build relationships for the Deco team and build awareness about Deco’s impact on Downtown Fort Worth.
the solution
Execute the tailored strategic communications plan to launch Deco
By deploying its strategies listed ahead of the event, Cooksey delivered high results before, during and after the grand opening event in July. Cooksey secured nearly 25 print placements, including Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Magazine, The Real Deal, Dallas Business Journal, Paper City Magazine and many others. Cooksey landed nearly 10 broadcast clips from local T.V. stations and several recommended paid social media posts from the three local influencers in attendance. On the day of the grand opening, 22 media members and influencers attended.
Cooksey members staffed the grand opening ribbon-cutting and cocktail reception on Deco’s 24th floor, facilitating media tours onsite interviews with Tim Downey, SLC founder and CEO, and Ronan Kearney, senior vice president, head of property management, ahead of the official event kickoff. In addition to more than 200 attendees, distinguished guests included Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Andy Taft, president of Downtown Fort Worth, Fort Worth city council members and Tarrant County commissioners.
Following the event, Cooksey developed and distributed a post-event press release and provided a comprehensive media and paid social media coverage report about the Deco launch and its grand opening event.
