Downtown Fort Worth Inc.

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Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. was founded in 1981 when the center city was like many urban areas in America: unattractive, unsafe and underutilized. The streets of Downtown were virtually empty at night and many buildings were empty during the day.

DFWI was founded on the belief that, one day, Downtown would be more than a place to work.  It would be a thriving center of commerce and culture. At that time, the downtown revitalization had already begun, thanks to two visionary men: Charles Tandy and Sid Bass. The Tandy Center and Worthington Hotel, then called the Americana, laid the foundation for the future of Fort Worth’s center city. 

The private sector built new office towers, the City and County participated in Downtown planning and infrastructure programs, restaurants, nightclubs and retail stores opened Downtown, and people began to return to the core in large numbers. New residential options encouraged Downtown living, and improved hospitality and entertainment offerings brought renewed economic activity. Popular events attracted new audiences to rediscover the appeal of Downtown Fort Worth. 

Through incremental improvements, Downtown Fort Worth became a national model for exciting, safe and walkable urban areas. Through it all, DFWI has helped make it happen, forging productive partnerships with the city, property owners, business developers and corporations.

Today, we’re still working hard to improve Downtown Fort Worth, providing a strong and positive voice for all of those who work, live and play Downtown.

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH TODAY
Downtown Fort Worth has made tremendous strides in the past 25 years, and DFWI has been involved every step of the way. In fact, many people are surprised to learn about the many things we do on behalf of our city.

DFWI:
Manages the Public Improvement District
Manages the Tax Increment Financing District
Manages a Transportation Management Association
Staffs the Downtown Neighborhood Alliance
Staffs the Home Tour Downtown
Advocates for quality development
Represents Downtown regarding civic and social issues
Produces the Downtown Candidate Forum