Our History

Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI) was created in 1981, when the center city was like many urban areas in America: unattractive, unsafe, and underutilized.  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.

Momentum began to build.  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 Downtown 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.

In 1986 DFWI was responsible for the establishment of the first public improvement district in the State of Texas, Fort Worth Public Improvement District (PID #1).  Property owners within the 335-block PID pay a special assessment above their regular property taxes for a coordinated program of services in six different areas.  The development of the PID marked the continuation and acceleration of Downtown Fort Worth's transformation into one of the most exciting urban areas in the nation. 

In 1996, the Downtown Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) was established as a collaborative effort of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., the City of Fort Worth, FWISD, Tarrant County, Tarrant County College District, and the Tarrant County Regional Water District.  The TIF is managed by Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and has funded a wide variety of projects and initiatives, from free parking downtown to streetscape and facade improvements.  Through a commitment of $60 million in public funds, the TIF has leveraged development approaching $500 million in value, resulting in substantial sales and property tax revenues to the TIF’s taxing partners.  Approximately twelve million dollars remain under the current cap on TIF expenses. 

Through steady improvements, Downtown Fort Worth has become 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.