About Us
Our story
From forgotten corners to a flourishing community—Uptown’s story is one of bold vision, collaborative investment, and purposeful transformation.
Over 130 years old, Uptown has always been part of the Dallas story—but its modern-day renaissance began just a few decades ago. Once an area in decline, Uptown found new life in the late 1980s when visionary developers and residents began to see its potential. With partnerships, patience, and public investment, a dynamic urban neighborhood began to emerge.
“People thought we were crazy—but we believed in what Uptown could be.”
Phil Cobb, Founding Board Member
In 1988, local developers teamed up with the City of Dallas to launch a bold revitalization effort. The city established the State-Thomas Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district—Dallas’s first—which helped fund critical infrastructure like repaved streets, buried utilities, and improved water and sewage systems. Residential growth soon followed, kickstarted by early projects like The Meridian and The Worthington, proving there was real demand for city living in Dallas.
The momentum grew. In the early 1990s, the Cityplace development brought new commercial energy to the district, and by 1992, new infrastructure, a trolley extension, and destination retail like Target and Albertsons were drawing even more residents and visitors. West Village opened in 2000, solidifying Uptown as one of Dallas’s most vibrant urban hubs.
“This wasn’t just development. It was a commitment to walkability, livability, and connection.”
Neal Sleeper, Uptown Visionary
Recognizing the need for organized management and continued improvement, local stakeholders created Uptown, Inc. in 1992. The following year, the Uptown Public Improvement District (UPID) was officially formed—funded by property owners and overseen by what would become Uptown Dallas Inc. This PID model ensures ongoing investments in safety, beautification, mobility, and more.
“We saw a need to protect Uptown’s growth and invest in its future—together.”
Hank Rossi, first Board Member
Since then, Uptown Dallas Inc. has led the charge in managing and maintaining the neighborhood’s public spaces, funding enhancements, supporting events and transportation, and representing the community’s collective voice. The UPID continues to be renewed with strong support from the very community it serves.
Uptown has become a model for urban living in Dallas—walkable, connected, and full of life. And our work is far from done.
