Redevelopment Boom Brings Vibrancy Back to CBD

The newly revitalized downtown CBD is the epicenter of the city (photo credit: visitdallas.com).

DALLAS—Like many downtowns across the country, Dallas lost momentum in the 1960s as new freeways and affordable suburban middle-class homes sucked the growth out of the central business district. Many businesses followed as office buildings rose on the suburban prairies. Before the 60s were over, the city council tried to stop the outward tide by adopting the recommendations of urban planner Vincent Ponte, who designed a system of downtown tunnels and underground retail shops linking the major buildings.

Through the years, the tunnel system grew to more than 2 miles, according to ULI. It provided a convenient lunchtime amenity for downtown office workers but was blamed for choking off life and commerce on the street above. The result? A lonely feeling within the central core, which by 6:00 p.m., was devoid of bustling people or even a single pedestrian. Then-mayor Laura Miller said it was the worst urban planning decision that Dallas has ever made.