When you think of Downtown Fort Worth, one name invariably comes to mind: Sundance Square. But beyond its undeniable presence and frequent appearances on national broadcasts, how much do you truly know about this dynamic urban district? Is it merely a cluster of buildings, or is it the pulsating heart of the city, a testament to thoughtful urban development and vibrant community life?
Often recognized as a backdrop for major events, Sundance Square is far more than just a pretty face. It encompasses an impressive 35 city blocks within the bustling downtown area. This isn’t just empty space; it’s home to over 4,000,000 square feet dedicated to an engaging blend of retail, residential, and office environments. These figures aren’t just statistics; they represent a thriving ecosystem where businesses flourish, residents enjoy urban living, and visitors immerse themselves in unique experiences. Consider this: in November 2017 alone, over 760,000 people flocked to the area, a clear indicator of its magnetic appeal. And while the Dallas Morning News humorously once dubbed it “the No. 1 place in Dallas to get engaged!” (perhaps they missed a geographical detail or two!), its undeniable charm makes it a top destination for countless memorable moments, regardless of which city it’s technically in.
If your last visit to this remarkable destination was a while ago, you’re missing out on a constantly evolving landscape of culture, commerce, and community. Sundance Square is not just a place to visit; it’s an experience to be savored, a reflection of Fort Worth’s spirit.
Sundance Square Plaza: Fort Worth’s Expansive Outdoor Living Room
At the very heart of Sundance Square lies its crown jewel: the 55,000-square-foot, open-air expanse known as Sundance Square Plaza. Since its grand unveiling in 2013, the Plaza has rapidly transformed into Fort Worth’s ultimate public gathering space. It’s an architectural marvel designed for connection, hosting more than 160 diverse events annually, making it a perfect spot for people of all ages to converge and relish a truly distinct downtown atmosphere.
On any given day, the Plaza buzzes with activity. You might spot children gleefully splashing in the interactive fountains (a gentle reminder: it’s for splashing, not swimming!), feel the rhythm of live music performances filling the air, or witness friends enjoying an al fresco meal at one of the many restaurants whose patios gracefully spill out into the sun-drenched square. It’s also an ideal spot for simply observing the vibrant tapestry of city life unfold, offering a peaceful respite amidst the urban hustle.
Beyond daily enjoyment, the Plaza truly shines during the festive seasons. Come the holidays, it becomes home to an enormous, beautifully decorated Christmas tree, serving as a magical backdrop for cherished family photos with Santa Claus. This isn’t just about festive cheer; it’s about community spirit. In 2017, the popular Santa photo exhibit generously raised over $85,000 for the impactful non-profit organization, Fort Worth Sister Cities International, showcasing how entertainment can seamlessly blend with philanthropy in Sundance Square.
A Premier Destination for Shopping and Dining
In its earlier days, Sundance Square was primarily known for its lively array of restaurants and bars, drawing in a significant business and nightlife crowd. While this contributed greatly to its energy, the vision for a truly comprehensive urban experience recognized the need for a stronger, more diverse retail presence. This evolution has been precisely the focus, transforming Sundance Square into a well-rounded destination.
Today, the retail landscape within Sundance Square is flourishing. A thoughtful curation of new shops, ranging from beloved national brands to unique local boutiques, now dots the area, creating an enticing shopping environment. This strategic expansion has not only diversified the offerings but also solidified Sundance Square’s reputation as a prime retail hub.
The numbers speak for themselves. With a weekly average foot traffic count of approximately 150,000 people, the growth in retail sales has been nothing short of spectacular. What started as 17 million in sales in 1992 surged to an astonishing over 97 million in 2017. These figures clearly illustrate that retailers view Sundance Square as a vibrant, growing, and immensely attractive location capable of drawing the ideal clientele for sustained success. The synergistic blend of dining, entertainment, and retail creates a compelling reason for visitors to linger, shop, and spend, fueling the local economy.
This economic vitality extends beyond individual businesses. In 2017, Sundance Square proudly stood as the largest property taxpayer in the entire city of Fort Worth. This significant contribution underscores its pivotal role not just as a commercial center, but as a major economic engine that supports public services and infrastructure throughout the city. Both businesses and local tax coffers are undeniably benefiting from the magnetic draw of this exceptional urban district.
Fort Worth’s Aspiration: A World-Class City Beyond Sundance Square
While Sundance Square shines as a beacon of success and revitalization, Fort Worth as a whole is on an ambitious path towards achieving recognition as a world-class, international city of culture, commerce, and desirability. Yet, like any thriving metropolis, there remains significant work to be done to fully realize this grand vision. The city’s leadership, inspired by success stories like Sundance Square, is committed to elevating Fort Worth’s global standing.
A surprising statistic highlights this ongoing challenge: in recent years, the city of Farmers Branch has attracted more corporate headquarter relocations than Fort Worth. While Farmers Branch is undoubtedly a wonderful community, for the nation’s 16th largest city, this reality is entirely unacceptable. Fort Worth possesses immense potential, and strategic efforts are crucial to ensure it attracts and retains major corporate entities, boosting its economic prowess and creating more opportunities for its residents.
The dedicated leadership behind Sundance Square consistently collaborates with various organizations and governmental bodies to champion and promote all that Fort Worth has to offer. Their efforts extend far beyond the confines of Sundance Square itself, aiming to spotlight the entire city’s diverse attractions, cultural institutions, and business advantages. This collaborative spirit is essential for fostering holistic growth and ensuring that Fort Worth gains the recognition it richly deserves on both national and international stages.
With recent additions and renewed vigor within the organizations tasked with promoting Fort Worth and attracting new corporations, there’s a strong sense of optimism. The goal is clear: to ensure that in future reports detailing corporate relocations and economic growth, competitors like Farmers Branch are firmly in Fort Worth’s rearview mirror. Achieving this requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on key areas that impact a city’s attractiveness.
It’s not an insurmountable challenge, but rather a matter of strategic, forward-thinking policy. Key improvements include re-evaluating property taxation to create a more business-friendly environment, exploring innovative ways to decentralize and enhance the public education system, and fundamentally recognizing the demands and opportunities of the 21st century economy. Providing real and efficient mass transit options is paramount for urban connectivity and reducing congestion. Modernizing zoning regulations to meet contemporary market demands and empower forward-thinking leaders with the vision to drive these changes are also critical. And perhaps, just to sweeten the deal and make Fort Worth even more irresistible, instituting “Free Ice Cream Day” on the first Friday of every month wouldn’t hurt. Simple, yet impactful ideas can often spark significant change!
Discover the Magic: Now You Know About Sundance Square
Sundance Square is more than just a destination; it’s an ongoing story of urban renewal, community spirit, and economic success. Now armed with a deeper understanding of its vibrant offerings and its crucial role in Fort Worth’s growth, you’re ready to experience it firsthand. There is indeed so much more to learn, see, and do within its dynamic blocks.
The next time you find yourself seeking a fun, engaging, and uniquely Fort Worth experience, make Sundance Square your first stop. Allow yourself the pleasure of strolling through its beautifully designed downtown streets, exploring the diverse range of local and national retailers, indulging in world-class culinary delights, and simply soaking in the friendly atmosphere of this truly great Texan city. You’ll not only enjoy a fantastic outing but also gain an appreciation for the tireless efforts that make Fort Worth such a special place. You might just thank yourself for the recommendation!
That’s all for this week from Tarrant County, esteemed readers. Remember, whether you have comments, burning questions, or brilliant ideas for future stories, I’m always here and eager to listen! Bring them on.
Seth Fowler is a licensed real estate sales professional affiliated with Williams Trew Real Estate in Fort Worth. The statements and opinions expressed herein are solely his own. Seth has been deeply involved in the home sales and real estate business across the DFW Metroplex since 2004. He and his family have proudly called the Fort Worth area home for over 15 years, contributing to its vibrant community. Also, Seth is known for his fondness for bow ties. You can connect with Seth directly at 817.980.6636 or via email at [email protected].