Visions of Downtown: Past, Present, Future

Downtown Arlington has always been a place where history and progress meet. From its earliest days as a railroad town to today’s vibrant hub of culture, business and entertainment, Downtown is shaped by the people who believe in its potential.  

As we prepare for the 2025 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting on Oct. 22, we’re reflecting on the remarkable journey from past to present, the visions we’ve brought to life, and the visions of the future. Grab a table or individual ticket to join our conversation Oct. 22. 

The story of Downtown Arlington is filled with landmarks that remind us where we’ve been. Former Mayor Jeff Williams recalls the Mineral Well in front of City Hall, a gathering place for the community that stood as a symbol of Arlington’s early growth. Thanks to the efforts of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation and city leadership who believed in the vision, the new Mineral Well monument honors that history while anchoring a modern downtown poised for what’s next.  

This plays out across Downtown. The old train station once welcomed travelers and commerce, and today, its spirit of connection continues through the Doggie Depot, a rail-inspired gathering place for pups and people alike. 

The old library gave generations of students a foundation of knowledge, and now the new George W. Hawkes Downtown Arlington Public Library inspires learning with modern technology.  

At the heart of Arlington, the University of Texas at Arlington has transformed from a small, local commuter college into a nationally recognized research university, bringing new energy, entrepreneurialism and talent into Downtown every year.  

Even our fire stations have evolved, from humble beginnings to state-of-the-art facilities that protect and serve a growing city. 

Landmarks shift, but the vision remains constant: Downtown Arlington is a place where people come together. It’s seen in the transformation of the Vandergriff Town Center, thanks to leaders like Tom Cravens, Lana Wolfe and Ralph Shelton, who blended preservation with progress. It’s in the launch of the Levitt Pavilion, a visionary project that brought the community together to make a very special place that started downtown's revitalization, which redefined Downtown as a destination for live music and cultural experiences. It’s in the entrepreneurial spirit of developers like Ryan Dodson, guided by civic leaders like Trey Yelverton, who saw the potential of adapting old uses for new purposes and filling them with vibrant tenants and new activities.  

Momentum continues with inspiration from visionaries like Molly Alexander, our keynote speaker. The Annual Meeting theme, Visions of Downtown, reflects this journey of transformation. It honors the people who carried the torch from one era to the next, and it looks ahead to the future we’re building together. 

At the conclusion of the program, we’ll recognize individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies visionary leadership and community impact with our annual awards:  The Dream Builder Award presented by Texas Trust, The Legendary Lionheart, and The Golden Lantern. 

Be a visionary and join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 in the UTA Bluebonnet Ballroom for the 2025 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting, presented by Texas Trust. Thank you to our Mover & Shaker sponsors the University of Texas at Arlington, ikon technologies, Arlington Economic Development Corporation, National Medal of Honor Museum, the City of Arlington, and Arlington Today Magazine. 

Reserve your table or get a single ticket now! Don’t wait, secure your spot today. Together, let’s celebrate the progress, people and possibilities of Downtown Arlington.