Starting from a modest trading post and ford across the Trinity River, ancient Caddo trails eventually gave way to railroads and the central location of Dallas made it a major meeting point for trade routes crisscrossing the country. The area that is now downtown transformed from a grid of muddy roads into a concrete jungle with an expansive streetcar network, neoclassical hotels, and bustling department stores. But in the 20th century highway construction began to cut apart Downtown while suburban flight drained it of residents. Although it continued to see impressive additions to its skyline, the urban core became dominated by office towers and lost much of its street life outside of working hours.

However, that trend has since reversed. Klyde Warren Park reconnected Downtown with Uptown and inspired other projects that continue to cap the highways. Streetcars and other rail have been reintroduced. Office buildings are being converted into residences, and parking lots are being transformed into parks and public spaces. The central business district has begun a transition back to an urban space that mixes living with working.