DowntownTX.org (DTTX) is an online building inventory for Texas downtowns featuring historic property listings. The software was conceptualized and developed by the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Town Square Initiative to increase and influence the market exposure of available historic properties in downtowns across Texas.
The purpose is to attract community-minded entrepreneurs and investors who value historic architecture and appreciate the special qualities of each place. DTTX serves as a matchmaking platform for buildings, making it easier for these people to find, invest in and enhance historic buildings and places. Besides featuring investment opportunities in the context of the community, the site also highlights incentives, provides a direct connection to the correct local contacts, and clarifies the local development process. As a complete inventory with historic building information, history lovers and old building enthusiasts are welcome just to browse as well.
DTTX came online in September 2016 with four pilot cities who are all either Texas Main Street Cities or participate in the THC’s Certified Local Government Program (CLG). The site officially launched May 1, 2017, for Preservation Month with the Imagine the Possibilities tours showcasing opportunities in the local markets. This is an evolving, collaborative project guided by the Community Heritage Development Division of the THC and the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission (FTHC). Additional Texas Main Street cities and CLG communities will be continually added over time. When fully populated, the platform will showcase opportunities in hundreds of downtowns across Texas.
Since the new state historic preservation tax credit was introduced in January 2015, there has been a significant amount of increased private sector investor interest in Texas. The moment is ideal for supporting and encouraging this downtown investment potential. DTTX is working to be the tool to connect interested investors with properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or potentially eligible for listing. Many local governments also offer historic preservation-based tax incentives as well and those are all identified on each community’s page.
More information on the federal and state historic preservation tax incentives in Texas is available here.
DTTX was made possible by support from the CLG Program and the Still Water Foundation. The original software planning, site development and design was completed by CRE Planning and Development. In 2023 the THC onboarded InfoStride, Inc (InfoStride) to maintain and further develop the DTTX platform.
Infostride is a US-based technology company and trusted WordPress VIP partner. The company caters website development and maintenance services for DTTX. InfoStride has a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, standing at the forefront of enterprise software development and staff augmentation to deliver innovative solutions. As holders of multiple public sector contracts across the US, their expertise extends beyond boundaries, bringing innovation to every project.