Downtown is the birthplace of Mesquite. From the early agricultural days to the building of rail lines and the establishment of early 1900s businesses, the heartbeat of the authentic Mesquite is here. Downtown, with its proximity to locally owned businesses, restaurants, historic sites, churches, schools and parks, is the touching stone for the community to the present day.

Mesquite may be known to many as part of a massive metropolis, with all of the amenities that brings with it, but one thing some don't know that for all of the area's economic explosion, Mesquite still retains its authentic hometown charm. In the midst of the big city, you'll find a a way of life here that is expressed in the city's branding: Real. Texas. Flavor. Speaking of branding, Mesquite is known as the Rodeo Capital of Texas. And sure, agricultural and western culture thrive here, but so do other vibrant cultures. You'll find entrepreneurs, families, professionals, students, artists, institutions and more working together to keep that Flavor intact as we move into our future.

In 2017, the City of Mesquite launched an aggressive plan with the mission of revitalizing the downtown area. Stakeholders worked side-by-side with City staff to work on infrastructure needs and advocate for professional leadership of the program. On Jan. 1, 2019, Mesquite became a Designated Texas Main Street community, which means this downtown now has access to professional services and expertise unavailable to other downtowns. Among the achievements thus far:

• Creation of the Downtown Mesquite Facade Improvement Program, which provides for 50% reimbursement of approved improvements up to $20,000.
• Front Street Station, a $5.5 million infrastructure project complete with new water, sewer and utility lines, a performance venue, public art, dozens of new parking spaces and more. Three grease traps have been installed for the use restaurant entrepreneurs who locate in our downtown.
• Achieving National Accreditation with the Texas and National Main Street programs.
• Winning five Texas Downtown Association President's Awards: Best Economic Game Changer (2x), Best Digital Promotion, Best Traditional Promotion, Spirit of Downtown, plus three TDA People's Choice awards.

Whether you need business guidance, demographic information, market analysis, free design services or access to our facade grant program, we're here for you.