Downtown Denton and the Square

Denton was established in 1857 at the location where today’s courthouse stands and was incorporated in 1866.

As the city grew and prospered, downtown became the city’s commercial center. Downtown Denton represents the heart and soul of the community—the courthouse in its square is one of the finest in Texas, and the square itself is an integral part of the city’s culture. Festivals, celebrations, and other activities are held in the square and among its historic buildings. 

The Denton Main Street Program began when the City of Denton received its official designation as a Texas Main Street City in 1990. The City has since celebrated numerous marked physical and financial improvements in the area. Over $132+ million has been reinvested in Downtown Denton.

As an Accredited Main Street Program for 33 years, the City of Denton Historic Preservation Office works to ensure the integrity of the Denton Square District (DSD), which is home to the Denton County Courthouse Square Historic District, a National Register Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special historic district comprises 50 buildings, sites, structures, and objects, including eight local landmarks and 30 resources that are “contributing” to the historic value of the National Register Historic District. 

The City of Denton is committed to a Downtown that functions as a vital business and civic center, bustling with activity and investment, through our services, new projects, grant programs, and designations for the district.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  1. Downtown Master Plan
  2. The Original Denton District
  3. Attractions
  4. Parking
  5. Services
  6. Partners
  7. Historic Preservation

Downtown Master Plan

The goal of the Downtown Master Plan Update is to evaluate the vision for Downtown Denton and the surrounding area, set clear policy direction, and support implementation strategies that will continue the economic growth of Downtown, enhance pedestrian experience, and preserve the character of the Downtown. 

The existing Downtown Master Plan is 20 years old, and the subsequent Downtown Implementation Plan (DTIP) is 12 years old. The Denton 2040 Area Plans include updating the Downtown Master Plan Update. To follow along with the update, visit the Downtown Master Plan Update page on Discuss Denton.

To learn more about the existing plan, visit the Downtown Master Plan webpage.