Southlake's Transformation Over 27 Years Captured in Vintage Photos

Newly unearthed images showcase the town's evolution since the opening of Town Square in 1999.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:25pm

An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a blurred, intimate street scene in a small town, with indistinct figures and buildings in the background, conceptually representing the nostalgic feel of historical photographs.Newly unearthed photos offer a nostalgic glimpse into Southlake's past, showcasing the town's transformation over the past 27 years.Southlake Today

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has uncovered a trove of vintage photographs that offer a glimpse into Southlake, Texas as it appeared 27 years ago, when the town's iconic Town Square development first opened its doors in 1999. These archival images provide a fascinating look at how the community has transformed over the past three decades.

Why it matters

Southlake has undergone remarkable growth and development since the late 1990s, evolving from a small suburban town into a thriving commercial and residential hub. These rediscovered photos offer a unique window into the town's past, allowing residents and newcomers alike to appreciate how Southlake has changed over time.

The details

The photographs showcase various aspects of Southlake in 1999, including the newly opened Town Square, local businesses, and residential neighborhoods. They depict a more modest, small-town atmosphere compared to the bustling, upscale community Southlake is known as today.

  • The photos were taken in 1999, when Southlake's Town Square development first opened.
  • The images have been recently unearthed from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's archives.

The players

Southlake, Texas

A thriving suburban town located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, known for its affluence, high-end retail, and rapid growth over the past few decades.

Town Square

Southlake's iconic mixed-use development, featuring upscale shops, restaurants, and public spaces, which first opened in 1999 and has since become a central part of the community.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

A major regional newspaper serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which has uncovered a trove of vintage photographs showcasing Southlake in 1999.

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The takeaway

These rediscovered photos offer a fascinating glimpse into Southlake's past, allowing residents to appreciate how their community has evolved over the past 27 years from a small suburban town into the thriving, upscale destination it is today.