50 Year Lookback: How Grapevine Has Changed Under Mayor William D. Tate

Grapevine, Texas, has one of the longest-serving mayors in the country. Mayor William D. Tate is celebrating his Golden Jubilee this year, marking 50 years in office. The mayor is adamant that this is not a celebration for him, but recognition for the community and its dedication to growth over the past half-century. He has worked alongside residents and professional groups for decades, helping Grapevine become a city its people are proud of.

“We've done what they said in the beginning,” Tate told CBS News. “Mayor, whatever you do, don't lose our town character, our pride, and our identity. We've been able to build a modern international city around the historic beginning that we've had.”

A lot has changed since Mayor Tate first took office in 1973. While the mayor led some projects directly, other opportunities evolved through community support and perseverance. Enjoy a look back at Grapevine then and now to see how far the city has come. 

50 Years Ago, DFW Was a Brand New Airport

On January 13, 1974, the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional (now International) Airport opened to passengers. It only had nine operating airlines, a post office, a few shops and restaurants, and a 600-room hotel. At the time, DFW was still the biggest airport in the world.

Plans for an airport in the heart of the DFW Metroplex had been in development long before Mayor Tate stepped into office. However, Grapevine has benefited from the airport’s presence throughout his tenure. Much of the City’s current, visitor-friendly economic structure came together shortly after his tenure began.

Today, DFW is one of the busiest airports in the United States. It welcomes more than 86 million passengers annually and boasts 193 domestic and 77 international nonstop destinations. It has a $78 billion economic impact on North Texas. 

Then Grapevine Mills Opened

Grapevine grew steadily over the years, with new neighborhoods being built and businesses opening their doors. Arguably, the region’s biggest step up came in 1997 with the debut of Grapevine Mills. The mall was immediately popular and has evolved with changing shopping trends over the years. It continues to invest in entertainment, attractions, and restaurants, making Grapevine Mills a gathering place for the community.

Grapevine Mills has more than 180 retailers across its 1.6 million-square-foot shopping center. It’s home to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and AMC Grapevine Mills.

Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center Followed Suit

Another notable asset in Grapevine is the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, which opened in 2004. It boasts a 1.3 million-square-foot resort and convention facility with 1,511 guestrooms. This convention center was immediately recognized as an elite meeting space in the DFW Metroplex. It has five different restaurants, seven lounges, a $5 million sports bar, and a 1,000-seat entertainment space. Conferences of all sizes have ample space at Gaylord, drawing industry leaders from around the world to Grapevine.

The Gaylord Texan Resort shone in 2026 as a popular meeting point for World Cup watch parties. Fans of all teams gathered to watch the games, take shuttles to AT&T Stadium, and review highlights after key matches ended. 

Then Came the Greatest Wolf Lodge

The Gaylord Texan Resort was an impressive tourism asset for Grapevine, but it didn’t mark the end of hospitality growth here. Great Wolf Lodge opened its ninth location in January 2008, joining Hilton DFW Lakes and its friendly rival across the street to provide an incredible breadth of meeting options for a City of just over 50,000 people.

Back then, the company had no other properties in the American South, but Texas winter was an ideal time to launch an 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark. Kids and adults alike went down the 11 waterslides and basked in the seven pools as if it were the middle of summer.

The Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine location has 605 suites, two restaurants, and plenty of family activities. It also has 27,000 square feet of meeting space, so professionals can bring their kids and spouses to work conferences. 

A 185-Acre Puzzle Comes Together

While most of Grapevine’s iconic employers and attractions have been in place for some time, one area is still waiting for a crown jewel. In 2013, public officials made the strategic decision to purchase 185 acres of undeveloped land on the northeastern corner of Grapevine.

Affectionately referred to as ‘The 185,’ this parcel of land went on to host several of the area’s largest and most prestigious employers. Kubota established its North American headquarters at the heart of the development, and Paycom’s regional HQ followed shortly thereafter.

About a third of that original purchase remains undeveloped, including a 30-acre tract earmarked for a destination entertainment use that can generate or extend tourist trips into Grapevine. We fully expect something incredible to break ground there before the decade is out.

Here’s to the Next 50 Years in Grapevine

Grapevine looks very different in 2026 than in 1976, but the changes reflect the city’s culture and needs. Grapevine continues to be a place where families have fun, the community comes together, and visitors are welcomed in. Mayor Tate plans to step down at the end of 2026, and whoever takes his place is sure to follow the city’s vision for the future.

Grapevine Economic Development supports growth in the area by attracting projects like the ones discussed here. It also works closely with local entrepreneurs, business owners, and franchisees to see them grow. Each company is part of Grapevine's fabric, making this community a vibrant place to live.

Have a local business or want to start one? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to share our resources and help you grow your operations.