Downtown Wichita Falls Development, Inc.

In Downtown Wichita Falls, between Ohio and Indiana on 7th Street, sits the J. F. Keller building in the Depot Square Historic District. It was built in 1886, the early days of Wichita Falls, when the city saw a sudden influx of pioneers searching for oil. J.F. Keller and H. M. Durrett, the first owners, ran a saddle, harness and hardware business.

The oldest two story brick building in Wichita Falls that holds so much of our community's early history and has sat vacant for decades. The windows have been boarded up with no maintenance done to the building. Over the past few years Downtown Wichita Falls Development has seen the building go under contract several times with out ever seeing a successful buyer. 

In 2022, Downtown Wichita Falls Development took action. The Board of Directors chose to purchase the building and do historical restoration to not only save the building from its impeding demise but be able to add another property to the district that brings in taxes that can help the city grow.

Together we can make sure this piece of history is not demolished and downtown continues to flourish as a vibrant place for small businesses to thrive. Brick by brick, block by block, downtown sees revitalization and a new life for future generations to enjoy the heart of our city.

Who We Are

The Downtown Wichita Falls Development organization was created to assist in preservation of buildings, sites, and historical, traditional or cultural values; to perpetuate customs and traditions which seem to beautify and enrich the community life of Wichita Falls; to disseminate knowledge, promote interest and act in an advisory capacity to interested groups, property/business owners, investors or developers interested in the revitalization of Downtown Wichita Falls.

We are possibility people. We are collaborators. We are buzz builders. We want YOU to join us in our mission of revitalization.