Mustang Station Arts & Culture District
History of the Mustang Station Arts & Culture District
The Mustang Station Arts and Culture District is an evolving area at the heart of Farmers Branch. It has organically become known as Mustang Station due to the Shops at Mustang Station, Mustang Station Apartments, and The Grove at Mustang Station. Historically, Farmers Branch was known as Mustang Branch in connection with the Mustang grape grown in this region’s fertile soil before the 20th century.
Branding the District
Early discussions of developing an arts district in and around Mustang Station involved the creation of the name and brand. Mustang Station area stakeholders, in partnership with a marketing firm, considered a variety of potential arts district names over the last few years but kept coming back to the two words, ‘Mustang Station.’ Stakeholders included landowners, businesses, developers, City staff and Arts and Culture Committee members.
Establishing Boundaries
While the name wasn't officially settled, the boundaries for the arts district were coming into focus with the assistance of the Arts and Culture Committee and City staff. In April 2022, the City Council officially approved the boundaries.
Creating a Task Force
In May 2022, the City formed an arts district branding task force. The task force involved the stakeholders above and a member of the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board. The stakeholders’ goal was to name the district and create branding and signage for visitor and resident wayfinding. The task force provided guidance and feedback to the marketing firm. By the end of 2022, the task force agreed upon a branding package and name. In early 2023, the Farmers Branch City Council approved the name and branding package for the arts district.
An Evolving Area
Entertainment, performing arts, outdoor art installations, dining, shopping, residential properties, and transit are included in the arts district. It includes the Historical Park, The Firehouse Theatre, The Shops at Mustang Station, The Rose Gardens, The Grove at Mustang Station, Dallas Christian College and Joya at Oran Good Park. As the area continues to develop, it will become more walkable and feature more public art, entertainment and amenities for residents and visitors. The image above is an approved branding image for the arts district and the boundaries map. Keep an eye out around town as you're likely to see arts district branding start to make an official appearance.