Arlington's downtown area is poised for expansion as new businesses move into the Urban Union district, driven by anticipation of increased visitors for the 2026 World Cup. This development follows a pattern seen recently, like the growth of the Blue Mint Thai restaurant chain.

Arlington police detective Mike Wilson exemplifies this trend. He bought the first Blue Mint Thai location in 2023, which has since grown into a multi-location brand. Finding a Downtown Arlington site closer to his workplace proved beneficial, contributing to the neighborhood's increasing presence. Blue Mint Thai represents just one of several new businesses planned for the Urban Union area.

The transformation of the Urban Union began in 2016, spearheaded by Fort Worth's Street Realty, which is redeveloping the area near Front and Division streets. Many existing buildings in this district have been significantly repurposed, adapting to modern needs unlike their original construction. A prime example is Hurtado Barbecue, now housed in an old train station. Owner Brandon Hurtado, who previously operated a successful food truck business across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, moved his barbecue establishment to Division Brewing in 2019. His business has gained recognition on numerous Texas barbecue lists.

Street Realty's ambitious vision for the Urban Union – creating a dense, walkable economic hub – proved appealing to local entrepreneurs like Wilson and Hurtado. Wilson was particularly attracted to the plan, especially after learning about a location under The Rambler Inn boutique hotel. He immediately committed, anticipating the convenience for his police work and the potential community interest in his new venture.

This development aligns with a broader goal: creating a vibrant downtown core where people can live, work, and play. Maggie Campbell, president and CEO of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, highlights this. She notes that the district's appeal to major businesses seeking office space stems from the unique infill projects and adaptive reuse of buildings, offering accessible, walkable environments for employees and visitors alike.

The opening of new retail spaces, like the one at The Rambler Inn in June 2025, addresses a long-standing need for available ground-floor locations downtown. Maggie Campbell confirms that this has spurred a wave of new small businesses eager to establish themselves in the area, fulfilling pent-up demand for commercial space.

Looking ahead, the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation is preparing for the World Cup's impact. Located near the entertainment venues, the district anticipates overflow traffic from major events and expects to significantly benefit from the influx of visitors in June 2026. Mike Wilson, managing Blue Mint Thai, is already planning for this surge. He is actively seeking staffing partners, aware that hiring will be challenging due to the expected need for dozens of new employees for his restaurant.

Wilson aims to open his Blue Mint location in the first quarter of 2026, viewing the Urban Union investment as a strategic move towards replicating the success of nearby Victory Park – a highly walkable, retail, dining, and entertainment-focused area. The ongoing development signals a clear path towards further downtown revitalization.