Page 46 - City of Westlake FY20 Budget

Section 1 Executive
Community Profile

The 1930’s…
In the late 1930s, Ted Dealey, turned his attention to a lush and untouched piece of the Cross Timbers
region. It was there he built a stunning country place designed by prominent architect, Charles
Dahlbeck. This place was known as the 220 Ranch. The Dealey Home, which has been relocated to
a new location off Dove Road, is now known as Paigebrooke Farm.

The 1940’s – 1950’s
It was late in the 1940’s after World War II, at about the
same time that Dealey built his home, that Circle T Ranch
had its beginnings with J. Glenn Turner. He used the
place to raise and train Tennessee Walking horses, and as
a retreat and showplace. Circle T Ranch was expanded
throughout the 1950’s to approximately 2,300 acres.

In 1955, there were rumors of an attempt to annex Circle
T Ranch; as a defensive move, J Glenn Turner organized
the neighboring ranches and homeowners in the
surrounding community into forming their own city.

On the 27th day of December in1956, citizens attended a meeting to declare the Town of Westlake
into existence thru incorporation and to swear in the first Board of Aldermen. The area included
what is known today as Westlake, plus the area north, to the northern shore of Denton Creek. This
northern land was annexed from Westlake and formed the town of Trophy Club in the 1970’s. The
Town of Westlake has changed much since its original incorporation in 1956. During the early years,
our mayor and board members met to discuss town business in the comfort of each other’s living
rooms – an interesting contrast to how our town operates today.

The 1960’s…
In 1969, the Circle T Ranch was purchased by
oil millionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt. The ranch
became known for its glamorous parties
attended by celebrities from all over the world.

The 1970s …
In the early 1970’s, the state decided to name one of Westlake’s well-known streets after the person
who was living in the first house on the road. That person was J.T. Ottinger. Also in the early 1970s,
Houston developer and professional golfer Ben Hogan approached Westlake about building a golf
course, country club, and a housing development. In 1973, Westlake de-annexed what is now
known as the Town of Trophy Club, clearing the way for the upscale housing development and golf
course.

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