Thought Leadership
We’re a firm that tells it like it is and gives you the unvarnished truth so you can make better, more strategic decisions. Sometimes adjusting course and not building something is a smarter move than diving headlong into an ill-conceived idea – and we’ll tell you if this is the case. In Unbiased Insights, we’ll share our data, resources, case studies, analytics, and real-world experiences so you can achieve the best outcomes for your stakeholders, citizens, and investors.
Fort Worth: Two Decades of Shaping a Destination
By Rob Hunden
Fort Worth's destination development demonstrates how convention center expansion, headquarters hotels, mixed-use development, and long-term development advisory can drive tourism growth and economic impact.
As Hunden Partners marks 20 years of shaping destination real estate, Fort Worth stands out as one of the most enduring and impactful examples of our work.
Prior to forming Hunden Partners, Rob Hunden began advising the City in 2001 on the feasibility, financing, and development of what became the highly successful Omni Fort Worth convention headquarters hotel. After forming Hunden Partners in 2006, we advised the developers of the Fort Worth Stockyards on a multi-year expansion that doubled visitation to DFW’s most visited attraction, increased visitor dwell time, and generated exponential growth in economic impact. In 2013, Hunden resumed work related to Dickies Arena, including funding strategy and modeling of the Project Finance Zone (PFZ) mechanism that was key to funding the arena, while at the same time studying the need for expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) and addition/expansion of headquarters hotel options.
Temporary and Semi-Permanent Venues Are Becoming a Strategic Tool for Cities and Developers
By Rob HundenTemporary and semi-permanent venues are reshaping mixed-use development by accelerating district activation, reducing development risk, and creating flexible entertainment destinations with long-term economic value.
Read more
Looking Ahead: 20 Years In, Focused on What Comes Next
By Rob HundenTwenty years of destination development, placemaking, and real estate advisory have helped Hunden Partners guide transformative projects that strengthen communities and create lasting economic impact.
Read more
Hunden Partners' Role in the Gateway District Transformation
By Rob HundenDevelopment advisory, feasibility studies, and mixed-use development helped transform the Universtiy of Kansas Gateway District from vision to implementation through strategic planning, developer selection, and funding strategy.
Read more
2024: A Year of Growth and Impact for Hunden Partners
By Rob HundenDiscover how Hunden Partners helped shape the future of destination development in 2024 through placemaking, feasibility studies, public-private partnerships, and projects that delivered lasting economic impact.
Read moreTransforming Communities: Placemaking and the Public-Private Partnership
By Rob HundenSuccessful public-private partnerships begin with thoughtful placemaking, strategic planning, and mixed-use development that create vibrant destinations and long-term community value.
Read more
Gather Together with Thankful Hearts
By Rob HundenLeadership is grounded in gratitude, purpose, and service. Rob Hunden shares a Thanksgiving reflection on the values, relationships, and perspectives that shape Hunden Partners and its work.
Read more
Creating Vibrant Destinations
By Rob HundenDestination development begins with a clear vision, evidence-based feasibility studies, and a practical implementation strategy that transform ideas into vibrant places with lasting community impact.
Read more
Los Angeles Goes for the Gold: Hunden Partners' Interview with Hilary Ash on the 2028 Olympic Games - Mixed-Use District
By Rob HundenMixed-use development, venue planning, and destination real estate are essential to delivering world-class events. Discover best practices from LA28 highlight strategies for creating lasting community and economic value.
Read more
Beyond the Ballpark: Rob Hunden, stadium development expert, on the future of the Chicago White Sox
By Rob HundenStadium development requires more than a world-class venue. Mixed-use development, entertainment districts, and innovative funding strategies create sports destinations that generate long-term economic impact.
Read more