The land now known as Westlake, Texas was first settled as part of the Peters Colony land grant in 1847 by Charles and Matilda Medlin, who arrived with roughly 20 other families seeking fertile ground and fresh opportunity.

Their descendants remained in the area as it shifted through time, eventually becoming part of the sprawling Circle T Ranch, a 2,000-acre expanse established in the mid-20th century by Dallas attorney and oilman J. Glenn Turner. By the late 1950s, nearby Southlake had already claimed its name, so ranchers and homeowners chose Westlake instead—an identity that today reflects both its western roots and its place among Texas’s most carefully cultivated communities. With a population of just over 2,100, Westlake continues to value planning, design, and heritage as its defining traits.

  

That commitment shows up in everyday life through thoughtful design, community involvement, and cultural programming. Westlake Academy, the town’s internationally recognized charter school, draws families from across North Texas, not just for its academics, but for its role in community life. Seasonal events are held on campus lawns and at nearby public spaces. The annual Westlake Tree Lighting Ceremony signals the start of the holiday season with performances, food vendors, and a crowd that blends neighbors, students, and business leaders. Art installations placed along walkways and roundabouts reflect a community that values aesthetic detail in both public and private spaces.

The town’s layout encourages exploration. Entrada Westlake has become one of the area’s most talked-about destinations, styled after a Spanish-European village with arched stone bridges, terraced plazas, and event courtyards built around a canal system. Residents and visitors alike stroll the brick paths or stop into retail spaces for wine tastings, pop-up galleries, and seasonal markets. Just outside of Entrada, the Vaquero Club offers private golf and fine dining to its members, with a Tom Fazio-designed course that winds through heavily wooded homesites. These destinations aren’t just attractions—they’ve become part of how the town expresses itself.

Those seeking outdoor time away from retail or recreation clubs turn to local green spaces like Glenwyck Park, where open lawns and shaded benches offer a quiet counterpoint to busier parts of town. The park includes a trail loop and hosts occasional fitness events for families. The broader Westlake Trail System extends through residential developments, connecting neighborhoods by foot or bike. 

Westlake’s food scene, though not expansive, leans toward quality over quantity. Mar-Cosina serves Mexican-inspired plates with a modern twist—grilled avocado stuffed with brisket, smoky chipotle enchiladas, and mango-habanero margaritas. Sky Creek Kitchen + Bar, located inside the Delta Hotel just outside the town limits, is a favorite for special dinners thanks to its elegant dining room, outdoor terrace, and dishes like seared scallops over black garlic risotto. Though exclusive to members, Vaquero Lounge’s curated seasonal menu remains a local talking point.

Businesses are an essential part of Westlake’s identity. Levi Strauss & Co. established its main office as part of its national expansion in the early 2000s. The location supports corporate functions including merchandising and retail strategy. Known globally for its iconic denim, Levi’s presence in Westlake underscores the area’s appeal to established, legacy-driven brands with modern vision. Solana Plaza is a landmark commercial development in Westlake, originally designed in the 1980s by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Its bold architecture—marked by bright colors and geometric forms—was ahead of its time. Today, the plaza hosts corporate offices, restaurants, and shops, and remains a defining feature of Westlake’s commercial landscape.

That same attention to detail matters when it comes to maintaining your home or commercial space. Gutierrez Painting brings decades of experience to interior and exterior projects in Westlake, whether you're restoring wood features, updating finishes, or customizing new construction. Contact us today to get started on your next painting project.