Former Dallas City Manager Credited with Revitalizing Downtown Dies at 89

Photo: TWU

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Former Dallas City Manager George Schrader has died at the age of 89.

Schrader served as Dallas city manager from 1973 to 1981. He’s credited with revitalizing Dallas’s downtown business district as well as having an integral hand in the development of DFW Airport, Reunion Arena, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden and the Dallas Arts District.

Schrader served two six-year terms on the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents.

“George Schrader was the consummate public servant and such an endearing gentleman,” said TWU Chancellor Carine M. Feyten. “He was a remarkable mentor and called me every Monday while he served on the board of regents. His impact on Texas Woman’s University, the City of Dallas and other municipalities will be felt by generations of people, not only through his legacy of policy and infrastructure improvement, but through his graceful way of interacting with everyone.”

Sue S. Bancroft, a former board chair who served at the same time, described Schrader as “a man of great knowledge and wisdom.”

“He always asked the pertinent, important questions and he was connected to just about everybody in Dallas,” Bancroft said. “He was an incredible asset to TWU.”

In 1982, D Magazine credited Schrader with reviving a sleepy downtown business district and helping spur fast-paced city development by private firms, making Dallas a popular destination for corporate relocations.

Schrader’s family members said he died after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

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