u/Key-Yam-2023

McKinney’s historic downtown theater renovation is still on track, with the city aiming to finish the McKinney Performing Arts Center project by mid November.

The renovation budget is just over $10 million, including about $8.5 million for construction, about $1 million for professional and engineering services, and about $500,000 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The work is focused on the old courthouse building in downtown McKinney, which city staff described as one of the key landmarks people look for when they know they have arrived downtown.

The project includes updated theater technology, a repaired and upgraded stage, better acoustics, more comfortable seating, restroom improvements, exterior repairs, and design work meant to bring the building closer to its original historic look.

One of the bigger changes is capacity. The renovated theater is expected to hold about 415 to 417 seats, not including standing room. City staff also said the old judge’s bench, which had been hidden behind the stage for years, is being brought back into public use as part of a serving area in the back of the courthouse theater.

The building closed in February, construction started shortly after, and staff said the project is currently on target for completion by mid November. A larger reopening celebration may come later, but the goal is to have the space ready in time for holiday programming like A Christmas Carol.

For those who want to stay on top of major McKinney downtown projects, city investments, and local updates like this, McKinney Weekly breaks down city meetings and local news in plain English.

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McKinney City Council approved a rezoning request that clears the way for more single family residential development on the north side of FM 543, about 150 feet east of Lantana Drive.

The property was rezoned from agricultural to R5 residential. Staff said the request fits with nearby residential development, and Planning and Zoning had already recommended approval unanimously.

But the biggest concern came from a nearby resident, who warned that FM 543 is already struggling during rush hour. He said traffic can back up as far as the water tower and argued the city should wait for more concrete road improvements before adding more homes to the area.

Council members acknowledged the traffic strain but said several pieces are already in motion. A traffic light is planned at FM 543 and Trinity Falls Parkway, another future signal was discussed for nearby roadway work, and future work on Hardin could eventually create another connection.

Council members also said the area needs more connection to the rest of McKinney, and that development is part of how that happens over time. The rezoning was approved.

For those who want to stay on top of major McKinney growth, traffic, and development decisions like this, McKinney Weekly breaks down city meetings and local updates in plain English.

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McKinney’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One Board approved $453,439.57 to help cover environmental remediation costs tied to the Parks Church project near Davis and Tennessee.

The issue came up after crews found underground gas tanks during excavation at the downtown site. Staff reviewed the invoices and said up to $453,439.57 could qualify as eligible environmental remediation costs.

But staff also said the current funding guidelines only allow $5,000 for environmental remediation. Because of that, staff recommended awarding $5,000 unless the board wanted to go beyond the current guideline.

That turned into the main debate. Some board members wanted to stick closer to the existing rules, with one motion made to award $200,000 instead of the full amount. Others argued the cleanup was tied to an unexpected downtown redevelopment issue and should be treated more like other underground remediation cases.

The board first voted down the $200,000 option, then approved the full $453,439.57 request. The approval still sets up a budget amendment and City Council review before the funding process is fully complete.

For those who want to stay on top of major McKinney development and downtown funding decisions like this, McKinney Weekly breaks down city meetings and local updates in plain English. We include local events near you.

https://txlocalweekly.com/newsletter/mckinney