McKinney invests $45M in downtown rebuild

Nearly $45 million in city funding is allocated to two major street reconstruction projects currently underway in downtown McKinney. The combined cost of approximately $44.7 million for the Tennessee, Lamar, and Hunt streets improvements and the Church, Henry, Wood, College, Hunt, Davis, and Valley streets improvements represents the largest portion of the nine projects discussed at a November 3 City Council work session. Planning Manager Cassie Bumgarner detailed the status of these initiatives, which are led by various city departments including engineering, planning, and public works.

The first major road project, covering Tennessee, Lamar, and Hunt streets, is scheduled for completion in December 2028. This $19.5 million effort involves full pavement reconstruction and upgrades to water, wastewater, and storm drainage systems. Phase 1 is currently active, with utility work underway on the wastewater lines of Hunt, Tennessee, and Lamar streets, as well as water lines on Hunt and Lamar. Short-term lane closures are expected during this phase.

The second road project targets Church, Henry, Wood, College, Hunt, Davis, and Valley streets with a cost of approximately $25.2 million. Construction on this phase is set to begin in the summer of 2027 and run through the summer of 2029. Similar to the first project, this effort includes new ADA-compliant sidewalks, street lighting, and landscaping. The initial phase focuses on wastewater and water utility work on specific segments of Hunt and Lamar streets, with lane closures anticipated.

Beyond roadwork, the city is enhancing pedestrian safety and parking management. Staff are coordinating with the Texas Department of Transportation on an improved crossing for State Highway 5 between East Virginia Street and East Louisiana Street. This project aligns with TxDOT’s second phase of highway reconstruction. Additionally, a new real-time parking information system is being installed at the South Kentucky Lot, Cloyd Lot, and Chestnut Garage. Cameras will be installed in February to gather baseline data, with digital signage displaying availability scheduled for March or April.

A separate downtown parking study is nearing completion. Data collection took place in July and August, covering six zones that include downtown proper and areas east of State Highway 5. City staff are finalizing the draft, which is expected to be published in December. The study aims to assess how current parking facilities serve visitors, employees, and local businesses.

Facility renovations and redevelopments are also progressing. The Chestnut elevated storage tank is being rehabilitated and decommissioned, with new lighting installed and site work including fencing underway. Two city-owned properties, including the former McKinney City Hall and the former Development Services building, are being demolished to prepare for future office or hotel use. The McKinney Economic Development Corp. is leading this initiative and expects to review developer submissions in December.

The Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Library is set to reopen on December 1 following a renovation that includes a new layout, dedicated youth and teen spaces, and a planetarium with a 55-person capacity. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for December 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meanwhile, the McKinney Performing Arts Center is undergoing repairs to restrooms, seating, and plaster, with exterior painting restoring green accents that match the building's 1930s scheme. Public access and some Tennessee Street parking are restricted during the construction.