Plano South | October 2025

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Plano South Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 12 OCT. 21NOV. 18

2025 Higher Education Edition

Collin College expands health sciences programs

INSIDE

HILLCREST RD.

Collin College’s health sciences programs give students hands-on training in a variety of health care industries. The college’s Plano campus recently underwent renovations of its health science programs. (Courtesy Collin College)

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INSIDE

Impacts: Check out a new acai bowl restaurant and other business updates

Transportation: See the latest on Plano road construction projects

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T A

C YRD.

Impacts BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! Scan to get business openings to your inbox.

smoothies, oatmeal and toasts as well as acai bowls and cold pressed juice. • Opened Sept. 20 • 1900 Preston Road, Ste. 132, Plano • www.puregreenfranchise.com/texas/plano 8 Solidcore The fitness center offers 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact strength training workouts on the brand’s custom-built reformer machine, the representative said in an email. • Opened Sept. 16 • 5800 Legacy Drive, Ste. C-2, Plano • www.solidcore.com

RIDGEVIEW DR.

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MCDERMOTT RD.

North Plano

WINDROSE AVE.

A NYDR.

HEDGCOXE RD.

PRESTON MEADOW DR.

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Coming soon

SPRING CREEK PKWY.

9 NRG Adventure Park The facility will be located near the intersection of U.S. 75 and Parker Road and go in the retail space formerly occupied by a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. • Opening TBD • 221 W. Parker Road, Plano • https://playnrg.com 10 Luna Grill The business offers fresh Mediterranean dishes, including chicken kabobs, falafel and pita wraps. • Opening in October • 2444 Preston Road, Ste. 200, Plano • https://lunagrill.com 11 Pizza Guys The eatery’s menu features a variety of pizza crust options including cheese-stuffed, signature, thick, thin and heart-shaped. • Planned to open Oct. 18 • 9617 Coit Road, Ste.109, Plano • www.pizzaguys.com Broken Yolk Cafe The cafe will open four new locations in the Dallas- Fort Worth area, including eateries in Plano, Frisco and Allen, according to a news release. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of breakfast items including egg dishes, pancakes and waffles. • Locations TBD • www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com

WINDHAVEN PKWY.

PARKERRD.

South Plano

14 13

PARKBLVD.

15THST.

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1 4 T H ST.

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4 Le Beef Steak & Frites The French cuisine restaurant, which is owned and operated by brothers Alex Nunes and David Jeil, serves a prix fixe menu, including an artisan salad, 50-day wet- aged, USDA Prime top blade steak, signature fries and a proprietary Le Beef sauce. Other protein options include chicken and sausage. • Opened Sept. 15 • 7300 Lone Star Drive, Ste. B100, Plano • www.lebeef.com 5 Palmieri Cafe The eatery and coffee shop serves Italian and American coffee, tea, sweet and savory Italian pastries, gelato and more. • Opened Sept. 5 • 2024 W. 15th St., Ste. G, Plano • www.palmiericafe.com 6 Starbucks The establishment, which was founded in Seattle in 1971, sells a variety of beverages including coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Breakfast and lunch items, including sandwiches and protein boxes, are also on the menu. • Opened Sept. 1

Now open

1 Brya Zan Thai Noodle + Brew The restaurant is now open in Plano. The fast-casual Thai restaurant offers traditional dishes, including pad thai and drunken noodles, and local craft beers from Malai Brewing in Southlake. • Opened Sept. 17 • 1909 Preston Road, Plano • www.bryazan.com 2 China Pearl Restaurant The Chinese cuisine menu features beef, chicken and vegetable dishes. A wide variety of lobster dishes are also available. Noodle dishes include seafood stir-fry flat rice noodles, Singapore-style fried vermicelli, pan fried hand made thick rice noodles, pan-fried crispy noodles with beef and more. • Opened in June • 1301 Custer Road, Ste. 850, Plano • www.chinapearldallas.com 3 EōS Fitness According to the release, in addition to group fitness and personal training the 50,000-square-foot, full- service gym offers a variety of services • Opened Sept. 24 • 600 W. 15th St., Ste. B, Plano • www.eosfitness.com

In the news

12 McDonald’s Onsite signage states that this McDonald’s is owned by the O’Reilly Group who owns 24 McDonald’s locations in

Texas, the company website states. • Near SH-121 and Coit Road, Plano • www.oreillymcd.com

• 3832 SH 121, Plano • www.starbucks.com

Closings

13 California Pizza Kitchen The California-based chain served handcrafted pizzas, pasta and salad. The Willow Bend Mall closure marks

7 Pure Green The menu includes organic superfoods such as

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California Pizza Kitchen’s second North Texas closure in recent years, following the closure of its Frisco location at Stonebriar Center in 2020. • Closed Sept. 28 • 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano • www.cpk.com 14 Neiman Marcus Saks Global, parent company of Neiman Marcus, sold the property to Centennial, which is redeveloping the mall into a mixed-use development. • Closing January 2027 • 2201 Dallas Parkway, Plano • https://stores.neimanmarcus.com/stores/plano/tx/ dallas-willowbend/1013 15 Voodoo Brewing Co. Voodoo offered stouts, IPAs and craft cocktails as well as burgers, wings and other casual eats. The closure was announced in a social media post, and an employee confirmed Sept. 30 would be the location’s final day of operation. • Closed Sept. 30 • 1001 14th St., Ste. 500, Plano • www.voodoobrewery.com

16 Bondi Bowls The menu features açai bowls, smoothies, lemonade, shaved ice, locally sourced coffee and more, the company website states. Menu items are vegan, organic, gluten free friendly, dairy free, plant based and refined sugar free.

• Opened Sept. 26 • 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano • www.bondibowls.com

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Government

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

New Plano firefighter schedule to assist with recovery, retention

The context

Once fully implemented, the new schedule will reduce firefighters’ average work week from 56 hours to 42 hours. Although the contract goes into effect Oct. 1, Plano Fire-Rescue personnel will not fully tran- sition to the 24/72 shift schedule until around 2029 once staffing levels are met. Plano residents should not expect any changes in service during the gradual rollout, according to city documents. New hiring is expected to begin in fall 2025, and current firefighters will start receiving addi- tional paid days off, called “Kelly Days,” as the department shifts towards the 24/72 schedule.

City Manager Mark Israelson said Sept. 16 the new schedule will be phased in over the next five years, with the department hiring 22 new personnel each year for a total of 110 new hires. The new staff will create a “D-Shift” to account for the additional day off. “This provides our firefighters with more time to rest and recover and puts them closer to being on par with the scheduled weekly work hours for the rest of the city,” Israelson said. “We are the first to be able to do this [in Texas].”

A new shift schedule aimed at increasing firefighter recovery time is now in place at Plano Fire-Rescue, making the department the first all-paid fire department in Texas to adopt a “24/72” shift schedule. Plano City Council approved a contract at the Sept. 16 meeting with the Plano Firefighters’ Association that will allow firefighters to work 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off—a shift from the current 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule.

Plano Fire-Rescue civil service employees

Plano Fire-Rescue average hours worked per week Under the new schedule, firefighters will have a 25% reduction in time on duty per week.

Plano fire department calls, 2015-2024 According to data from Plano Fire-Rescue, the department has seen a nearly 40% increase in service calls since 2015.

Plano Fire-Rescue will add 110 firefighters by 2029-30 to accommodate the new schedule.

Staff

Hours per week

600

24,945

2015

2016

26,020

400

26,850

2017

200

2018

27,906

27,901

2019

2020

25,622

33,449

2021

2022

32,976

In 2028-29, the shift schedule will change from 24/48 to 24/72.

2023

33,076

2024

34,732

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying

Adam Gilliland, a recent firefighter recruit with Plano Fire-Rescue, said the possibility of the new schedule factored into his decision to try to work in Plano. “If a city is willing to help out their firefighters that much, … it kind of speaks volumes to how the department probably is,” Gilliland said. “I’ve got four children, and that’s a lot more time I’m going to be able to spend with them … You can’t put a price on that.”

Gillespie said the additional time off is particularly important for recovery between shifts as the city’s call volume has continued to grow in recent years. “We knew what we were getting when we signed up for it,” Gillespie said. “That [first] day that you’re off, you’re trying to recover, ... [and the next day], you’re kind of preparing to go to work, so with this, it gives us an opportunity to fully recover.”

Plano Firefighter and EMT Laddin Gillespie, said the shift change reflects a broader cultural shift in the fire service. “Forty years ago, it was a badge of honor to wear dirty, filthy bunker gear,” Gillespie said. “Now if you see somebody with dirty bunker gear, you’re like, ‘Hey man, wash your stuff. It’s cancer on that.’ So we’re doing a better job of taking care of each other.”

PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Government

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Plano residents to see higher water, sewer bills Plano residents can expect to see higher water and sewer bills starting Oct. 1 following council approval. Zooming in The average resident using 10,000 gallons of water, 7,000 gallons of sewer and a 95-gallon cart for waste will see a $15 increase on their monthly utility bill, according to city documents. The city is facing an 8% water rate increase from the North Texas Municipal Water District, which the new residential rates will help address to ensure city services stay operational. Plano is working to gradually increase rates over the next three years to help cover the increased costs for wholesale water while minimizing the impact on residents, according to city documents. Council also approved an average increase of $1.50 for municipal drainage residential rates. The increased rates are reflected in the city’s budget.

East Plano townhome project withdrawn Plans for a townhome development off Split Trail Road, near the corner of K Avenue and Spring Creek Parkway, have been withdrawn by the developer. The decision was accepted by the Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners at their

Utilities

Sewer rate (gallons)

Current New $20.10 $21.50

The minimum includes the first 1,000 gallons

1,001+ gallons

$2.20 $3.45

95-gallon (standard trash-only cart) 68-gallon (trash only) Solid waste rate (gallons)

Current New $24.60 $25.60

$17.61 $18.32

Extra cart (95-gallon)

$20.50 $21.33

Oct. 6 meeting. What happened

Water

Residential water users in Plano are charged based on a base monthly rate and by consumption. Current New Water residential rates (gallons)

Applicant Rasul Shahid initially asked to rezone 6.6 acres from corridor commercial to single family. However, Shahid requested Oct. 6 to withdraw the application due to a change in the property’s planned sale. The preliminary site plan for the proposed development was also withdrawn. The 6-acre development was initially planned to include 49 single-family residence attached lots with five common areas.

Base monthly rate per meter (includes first 1,000 gallons)

$28.89 $30.90

1,001 - 5,000

$2.20 $3.45

5,001 - 20,000

$4.70 $5.05

20,001 - 40,000

$9.40 $10.10

40,001 - Above

$11.30 $12.10

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY JACQUELYN BURRER & KARLA PEREZ

Changes considered near Oak Point Park Plano city officials are discussing the future of city-owned properties at the northeast corner of Jupiter Road and Los Rios Boulevard. After two prior development plans failed to move forward, the property is still zoned as multifamily. City Council requested city staff to bring the property before the Planning and Zoning Commission to determine if a zoning change would be appropriate. However, commissioners agreed to delay any immediate rezoning at their Oct. 6 meeting and put the property on the commission’s work plan as staff resources allow. Some background The 7.8-acre property is currently zoned mul- tifamily due to a former development plan but is designated as “neighborhood” in the city’s future land use plan, according to city documents.

121

Subject property

(city-owned)

Additional city-owned properties

Retail planned at SH 121, Rasor Boulevard Plano residents could see a new car wash, convenience store and restaurant coming to the intersection of SH 121 and Rasor Boulevard. At an Oct. 6 meeting, Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners approved prelimi- nary plans for the proposed retail center. According to the site plan, the conve- nience store will have five gas pumps and the restaurant will include a drive-through.

Neither a 2016 single-family development plan nor a 2022 multifamily plan moved forward, and the city acquired the property in 2023. City officials are also considering rezoning additional city-owned properties along Los Rios Boulevard and the surrounding private properties at the intersection. Mike Bell, assistant planning director, said there are no “imminent plans for development” on the site, and the city does not intend to build a park or sell the property for multifamily development, which is why the zoning change is being discussed.

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Education

BY KARLA PEREZ

2025 Higher Education Edition

Welcome to CI’s Higher Education Edition. This annual guide features the latest updates and resources about local higher education institutions in and around your community. All the stories were written by our team of local journalists. In this year’s edition, our team of reporters bring you stories about Collin College and other higher education institutions near you. Our front page story takes a look at Collin College’s workforce development efforts within the health care industry, including the college’s partnership with Plano ISD.

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What's inside

Check out a list of nearby higher education facilities (Page 14-15)

Collin College seeks to meet industry needs in health sciences programs (Page 16)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

PISD to launch dual credit Electrical Engineering Academy

Plano ISD will launch a new Electrical Engineer- ing Academy in partnership with East Texas A&M University, according to a news release from the district. PISD’s board of trustees approved the partner- ship Sept. 25 to begin in the 2026-27 school year. What you need to know Students will begin the four-year academy at Jasper High School and complete it at Plano West Senior High School, where they can earn high school and college credit simultaneously, starting in 11th grade. The program will offer students hands-on learning and career readiness opportunities in engineering, as well as the ability to complete the Texas College Core through East Texas A&M dual credit courses. Incoming ninth-graders can apply for the first cohort, which will have 120 spots available.

Plano ISD dual credit academies

Some context PISD Superintendent Theresa Williams said in the release that the launch of the Electrical Engineering Academy is part of a district plan to establish career-building programs in all three PISD senior high school clusters. “Thanks to the support of our trustees and [East Texas A&M University] leadership, we are so proud to offer another pathway further enhancing the high-quality advanced education offered in our district,” Williams said. Quote of note Mark Rudin, president of East Texas A&M University, stated in the release that the partner- ship will provide students with a “powerful head start” to build a successful career in engineering and beyond. “We’re proud to partner with Plano ISD to provide this opportunity,” Rudin said.

1 Plano West Senior High: Health Sciences Academy 2 Plano Senior High School: Wildcat Academy 3 Upcoming CTE center

4 Plano East Senior High School: Electrical Engineering Academy

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PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Education

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Learn more about colleges, universities in Plano, DFW

University of Texas at Dallas College type: four-year

Collin College College type: Two-year, four-year

University of Texas at Arlington College type: four-year Update: The university was awarded an ExLENT Program grant from the National Science Foundation to create cohorts of students, veterans, researchers and industry engineers aimed at strengthening the aerospace engineering community. UTA also broke ground on a new west campus in Fort Worth, which is set to open in 2028. • 701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington • www.uta.edu

University of North Texas at Frisco College type: four-year Update: UNT at Frisco is a location of the University of North Texas focused on providing degree programs that get undergraduate students prepared for in-demand jobs and graduate students in a position to advance their careers. • 12995 Preston Road, Frisco • www.frisco.unt.edu

Texas Woman’s University College type: Four-year Update: Texas Woman’s University sta and ocials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 4 for the university’s newly renovated Welcome Center at Brackenridge Hall. The 82,000-square-foot facility will house various student services while also serving as an introduction to the university for new and prospective students. • 304 Administration Drive, Denton • www.twu.edu

Dallas College College type: Two-year, four-year

Update: The University of Texas at Dallas is now oering a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering, according to a news release from the university. The new degree program launch is intended to help meet industry demands and prepare students for a variety of elds that require interdisciplinary engineering experience, the release states. • 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • www.utdallas.edu

Update: Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, Collin College students gained access to online education from schools across the state through a partnership with the Texas Statewide Course Sharing Exchange Program. The program allows students to sign up for online courses from schools statewide while also enrolled in Collin College courses, with the goal to increase availability of courses while also supporting students completing their education, a college news release stated. • 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.collin.edu

Update: A new partnership between Dallas College and Texas State University will allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in management, nance, marketing or information systems from Dallas College’s Richland Campus. Applications for eligible students opened this fall. • Dallas College Richland Campus, 12800 Abrams Road, Dallas • www.dallascollege.edu

PLANO 5930 West Park Blvd (972) 250-0500 PLANO NORTH 5420 State Hwy 121 (469) 687-2581

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expy (972) 908-3488 EAST PLANO 3404 N Central Expy (972) 423-6688

COIT ROAD 1453 Coit Rd (972) 867-2821

Collin College expands health sciences programs From the cover

The approach

The overview

in-demand health care careers,” he said. An aging population and an increased demand for care are the two primary factors creating critical health care workforce shortages, said Kris Boyer, Medical City Health care’s division assistant vice president of academic aairs.

Over the last several years, Collin College ocials have met with every hospital CEO in the area to better understand the health care gaps and needs in the region, Matkin said. “We are excitedly looking toward the future as Collin College positions itself to deliver educa- tional opportunities for all those rapidly growing,

Collin College’s Plano campus has converted classroom space into health sciences labs that will oer students hands- on training opportunities. A $2 million grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration last year and has allowed the college to expand its Plano campus by constructing health care instruction facilities. The project converted nine existing classrooms as well as support spaces into health sciences labs and classrooms. Additional space was converted into three new lab spaces and two more classrooms, said Neil Matkin, district president of Collin College. “We are grateful for our dedicated team at Collin College and external health care partners who worked hard to secure those funds that will directly enhance the student experience at our beloved Plano campus,” Matkin said. The Plano campus also underwent renovations to student service areas, food service and prep spaces, and the replacement of 212,000 square feet of roong, Matkin said.

Collin College Associate of Applied Science enrollment

Enrollment Certications earned

2,500

508 2,067

422 1,976

Students in applied science include dental hygiene, nursing and surgical technology. The number of certications has increased, though enrollment has been trending downward.

660 1,761

2,000

675 1,527

658 1,511

1,500

1,000

500

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

School year

SOURCE: COLLIN COLLEGECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Notable quotes

“As a college, we are in constant communication with our health care leaders to make sure

“Supporting health care programs contributes to a healthier community.” KRIS BOYER, MEDICAL CITY HEALTH CARE DIVISION ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Health care is the No. 3 industry in Collin County based on workforce Total health care jobs in Collin County is expected to grow 16% by 2029

our plans of expansion for programming align with the needs of our region and state.” NEIL MATKIN, COLLIN COLLEGE DISTRICT PRESIDENT

SOURCE: COLLIN COLLEGECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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One more thing

Diving deeper

Collin College is in a position to deliver the education that supports industry and ensures the success of the region, Matkin said. The $71.8 million Frisco health sciences center, which is set to open in January 2027, will help with expanding programs already oered at Collin College and will be the future home to in-development programs. The center was intentionally designed to support innovative learning through hands-on clinical spaces and simulation technology, Matkin said. The center will have learning spaces dedicated to new radiology and imaging programs. Potential programs being considered include Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Cardiovascular Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technician.

Plano ISD students have an even earlier route into the medical eld with the district’s Health Sciences Academy, a partnership with Collin College that oers dual-credit courses and clinical placements for high school students. “They can go straight into the workforce, go to a two-year school, a four-year school and go on to medical school,” said Kimberly Chandler, PISD health science career and technical education coordinator. The program oers seven dierent tracks, including four that allow students to graduate high school with a Collin College certicate. The district and Collin College partner with local hospitals to make sure the program is meeting workforce needs. Plano ISD’s next newest health care program will be radiology tech due to feedback during a recent roundtable discussion with local hospitals. “We need to hear what our workforce partners need, and we need to make sure that we are lling

PISD partners with Collin College to provide students hands on experience in the health care eld.

COURTESY PLANO ISD

that pipeline,” Chandler said. PISD CTE Coordinator Karen Buechman added that the opportunity for “practical experience with patients” puts PISD Health Sciences Academy students ahead when applying for medical school. “You can’t volunteer and get that same experi- ence,” Buechman said. “They don’t let you touch patients; they let you deliver owers. [The Health Sciences Academy] is a very dierent experience where you actually are doing labs on patients. ... With that early exposure, the students leave with a better understanding of what they want to do.”

Changing t

Inspired and hired

PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Transportation

Upcoming projects

PARK BLVD. LOS ROBLES DR.

SRT TOLL

1 Los Rios and Ranch Estates waterline rehabilitation Project: The Los Rios and Ranch Estate neighborhoods are set to see rehabilitation work for over 12,000 feet of existing waterlines as well as concrete pavement and ramp improvements. Update: Plano City Council members approved a $3.89 million contract for the rehabilitation construction work at their Sept. 16 meeting. • Timeline: July 2025-November 2026 • Cost: $3.89 million • Funding source: city of Plano

MCDERMOTT DR.

121

HEDGCOXE RD.

ALISO RD.

COUNTRY CLUB DR.

CORPORATE DR.

RANCH ESTATES DR. 1

LEGACY DR.

SAN GABRIEL DR.

TENNYSON PKWY.

SPRING CREEK PKWY.

MERRIMAN DR.

Plano

Ongoing projects

PARKER RD.

DNT TOLL

LOS RIOS BLVD.

2 Ohio Drive Project: The city is working to improve various intersections across the city, with this specific section focusing on the intersection at Ohio Drive and Park Boulevard. Update: Eastbound and westbound Park Boulevard lanes at Ohio Drive will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 31 for construction. • Timeline: November 2024-November 2025

PARK BLVD.

MUNICIPAL AVE.

W. 15TH ST.

PGBT TOLL

PLANO PKWY.

W. RENNER RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Changes to the City of Plano Residential Utility Rates

Effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, the City of Plano’s rates for residential water, sewer and solid waste services have increased. An average resident using 10,000 gallons of water, 7,000 gallons of sewer (winter quarter average) and a 95-gallon cart will see an approximate $15 increase on their total monthly utility bill. These changes are necessary for Plano to continue providing high-quality services at the best value possible despite growing costs. Two-thirds of our annual total water and wastewater expense is for wholesale water and wastewater treatment. The rate increases were first presented on July 30, 2025. Residential Water Rates Customers are currently charged a minimum monthly rate of $28.89 (1,000 gallons included) that will increase by $2.01. The City is in the second year of a 3-year-rate strategy to gradually bring the first-billed-tier rate up to cover the cost of wholesale water. The 1,001-5,000 gallons tier rate is increasing by $1.25, which is still less than the wholesale water cost charged by the North Texas Municipal Water District. Higher volumetric rates will increase by 7%. Residential Sewer Rates Sewer charges will increase by 7%. Your sewer bill is calculated based on your winter (December through February) water usage. Known as your Winter Quarter Average, it recalculates each year.

Water Rates*

Current Effective Oct. 1

The minimum includes the first 1,000 gallons

$28.89

$30.90

$3.45 $5.05

1,001 - 5,000 5,001 - 20,000 20,001 - 40,000 40,001 - Above

$2.20 $4.70 $9.40

$10.10 $12.10

*Based on the 3/4 and 1-inch meter size. $11.30

Sewer

Current Effective Oct. 1

The minimum includes the first 1,000 gallons

$20.10

$21.50

1,001 + gallons

$7.95

$8.50

Solid Waste

Current Effective Oct. 1

95-gallon (standard trash-only cart) 68-gallon* (trash-only) Extra cart* (95-gallon)

$24.60

$25.60

$17.61 $20.50

$18.32 $21.33

*A one-time $15 fee applies for the delivery of extra carts and carts of a different size.

For more residential rate information or specifics on larger meters or commercial properties, visit Plano.gov/WaterBill .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

• Cost: $3.26 million • Funding source: city of Plano 3 Custer Road

concrete before sealing with a protective layer. The process aims to expand the road’s lifespan. Update: Arterial concrete repairs on Custer Road from Hedgcoxe Road to Spring Creek Parkway began Aug. 27. • Timeline: August 2025-October 2026 • Cost: $1.63 million • Funding source: city of Plano 6 Coit Road asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays. Update: Arterial concrete repairs began Aug. 13 along Coit Road from SH 190 to Parker Road. • Timeline: July 2025-July 2026 • Cost: $1.611 million • Funding source: city of Plano 7 Parker Road asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays. Update: Arterial concrete repairs from Country Place Road to Independence Parkway are estimated to complete in spring 2026. • Timeline: August 2024-spring 2026 • Cost: $4.37 million • Funding source: city of Plano

Completed projects

8 Alma Drive asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays. Update: Road paving from Parker Road to Hedgcoxe Road finished in September. • Timeline: May 2025-September 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 9 Midway Road asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays. Update: Road paving from Spring Creek Parkway to Park Boulevard finished in September. • Timeline: Fall 2024-September 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 10 Park Boulevard asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays. Update: final cleanup work for arterial concrete repairs on Park Boulevard between Plano’s west city limits and

Project: The North Texas Municipal Water District is currently working to replace an aging pipeline along Custer Road. Update: Construction will cause lane closures on sections of Custer Road with work scheduled Monday- Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Timeline: February 2025-October 2026 • Cost: $18 million • Funding source: North Texas Municipal Water District 4 Park Boulevard water rehabilitation project Project: The two-phase project, stretching from Preston Road to Plano’s east city limits combined, is working to replace the waterlines running under Park Boulevard. Update: The first phase from Preston Road to U.S. 75 has been delayed to finish in December. • Timeline: September 2024-December 2025 • Cost: $9.58 million • Funding source: city of Plano 5 Custer Road asphalt overlay Project: Crews are undergoing the arterial overlay process, which consists of replacing sections of

Preston Road completed in October. • Timeline: April 2024-October 2025 • Cost: $2.085 million • Funding source: city of Plano

PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Education

BY JACQUELYN BURRER & KARLA PEREZ

Planning for closed schools underway Plano officials have held several open- house meetings over the past two months to gather community input on the three Plano ISD schools the city is purchasing. City officials are planning to finalize the purchase of the campuses in November, Plano’s Real Estate Manager Matt Yager said. What they’re saying Plano Neighborhood Engagement Manager Stephanie Peacock said at the Sept. 24 meeting City Council will have the final decision on the properties’ future following community input. Peacock said the land for both Davis Elementary and Armstrong Middle is zoned single-family residential, which would allow some kinds of housing developments, but most attendees favored creating a public park.

Student enrollment

Projected enrollment

20,000 40,000 60,000

2012- 13

2014- 15

2016- 17

2018- 19

2020- 21

2022- 23

2024- 25

2025- 26

2027- 28

2029- 30

2010- 11

SOURCE: PLANO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PISD officials consider increased outreach As of Sept. 25, Plano ISD’s enrollment was 1,657 less than the district’s projected total. The big picture Enrollment increased from 43,905 on Sept. 5 to 44,017 in the most recent count, but total enroll- ment has still declined from last year, according to

a presentation from PISD Deputy Superintendent Johnny Hill. PISD’s 2024-25 enrollment was 46,551, and the district’s projected enrollment of for the 2025-26 school year was 45,674 students. The discussion PISD staff discussed potential solutions during the Oct. 7 board of trustees meeting, including increasing outreach initiatives to inform parents about existing district programs to boost student retention.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie

Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from

Flower Mound

Frisco

Keller

Supreme Boil The restaurant offers Cajun food and seafood boils, which includes a choice of mussels, clams, crawfish or shrimp, according to its website. • Opened Aug. 1 • 2321 Cross Timbers Road, Ste. 413, Flower Mound • www.supremeboil.com

Musume Musume at The Star’s menu includes sushi and sashimi made with fresh fish flown in daily from Japan as well as authentic Asian cuisine offered in both small and large plates, vegetarian and vegan dishes, salads, tempura, and ramen. It also features a six- or eight-course Omakase curated daily. • Opened Aug. 25 • 3625 The Star Blvd., Ste. 315, Frisco • www.musumedallas.com

Te’Jun Te’jun offers seafood combos and plates with shrimp, crab, crawfish, corn and potatoes, according to its website. • Opened Aug. 14 • 541 Keller Parkway, Keller • www.tejunthetexascajun.com

McKinney

Plano

Richardson

The Brunch District The menu features steak and eggs, omelets, skillets, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon roll French toast, and more. Health- conscious options include chia pudding, the Iron Man Scrambler and avocado toast. • Opened Sept. 4 • 4590 W. University Drive, Ste. 100, McKinney • www.thebrunchdistrict.com

Palmieri Cafe The eatery and coffee shop serves Italian and American coffee, tea, sweet and savory Italian pastries, gelato, and more. • Opened Sept. 5 • 2024 W. 15th St., Ste. G, Plano • www.palmiericafe.com

Noor-Sha Cafe & Catering The restaurant serves dishes such as gozleme—a savory, stuffed turnover—baked goods, paninis, burgers, breakfast and more. It also offers catering services. • Opened Aug. 27 • 1057 S. Sherman St., Ste. 150, Richardson • www.noorshacafecatering.com

PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Business

BY KAREN CHANEY

Yixuan Han said there are myriad reasons why people traverse the ight of stairs to get to HanOpera Music Academy in east Plano, including young children starting out on their music educa- tion journey and adults who are life-long singers desiring to join like-minded individuals. “Children and teenagers really like musical theater and pop songs,” Han said. “The adults really like the choir—specically solos.” Han opened HanOpera Music Academy in 2019. The set up Han, who earned a doctorate degree in musical arts from University of North Texas, said she trains all HanOpera teachers to instruct in the teaching method she has developed over 20 years. “HanOpera is totally dierent from other music academies because I use my teaching system and teaching philosophy ... which is science-based vocal training,” Han said. “[The teachers] match the same concert concepts, skills and techniques— then we teach them.” In-person group and individual voice lessons, ranging from vocal fundamentals to competition levels, are taught at HanOpera. Online singing classes are also available. Classes are oered for children ages 4 and older. Han said currently, the oldest HanOpera student is 60 years old. Performances are scheduled throughout the year and are held osite at nearby performance centers. What else? HanOpera students perform songs in a variety of languages including Italian, German, French, English, Japanese and Chinese. Han said most songs have an International Phonetic Alphabet, or IPA, which allows singers the ability to sing in their non-native language. However, one language lacked this tool. “I am the rst person to create a new version of the Chinese IPA for singers,” Han said. “I send our singers this IPA marked [music] ... and they are singing it correctly. As a classical singer, it was ... never Chinese, because they said Chinese is hard. Now it’s not hard.” The backstory Han opened HanOpera in her Plano home in 2019. In 2024, she made the leap from home business to a brick-and-mortar location when she Plano’s HanOpera Music Academy brings vocal training to mix of ages

At a recent performance, Yixuan Han was accompanied by a pianist and pipa player. A pipa is a traditional Chinese instrument.

moved the academy to K Avenue. She said her students were instrumental in making her dream a reality when they bought pianos and chairs for the new location. “My students have been with me for a long time. They always say, ‘Dr. Han, you are not a business woman, you are just a musician. But that’s why we love you,’” Han said. “But I only think of one thing—I want my students to have a big space to do rehearsals and performances.” Quote of note Prior to opening HanOpera Music Academy, Han taught voice at universities in both China and America. Sometimes her former university students ask why she teaches kids. “I’m a voice teacher, not a university vocal major teacher,” Han said. “I learned vocal peda- gogy ... to teach all my students dierent voice types so they shine on the stage. This is my job.”

Yixuan Han opened HanOpera Music Academy in 2019 in her Plano home.

3420 K Ave., Ste. 306, Plano www.hanopera.com

Members of HanOpera’s children’s performance class performed at a recent event.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

• Oct. 24, 7 p.m. • $32.90 • Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano • www.legacyfoodhall.com/event/pop2000-2

October

Plano Ghost Walk Learn about Plano’s haunted history with Mic Drop Comedy Plano in a 2-hour walking tour featuring urban legends, haunted landmarks and local lore. The event is ages 21 and up. • Oct. 4-Nov. 30, 6:45 p.m. • $40 • Mic Drop Comedy Plano, 7301 Lone Star Drive, Ste. A110, Plano • www.micdropcomedyplano.com/events Pretty in Pink Pop-Up Market Stroll through Downtown Plano and shop from local vendors and boutiques at this pink-themed market in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. • Oct. 19, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St., Plano • Eventbrite: Downtown Plano Pretty in Pink Market POP 2000 Hosted by NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick Listen to the best hits of the 2000s with live performances by various artists at Legacy Hall. The event will be hosted by NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick.

Rest In Plano (R.I.P.) 2025 Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly festival in Downtown Plano, featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors and themed cocktails from the Fillmore Pub. • Oct. 25, 5-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St., Plano • www.plano.gov/1043/rest-in-plano-fest

November

Plano Food + Wine Festival Head to Legacy West for Plano’s food and wine festival hosted by SBG Hospitality. Sample a variety of wines, enjoy dishes from local restaurants and watch live cooking demonstrations. • Nov. 1, noon to 6 p.m. • $55-$125 • Legacy West, 5908 Headquarters Drive, Plano • www.planofoodandwinefestival.com

Patriot’s Run 5K and Fun Run Take part in a 1-mile fun run or the Patriot’s Run 5K, held in honor of veterans and first responders, followed by family-friendly activities. The event is hosted in partnership by Allen’s VFW Post 2195, Plano’s VFW Post 4380 and Plano Flags of Honor. • Nov. 8, 7:30 a.m. • $35 • Oak Point Nature Preserve, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.runsignup.com/race/tx/plano/patriotsrun5k

Nationally recognized. Loved by

We’re proud to be recognized among the nation’s best for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and stroke care. But what means even more is seeing Texans like you become their very best. That’s the recognition we work for. And it’s what drives us to keep raising the bar for healthcare in Plano.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. Not all hospitals recognized in all specialties. See USNews.com/BestHospitals for complete listings. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 99-PL-1474450 DT

PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Real estate

The number of homes sold in Plano in August increased year over year from 221 in August 2024 to 246 this August, and the median sales price of a Plano home sold in August was $501,500. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

August 2024

August 2025

-2.94%

+13.51%

+20%

+22.86%

+7.14%

+16.22%

75074

75075

75093

75023

75024

75025

SRT TOLL

DNT TOLL

75025

Median home sales price

75024

August

2024

2025

75023

$438,925 $530,000 $700,000 $475,000 $625,000 $585,000

$380,000 $500,000 $750,000 $473,500 $671,000 $585,250

75074

75093

75074

75075

PGBT TOLL

75093

75023

75024

Plano

75025

August

2024

2025

392 377

New listings

Average days on market -8.33% +180.77%

221

246

Closed sales

+88.89%

+62.1%

+11.11%

+170.37%

Homes under contract

207 247

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY METROTEX ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS WWW.MYMETROTEX.COM

75074

75075

75093

75023

75024

75025

Wills on

Wheels

Let me help you create your will in the comfort of your home.

Call Now Wills, Trusts, Probates

www.VickiRatliffAttorney.com 972.824.0778 Principal Office: Richardson, Texas

Vicki S. Ratliff, Attorney

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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