Restoring downtown’s ‘jewel’ From the cover
The history
The big picture
David Chase, a senior principal at Architexas, said the courthouse was originally constructed in the 1870s with a stone exterior and a mansard roof. It was later renovated in the 1920s to replace the roof and cover the stone with brick. For the current renovation, Architexas officials conducted a historic finish analysis to determine the building’s paint colors from the 1930s. “We found evidence of this green paint that was used,” he said. “We’re going to bring that back.” The Texas Historical Commission approved the renovation designs, which is a requirement since the building is a designated State Antiquities Landmark.
Construction work will include acoustic improvements, new seating and a permanent theater stage. The former judge’s bench will be brought out of storage to serve as a bar. Officials are planning a rebrand of the facility that’s expected to launch later in 2026, Jones said. When the center reopens, officials hope to increase the “quality and quantity” of shows hosted there, ultimately driving additional traffic to downtown McKinney, he said. During renovations, the courthouse building and restrooms will be closed through fall 2026. Temporary restrooms have been installed on South Kentucky Street one block from the square.
McKinney City Council members approved $9.2 million in funding for the project in February. Fort Worth-based Byrne Construction is overseeing construction, while Architexas provided engineering and design services. Both firms worked on the building’s last renovation project in the 2000s, which involved a lot of structural work, Jones said. This time, plans for the project are two-fold: historic preservation and customer experience. “We want to protect and enhance the building,” Jones said. “We wanted to also weave the courthouse’s history and [narrative] into our design and operation of the facility.”
Tracking the courthouse’s history
The performing art center's Courtroom Theater will see various targeted upgrades to improve the customer experience. Planned theater renovations
The courthouse was first constructed in the 1870s before it was reconstructed in the 1920s
1874: Collin County commissioners vote to build a new courthouse on the McKinney square 1875: Collin County Courthouse is completed
Old judge’s bench will be restored to serve as a bar
New seating
1926-28: Courthouse is renovated to add a third floor, basement and new roof
1979: County offices relocate to a new courthouse 1980: Last court case held in the courthouse
1998: The courthouse gains a Texas Historic Landmark designation 2000-06: Courthouse undergoes another renovation project funded by the city of McKinney, MCDC and Collin County. Courthouse is reopened as the McKinney Performing Arts Center
Rendering of the McKinney Performing Arts Center’s Courtroom Theater with judge’s bench.
Permanent stage
New lighting truss
2018: Additional exterior improvements are completed
Jan. 17, 2026: Last public performance Feb. 1: McKinney Performing Arts Center closes Feb. 4: Construction begins Fall 2026: Estimated completion of renovations
SOURCES: CITY OF MCKINNEY, MCKINNEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP./COMMUNITY IMPACT
Rendering of the McKinney Performing Arts Center’s Courtroom Theater with new stage.
SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT (RENDERINGS COURTESY CITY OF MCKINNEY)
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook