Plano | February 2026

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Plano Edition VOLUME 14, ISSUE 1 FEB. 20MARCH 20, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

Rising rents cause downtown changes

15TH ST.

VONTRESS DR.

CEO, said stang expenses and rising rents have made it more dicult for small retail businesses to sustain a traditional brick-and-mortar presence. “Costs have increased across the board,” Marsalis said. “There was a lot of uctuation in the last year, and so that will often have an impact on consumer spending.”

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Downtown Plano businesses have seen the eect of broader marketplace changes rsthand over the last year. The area has seen several business closures and openings in 2025 as rising costs, shifting customer habits and increasing rents reshape how small businesses operate. Kelle Marsalis, Plano Chamber of Commerce president and

Rachel, a bartender at McNeal’s Tavern in downtown Plano, serves patrons. (Michael Crouchley/ Community Impact)

CONTINUED ON 18

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Ranked # 30 in US

Notice Regarding Physician Ownership: Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano is a hospital in which physicians have an ownership or investment interest. The list of the physician owners or investors is available to you upon request. 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. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 09867_KC_12/25.

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2025-26 Community Investment Program Snapshot

Parker Road Is Ready for the Ultra-Thin Asphalt Overlay Concrete repairs on Parker Road between Country Place Drive and Independence Parkway are now complete, marking an important milestone in a $4.4 million improvement project. The work began after the City replaced aging cast iron water lines with modern PVC pipe, helping ensure reliable service for years to come. Your patience helped crews finish the concrete repairs safely and on schedule. In summer 2026, crews will apply an ultra-thin asphalt overlay to protect the concrete and extend the life of the roadway. Once finished, Parker Road will become the first east-to-west corridor in Plano to have a continuous overlay from end to end. As Plano continues to make progress, you will still notice cones or other small projects along Parker Road.

Primary Funding Source: Bond (2021)

Estimated Construction Cost: $4.4 million

The City of Plano is investing in key projects across our community. Below are top construction projects as of December 31, 2025.

Construction Budget

Construction Progress

Primary Funding Source

Fall Quarter

Sewer Improvements along Plano Parkway (Coit Road and Independence Parkway)

Water & Sewer Fund

$17,250,000

58%

$1,800,000

31%

Bond (2021)

Coit Road Concrete Repair Phase 2

15th Street Paving and Waterline Reconstruction (Municipal Avenue to Jupiter Road)

$7,137,019

24%

Bond (2021)

Custer Road Concrete Repair Phase 1

$2,500,000

53%

98%

Water Rehab - Park Boulevard Phase 1

$4,400,000

Water & Sewer Fund

$1,103,380

50%

Bond (2021)

Chisholm Trail Undercrossing at Spring Creek Parkway

25%

Longhorn Park Renovation

$2,071,003

Bond (2021)

90%

Enfield Restrooms and Ballfield Lighting

$8,550,987

Bond (2021)

76%

Glen Meadows Park Renovation

$1,486,464

14%

Citywide Traffic Signal Cabinet Upgrade

Bond (2021)

$6,550,470

Parker Road Water Tower

$7,668,138

Water & Sewer Fund

Sign up for the Plano Progress newsletter to receive monthly updates on construction projects at Share.Plano.gov/ProgressEmail

Stay up to date on construction at Plano.gov/Construction

PLANO EDITION

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About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jacquelyn Burrer Karen Chaney

Adam Doe Colby Farr Hannah Johnson Heather McCullough Patricia Ortiz Mary Katherine Shapiro Cody Thorn Isabella Ze Graphic Designers Nicolas Delgadillo José Jiménez Chelsea Peters Armando Servin Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Senior Managing Editor Miranda Jaimes Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores DFW Market President John Alper

Vonna Matthews General Manager vmatthews@ communityimpact.com

Michael Crouchley Editor mcrouchley@ communityimpact.com

Scott Vowinkle Account Executive svowinkle@ communityimpact.com

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PLANO EDITION

Impacts

location in Carrollton. • Opening early 2026 • 1008 E. 15th St., Plano • www.anomaliasociety.com

HEADQUARTERS DR.

BISHOP RD.

WINTHROP ST.

SRT TOLL

HEDGCOXE RD.

DNT TOLL

7 Desperados The restaurant’s menu features ceviche, tacos and Tex-Mex platters. The restaurant also offers a selection of desserts, including a deep-fried latte, which has cappuccino ice cream, maple syrup, whipped cream and coffee flakes inside a fried sopapilla. • Opening spring 2026 • 5960 W. Parker Road, Ste. 210, Plano • www.desperadosrestaurant.com 8 Wild Birds Unlimited The business currently has two locations, including a McKinney shop opened by Cheryl “Birdie” Miller and a Dallas location opened by David Hurt. Miller said the new location will sell bird feeding and observation supplies, including bird baths, binoculars and region- specific seeds, and will feature an event room for education programs and guest speakers focused on birds and other nature-related topics. • Opening in March • 19177 Preston Road, Ste. 175, Dallas • www.wbu.com/dallas; www.wbu.com/mckinney 9 Ichika The restaurant will be Texas’ first kaiseki-dedicated restaurant and one of the few kappo-style dining experiences in the country. Owner Leo Kekoa said. Kappo-style kaiseki is traditionally served in formal dining rooms but that will not be the case at Ichika. • Opening March 1 • 8240 Preston Road, Ste. 175, Plano • Instagram: Ichika

LEGACY DR.

BETHANY DR.

WINDROSE AVE.

North Plano

LEGACY DR.

DNT TOLL

SPRING CREEK PKWY.

WINDHAVEN PKWY.

PARKERRD.

South Plano

PARK BLVD.

15TH ST.

PLANO PKWY.

14TH ST.

PGBT TOLL

• 1301 Custer Road, Ste. 850, Plano • www.kirincourt.com

Now open

1 Conquer Fitness The business offers semi-private classes, with a six-person maximum class size, focused on strength training for clients 40 years and older. Each one-hour class features four upper-body exercises, four lower- body exercises and two core exercises. This is the sixth Conquer Fitness in the metroplex. The original location opened in Frisco in 2019 followed by locations in Trophy Club, Los Colinas, Prosper and McKinney. • Opened Jan. 2 • 1801 Preston Road, Plano • www.conquerprivatetraining.com 2 Diptyque The company sells candles, perfumes, scented skin care products and a variety of home decorations. Diptyque has three existing Texas locations in Dallas, Austin and Houston. • Opened Jan. 15 • 7700 Windrose Ave., Ste. G160, Plano • www.diptyqueparis.com/en_us 3 Kirin Court The restaurant, which also has a location in Richardson, serves a variety of Chinese dishes including dim sum, soups, Mongolian beef, baked pork rib with tangy fruit sauce, orange chicken, Beijing duck, salty and spicy diced fried tofu, sauteed fillet of grouper and more. Other menu items include hot pot and sizzling plate dishes as well as rice and noodle options. • Opened Nov. 25

4 Pappalecco’s This is the eatery’s first location in Texas, and its fourth location overall. The menu features coffee, pastries, gelato and light bites like salads and sandwiches. • Opened Jan. 10 • 1009 14th St., Ste. 600, Plano • www.pappaleccocafe.com 5 Takeoff Adventure Park Li said the park, which permits outside food and drinks, offers a variety of attractions including:

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

10 7th Avenue The new location in northwest Plano is “coming soon” to Legacy West, according to signage outside of the storefront. Construction on the store is expected to start on Feb. 2 and finish on April 2, according to a project filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 7th Avenue offers sectionals, sofas, armchairs and a variety of other indoor and outdoor furniture. 7th Avenue has three existing Texas locations in Dallas, Houston and Southlake. • Opening TBD • 5901 Winthrop St., Ste. K-145, Plano • www.7thavenue.com

• Trampoline courts • Ropes course

• Battle beam • Ninja course • Foam pit • Rock climbing • Soccer court

• Dodge ball • Bumper ball • Basketball

A playground is also available specifically for younger children. • Opened Dec. 19

Closings

• 1300 Custer Road, Plano • www.takeoffplano.com

11 Francesca’s The business started the process of liquidating all merchandise and closing all stores in mid-January, according to a letter from company officials to the Texas Workforce Commission. The company operates more than 450 stores in over 45 states, with 52 of those stores being in Texas, including one in Plano, according

Coming soon

6 Anomalia Beauty Society The Latina-owned beauty salon offers a full range of hair services, including haircuts, color, balayage and hair extensions. The downtown Plano location will be Anomalia’s second salon, following its original

to the company website. • Began liquidating Jan. 14 • 7201 Bishop Road, Ste. E9, Plano • www.francescas.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Now open

12 J. Alexander’s Kitchen and Bar The new location will be the restaurant’s first location in North Texas, followed by a new location coming to Prosper this summer. J. Alexander’s serves a variety of American cuisine, including wood-fired steaks, seafood, burgers and house- made desserts. • Opened Jan. 26

13 Dill Dinkers The indoor pickleball facility features cushioned court surfaces and top-tier lighting, the representative said in an email. The business also offers open play and lessons for various skill levels. Court rentals are available for visitors and members.

• Opened Jan. 29 • 904 N. Central Expressway, Plano • www.dilldinkers.com

• 3980 Dallas Parkway, Plano • www.jalexanders.com/texas/ plano/3980-dallas-pkwy

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PLANO EDITION

Election

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or 5 p.m. March 4 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November. Denton County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting; however, election day locations are by precinct. Collin County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Governor R Greg Abbott* R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Charles Andrew Crouch R Evelyn Brooks R Pete “Doc” Chambers R Arturo Espinosa R Mark V. Goloby R Kenneth Hyde R Stephen Samuelson R Ronnie Tullos

Texas Senate, District 70 R George Flint R Jack Ryan Gallagher R Michael Hewitt Texas House Representative, District 33 R Patrick David Gillespie R Monte Mitchell R Kurt Schwab R John Sims D Colin Allred D Zeeshan Hafeez D Julie Johnson D Carlos Quintanilla Texas House Representative, District 67 R Jeff Leach* R Matt Thorsen D Emeka Eluka D Jordan Wheatley Texas House Representative, District 89

Sample ballot

Federal elections U.S. Representative, District 5 R Keith Self* R Mark Newgent U.S. Representative, District 32 R Aimee Carrasco R Darrell Day

R James Ussery R Paul Bondar R Abteen Vaziri R Zain Shaito R Jace Yarbrough R Ryan Binkley R Monty Montanez R Gordon Heslop D Dan Barrios D Anthony Bridges

R Nathaniel Welch D Patricia Abrego D Chris Bell

D Bobby Cole D Carlton Hart D Gina Hinojosa D Jose Navarro Balbuena

D Faizan Syed D Zach Vance D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz Lieutenant governor R Timothy Mabry R Perla Muñoz Hopkins R Dan Patrick* R Esala Wueschner

R Candy Noble* R Jeff Forrester R Freddie America Texas Senate, District 2 R Bob Hall* R Jason Eddington Local elections Collin County Judge

State elections U.S. Senate R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender R Virgil John Bierschwale

R Sara Canady R John Cornyn* R Wesley Hunt R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Ken Paxton D Jasmine Crockett D Ahmad R. Hassan D James Talarico

D Vikki Goodwin D Courtney Head

D Marcos Velez Attorney general R Joan Huffman R Mayes Middleton R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy D Anthony “Tony” Box D Joe Jaworski D Nathan Johnson

R Rick Grady R Chris Hill*

SOURCES: COLLIN COUNTY, DENTON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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Your Drinking Water is Safe and Meets All Regulatory and Quality Standards Temporary Change in Disinfectant March 2 -3 0

What’s Different? The North Texas Municipal District (NTMWD) first disinfects water using ozone and chlorine as part of the treatment process to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Then, for most of the year, NTMWD also adds chloramine (chlorine + ammonia) as a secondary disinfectant to keep drinking water clean as it travels from the treatment plants through miles of pipes to homes and businesses. Each spring for 28 days, NTMWD temporarily suspends the use of ammonia and uses free chlorine as the secondary disinfectant to maintain water quality year- round. In 202 6 , that time period is March 2 -3 0 . This is a preventive measure to maintain the system and high water quality year-round. Individuals sensitive to chlorine may notice a stronger smell or taste for a few weeks during NTMWD's temporary change in drinking water disinfectant.

DRINKING WATER TIPS .

Refrigerate water in an open pitcher for several hours . Add a slice of citrus or cucumber . Consider installing filters on kitchen faucets Add a crushed 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet to bath water . Consider installing filters on bathroom faucets or shower heads

BATH OR SHOWER TIPS .

Sign up for weekly news updates from the City of Plano at Plano.gov/News For more information and helpful tips, visit NTMWD.com/SafeWater or Plano.gov/Water or call 972-442-5405 (NTMWD)

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Demographer projects continued PISD enrollment decline

Plano ISD’s enrollment is projected to dip below 40,000 students by the 2029-30 school year, accord- ing to a recent demographer report. The overview The district’s enrollment was down by 2,712 stu- dents in 2025-26 from the previous year, outpacing the projected decline by more than 1,300. PISD’s demography consultant Rocky Gardner of Zonda Demographics told the district’s board of trustees that he expects the enrollment to continue declining but “not at the same pace” as this year’s decline. “We did see a little bit of double whammy in Plano this past year,” Gardner said. “We had about 500 less newcomers, and we had about 150 more leavers.” According to the report, the district is expected to lose 1,652 students next school year. Enrollment is projected to dip below 40,000 in 2029-30 and continue decreasing through 2035-36.

PISD enrollment

The district’s enrollment is projected to drop below 40,000 in 2029-30.

48,840

50K

41,039

40K

36,845

24.56%

30K 0

School year

SOURCE: PLANO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

That includes Senate Bill 2, which passed last May and will introduce a $1 billion education savings account families can use to pay for private school Enrollment impacts the amount of state funding the district receives, as it is awarded by student.

Zooming in Some of the district’s enrollment decline can be attributed to the city’s housing stock and birth rates, according to the presentation. Gardner said that there are “a lot of unknowns” in future enrollment projections due to several factors.

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PLANO EDITION

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Transportation

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

W . 1 5 T H S T .

Ongoing project

INDEPENDENCE PKWY.

SRT TOLL

RIDGEVIEW DR.

1 7 T H S T .

P L A N O P K W Y .

15TH ST.

14TH ST.

M C D E R M O T T D R .

PGBT TOLL

INDEPENDENCE PKWY.

N AVE.

WATERVIEW PKWY.

HEDGCOXE RD.

1 Custer Road concrete replacement Project: Crews will be replacing about 17,600 square yards of concrete along the road. Update: A $2.09 million construction contract with R&A Legacy Construction LLC was approved by City Council. • Timeline: mid-2025-TBD • Cost: $2.08 million • Funding source: City of Plano

2 15th Street paving and waterline reconstruction Project: The project involves the removal and replacement of pavement, sidewalks and water lines along 15th Street. Update: Traffic lane widths are reduced to allow for utility installation from Municipal Avenue to P Avenue. • Timeline: August 2025-March 2027 • Cost: $6.939 million • Funding source: city of Plano

3 Plano Parkway sewer improvements Project: Plano is working to make sewer improvements along Plano Parkway to increase sewer capacity for current and future development in the area. Update: Several lanes along Plano Parkway will see

closures as construction continues. • Timeline: July 2025-spring 2027 • Cost: $16.1 million • Funding source: city of Plano

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PLANO EDITION

Transportation

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Plano could cancel DART withdrawal election as funding plan advances

What it means

One more thing

Zooming in

Under DART’s proposed model, the agency would return the equivalent of 25% of sales tax collections to its 13 member cities for six years. Funding would be distributed based on sales tax contributions. The funds for returning 25% of collected sales tax to member cities would be gathered from guar- anteed base funding from DART and the Regional Transportation Council, transferring the regional rail system to an independent management authority, and creating new revenue streams. DART and the Regional Transportation Council’s contribution would provide up to 10% sales tax return, and DART officials would work with other

regional authorities to make up the rest of the 25% contribution. “I’m asking [DART] and our cities and the [North Central Texas Council of Governments] and the region, and ultimately the state, to commit to a process for six years,” DART board Chair Randall Bryant said Feb. 10. Muns said despite the latest agreement not reaching exactly what Plano proposed to DART, the new plan is something the city would consider. “We’d like to be able to request more, but I think at the same time, we’re trying to be good regional partners,” Muns said.

At its Feb. 10 meeting, DART officials voted to approve initial proposals for a new funding and governance model for the agency. The Regional Transportation Council voted Feb. 12 to dedicate funding to the new plan. Additionally, Dallas City Council voted Feb. 11 to reduce the city’s voting share on the DART board to 45% and give up its majority control. Plano Mayor John Muns said Feb. 13 that while several steps still require approval from the state legislature in its next session, these recent deci- sions represent a “good compromise” for DART member cities. Muns said Plano City Council could consider approving a new interlocal agreement, or ILA, at its Feb. 23 meeting, but that timeline may shift depending on final details. “Everything will still be contingent upon the ILA and agreement of that,” Muns said. “If all goes well, then we will vote to rescind the withdrawal on the ballot.”

After calling the election in November, Plano officials said they would create an alternate system in Plano using microtransit to ensure continuity of service for Plano residents. Plans for the service have been delayed several times, including a Feb. 9 vote on a contract with Via Transportation that was tabled to council’s Feb. 23 meeting due to progress in ongoing DART negotiations. Muns said discussions about microtransit in Plano will continue, and city officials hope to implement a system “down the road.” Dates to know: • Feb. 20: DART officials consider approving new interlocal agreement • Feb. 23: Collin County ballot language finalization deadline, Plano City Council could consider new interlocal agreement • March 18: deadline to rescind election

After months of negotiations, Plano and other member cities that called for withdrawal elections from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Agency may move to rescind them following a series of recent regional meetings. In the latest step, the Regional Transportation Council, a 45-member group of area transportation leaders, approved at a Feb. 12 meeting dedicating $180 million towards regional transit agencies, including about $75 million to help fund DART’s new proposed funding model. The remaining $105 million will include $65 million for the Denton County Transportation Authority and $40 million for Fort Worth-based Trinity Metro, aiming to improve regional rail mobility.

Nearly half of DART’s 13 member cities have scheduled withdrawal elections, including Plano, Highland Park, University Park, Irving, Farmers Branch and Addison.

DART sales tax revenue in 2024 Other member cities: $577.16M

Plano: $115.97M Irving: $103.13M

University Park: $6.85M Farmers Branch: $23.51M Addison: $16.72M Highland Park: $8.44M

Total: $851.78M

DART’s proposed plan

Funds returned: equivalent of 25% of collected sales tax revenue

Other methods: equivalent of 15%

DART: 7.5%

RTC: 2.5%

DART’s proposed plan would send the equivalent of 25% of collected sales tax back to cities after six years. 10% would come from DART and RTC and other revenue sources are being considered for the remainder of the funds.

SOURCE: DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PLANO 5930 West Park Blvd (972) 250-0500

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expy (972) 908-3488

PLANO NORTH 5420 State Hwy 121 (469) 687-2581

EAST PLANO 3404 N Central Expy (972) 423-6688

COIT ROAD 1453 Coit Rd (972) 867-2821

Development

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

EDS campus changes move forward ahead of AT&T relocation in 2023 to a planned development to support the Texas Research Quarter, a mixed-use project anchored by a life sciences and innovation district. The current request repeals that 2023 planned development, returning the property to its original commercial employment zoning. LEGACY DR. DNT TOLL

Future development plans for the former Electronic Data Systems campus could start to take shape soon following a recent zoning decision. What you need to know At their Feb. 2 meeting, Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners approved two items tied to the former EDS campus as redevelopment plans for the property continue to take shape. The request covers 99 acres at the intersection of Parkwood Boulevard and Legacy Drive, including 5400 Legacy Drive, where AT&T plans to move its headquarters. AT&T CEO John Stankey announced Jan. 5 the company is set to relocate its global headquarters to the 54-acre campus in Plano’s Legacy District. The zoning change reclassifies the area as commercial employment, a designation intended for “corporate headquarters and research facilities arranged in a campus-like setting,” according to city documents. The site was previously rezoned

Plano Senior Planner John Kim said the applicant is “no longer pursuing [the] development” associ- ated with the 2023 zoning case. Zooming in Commissioner Bennett Ratliff called the rezoning a “revitalization of the purpose of that property,” as outlined in Plano’s comprehensive plan. Assistant Planning Director Michael Bell said the applicant is starting with reverting to the original zoning while planning to come back for future plans. “They’re being up front that they need a two-step process to do that,” Bell said.

N Y S O N P K W

What’s next? The commission also approved a request to waive the two-year waiting period for initiating another rezoning on the property, allowing the land owner to quickly submit a new planned develop- ment request for the site. Plano City Council will consider the zoning request at its Feb. 23 meeting, according to the city’s zoning case website.

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News

BY JACQUELYN BURRER & MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Shun Thomas wins Plano City Council special election Shun Thomas defeated Colleen Aguilar-Ep- stein in Plano City Council’s Place 7 special election Jan. 31. The details Results breakdown Winner Plano City Council’s Place 7

Plano eyes Legacy area master plan As Plano’s Legacy District starts to reach build-out, city officials are preparing for the area’s next phase of development. The city will begin developing a master plan for the Legacy and Granite Park areas, which will include public outreach and evaluating how the area will evolve. What you need to know City documents state that as the Legacy area approaches build out, “opportunities for rapid growth through new development have naturally diminished.” The area has also been impacted by Senate Bill 840 and shifts in the office market following the COVID-19 pandemic, which have “altered corporate preferences” toward hybrid or flexible office environments, city documents state.

With all vote centers reporting, Thomas received 6,131 votes, or 59.56%, while Agui- lar-Epstein received 4,162 votes, or 41.44%. Thomas will take the Place 7 seat on council following Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Julie Holmer’s resignation to run for Collin County Commis- sioners Court. All results are unofficial until canvassed. What they’re saying Thomas said that she wants to “do right by all the citizens” in Plano. “I’m so grateful that the citizens trust me and feel that I could lead in this capacity,” she said. She added that supporting the city’s first responders and working with Dallas Area Rapid

59.56% Shun Thomas 41.44% Colleen Aguilar-Epstein

SOURCE: COLLIN COUNTY AND DENTON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Transit are two of her initial priorities. “If [first responders] are not well, then this city is not well, so I want to support them,” she said. “I’m also looking forward to figuring out the state of the city as it relates to DART. Some people may shy away from that, but that’s one I’m mostly looking forward to.”

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PLANO EDITION

Rising rents cause downtown changes From the cover

The impact

The gist

Hawkins said downtown’s retail presence has “thinned out” in recent years, largely due to national trends in retail rather than issues entirely unique to Plano. Retail makes up just over 8% of downtown businesses, while restaurants and bars account for nearly 27%, according to city data. “Some of our newer stuff has moved on, and we’ve got some things moving in that [are] very exciting,” Hawkins said. “It’s not as much of a shopping district as we’d like to see, so that is going to be a focus of ours moving forward is attracting more retail.” Hawkins said as retail has decreased, ser- vice-oriented businesses and restaurants have filled some spaces downtown. For example, hair salon Anomalia Society is taking over retail boutique La Foofaraw’s former space. “With retail moving out, what has come in is more services, which is great ... but it’s not necessarily what you think of when you think of a vibrant downtown,” Hawkins said. “You think of shopping and restaurants.” Marsalis added fewer consumers are shopping in person compared to previous years, a trend that accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several storefronts in downtown Plano have turned over in the past year, with some longtime businesses closing and newer service-oriented businesses entering. Since early 2025, Partners Real Estate data shows that the average asking retail rent in the far north Dallas area has increased from $21.64 per square foot at the start of the year to $23.12 by the end of the last quarter, an increase of about 7%. “With property values going up, that makes the rents go up,” Downtown Plano Manager Michelle Hawkins said. “[When] sales aren’t keeping up with the rent, then it’s struggling. Our mom-and-pops are struggling, but that’s not just a downtown Plano issue.”

Downtown Plano business changes in 2025

Openings: 1 Willis Morrison - State Farm: January 2025 2 Ramen Belly: March 2025 3 Bibliobar: March 2025 4 Candon Hair Studio: October 2025 5 Mo’s Fiery Chicken & BBQ: fall 2025 6 Anomalia Society: early 2026 7 Odd Muse Brewing: 2026 Closures: 8 Shinola: June 2025 9 La Foofaraw: fall 2025 10 Voodoo Brewing: September 2025 11 Paisanos Taqueria: 2025 12 JeTT Pets: 2025 13 The Hair Parlour: late 2025 14 Plano Psychic: 2025 15 Ramen Belly: February 2026 Downtown Plano has seen several businesses move in and out in the last year.

Retail market rates in far north Dallas

16TH ST.

18TH ST.

On average, a 1,000 sq. ft. commercial space would have seen a $1,480 raise in its monthly rent.

5 11

$24

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$23

$22

1 13 8

15TH ST.

$21

12 3 14

$20

2025 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Q3 Q4

7 10

2024

14TH ST.

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BY JACQUELYN BURRER

What’s being done

Looking ahead

Hawkins said attracting more retail will remain a priority as downtown continues to evolve, noting that this area of Plano has historically gone through cycles as consumer habits and business models change. “I remember when downtown was antique stores, and everything closed early before the restaurants went in,” Hawkins said. “I think [the COVID-19 pandemic] really changed the direction of a lot of things, and it’s just going to take a minute for it to all settle.”

Marsalis noted that while Plano has a strong talent pool, retail businesses in particular continue to struggle to find and retain retail workers. At the same time, higher costs are leading some consum- ers to scale back discretionary spending, Marsalis said. “The most expensive part and the most challenging part of having a business is people,” Marsalis said. Hawkins and Marsalis said some businesses have adapted by shifting online or other options rather than maintaining full-time retail spaces. Hawkins said the Downtown Plano Public Improvement District, which allows the city to collect and pay for the maintenance of and services within the PID, should help address these challenges in the coming year, particularly for retail businesses. The improvement district has recently helped fund economic incentive projects, such as a district-wide downtown e-gift card program to

Downtown Plano PID expenses in FY 2024-25

The improvement district is funded primarily by event revenues, city funding and levies collected.

Events: $53,794.63 Marketing: $41,838.89

Total: $118,724.62

Management: $20,080.50 Beautification: $2,375.90 Mammoth Jack branding: $634.70

“Plano, while known for its corporate campuses and larger companies, [has] such a vibrant small-business community.” KELLE MARSALIS, PLANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT AND CEO

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

encourage spending at participating businesses. In addition to prioritizing hosting more down- town events, Hawkins said the city is partnering with local businesses to sell Visit Plano merchan- dise and encouraging extended business hours. Downtown Plano is also set for several infra- structure improvement projects.

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PLANO EDITION

Events

BY KAREN CHANEY & MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

February

Ticketstock 2026 The event features appearances from notable athletes, autographs, barbecue sampling, a card and collectible show, bingo, arcade games and more. • Feb. 20, noon; Feb. 21, 10 a.m. • Free (admission) • Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.theticket.com/ticketstock Lunar New Year Celebration 2026 Enjoy live dance performances, food trucks, calligraphy classes, an Asian vendor market and more at this event celebrating the year of the horse in downtown Plano. • Feb. 21, noon-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • McCall Plaza, 998 E. 15th St., Plano • www.facebook.com/events/1568515224422869 Seussical Kids A musical featuring Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and other favorite Dr. Seuss characters. • Feb. 26 & 27, 7 p.m.; Feb. 28, Mar. 1, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. • $13-25 • North Texas Performing Arts Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Rodenbaugh Theatre, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. B216, Plano • ntpa.org Chili Cookoff and Polar Plunge Attendees can enjoy a cool dip in the Texas Pool while tasting chili, or entering their own dish in the cooking contest. Cookoff contest prizes will be awarded for best regular chili, best exotic chili, judge’s choice and crowd choice, and all proceeds will go towards the Texas Pool Foundation. • Feb. 28, 1-3 p.m. • $35 (cookoff entry), $10 (general admission) • The Texas Pool, 901 Springbrook Drive, Plano • www.texaspool.org

Texas Forever Fest Celebrate Texas culture with live music,

• March 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano • www.plano.gov/2060/Texas-Forever-Fest

entertainment, interactive activities, food trunks and a variety of vendors at the annual event hosted at Haggard Park in downtown Plano.

activities for families. • March 13, 6-8 p.m. • $5 • Oak Point Park, 5901 Los Rios Boulevard, Plano, TX • bit.ly/4qKj4Tc Disco Cowgirl Art & Wine Walk Put on your boots for a night of art and win in downtown Plano. The walk will include local artists, live music, wine tastings, photo opportunities, a best dressed cowgirl competition and more. • March 19, 6-9:30 p.m. • $15 • Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St., Plano • www.facebook.com/p/NTX-Vintage- Markets-100090720446925

March

Elton John Tribute - The Elton Johns A costumed full band and string section will perform Elton John songs. • March 7, 8 p.m. • Prices start at $9.03 for general admission standing room • Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano • www.legacyfoodhall.com Campfire Social Gather around a campfire at Oak Point Nature & Retreat Center for s’mores, lawn games and other laid back

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Dining

BY KAREN CHANEY

Chicken nanban sando ($7.49) features Koppepan bread, chicken nanban, cabbage topped with egg sauce.

Texas size onigiri ($3.99-$7.99) are made with a variety of llings, including spam and egg musubi pictured here.

PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Hoshi oers Japanese cuisine with a Texas twist Steve Feldman, who opened Hoshi Japanese Cafe in Plano in 2024, describes the menu as consisting of Japanese street and comfort food. “We’re not a boba shop and we’re not a Japa- nese restaurant serving sushi—we’re kind of in between,” Feldman said. “We haven’t faltered from being Japanese-centric in that what we do is highlight delicious things from Japan that are not traditional onigiri. “You’re going to get that lling in every bite,” Feldman said. “We wanted to bring the best Japanese ingredients to make it with— the rice, the seaweed, salt—all of that comes from Japan directly and is a premium quality.”

Steve Feldman opened Hoshi Japanese Cafe in 2024.

Another crowd pleaser are obanyaki which are thick pancakes featuring a variety of llings. What’s in a name Feldman chose the name Hoshi because Hoshi means ‘star’ in Japanese. “We are in the Lone Star State,” Feldman said. “I wanted to connect Japan and Texas and I wanted to do it with a name that wasn’t going to be di- cult for people to pronounce or misspell.”

as well known here.” Popular menu items

W. PARKER RD.

Feldman’s wife uses family recipes when creat- ing menu items, including the top-selling onigiri— rice balls featuring a variety of lling options. Feldman said he has given a Texas twist to the Japanese staple by making them larger than a

3304 Coit Road, Ste. 700A, Plano www.hoshijapanesesweets.com

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PLANO EDITION

Real estate

The median price of a home in December 2025 was $499,500, down from $536,500 in December of 2024. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

December 2024

December 2025

+61.11%

+75%

+20%

-26.47%

-6.98%

75023

75024

75025

75024

75075

75093

SRT TOLL

DNT TOLL

75025

Median home sales price

75024

December

2024

2025

75023

$415,000 $712,500 $539,000 $444,000 $542,500 $760,000

$399,900 $640,000 $517,000 $415,000 $485,000 $717,000

75023

75093

75074

75075

75024

PGBT TOLL

75025

75074

75075

Plano

75093

December

2024

2025

140 137

New listings

Average days on market -23.81% 0

218 194

Closed sales

+4.55%

+23.53%

+16%

+46.15%

Homes under contract

143 161

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

75023

75024

75025

75074

75075

75093

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