Denton | March 2026

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Denton Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 APRIL 4MAY 4, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

Transportation

Page 16

Bonnie Brae project hits halfway mark

BY ADAM DOE

Bonnie Brae Street in Denton is undergoing an 8-mile, $146 million multiyear renovation project that will create a median-divided, four-lane road with a 10-foot-wide walk-and- bike trail and streetlights along both sides of the roadway. The project’s third phase is scheduled to nish in September and the sixth phase should be complete in April 2027, Capital Projects Director Seth Garcia said. Work began on the seven-phase project in 2017 and stretches from Vintage Boulevard to US 77. Two phases already are complete. The new lanes and median will improve safety and increase capacity, and the median gives the city room to convert into two additional lanes if needed, Garcia said.

This March 3 photo shows the work on the sixth phase of Bonnie Brae Street. The project will widen the street from two lanes to four. (Sky Eyes/Community Impact)

288

B R O N C O W A Y

R I N E Y R D .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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DENTON EDITION

Impacts

• Opened in early February • 1607 Eagle Drive, Ste. 101, Denton • www.zioals.com

377

OAKST. HICKORY ST. M C K I N N E Y ST .

AVE. A

E . M C C A R T S T .

HICKORY ST.

Coming soon

288

10 11

WINDSOR DR.

4 Quick N Clean Car Wash The car wash will oer fast pass memberships, where customers can have access to unlimited car washes. • Opening TBD • Intersection of Loop 288 and East McKinney Street, Denton • www.quicknclean.net 5 National Powersports Auctions The powersport vehicle auction company auctions boats, RVs, motorcycles and golf carts to powersport dealerships. • Opening in spring 2027 • 1300 N. Masch Branch Road, Denton • www.npauctions.com

UNION CIR.

CARROLL BLVD.

380

E R S I T Y B L V D .

380

288

HERITAGE TRL.

W. HICKORY ST.

EAGLE DR.

WESTERN BLVD.

SHADY OAKS RD.

FORT WORTH DR.

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

AVE. A

35E

Denton

35W

COLORADO BLVD.

6 Crunch Fitness The $4.9 million gym will be new construction, which is expected to begin May 15 and nish Jan. 27, 2027. • 3320 Heritage Trail, Denton • www.crunch.com 7 Dogtopia The dog boarding and grooming center also oers day care and training services. • 2311 Colorado Blvd., Ste. 103, Denton • www.dogtopia.com

2449

VINTAGE BLVD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Classic Collision The auto body shop oers collision and dent repairs, detailing services, auto glass repair, calibrations and

Now open

1 Dream Team Fitness The gym oers tness classes for women and personal training for everyone, owner Jennifer Evans said. • Opened Jan. 2 • 1032 Shady Oaks Drive, Ste. 204, Denton • www.dreamteamladies.com

diagnostic scans. • Opened Dec. 15 • 3008 S. I-35, Denton • www.classiccollision.com

Relocations

35E

8 HereAfter The tattoo parlor also sells unusual collectibles and jewelry. The shop was originally on East University Drive. • Relocated March 4

3 Zio Al’s The restaurant oers pizza, wings, sandwiches and pasta, and the location is open from 11 a.m.-3 a.m.

35W

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GABBY BAILEY & ADAM DOE

• 208 W. Oak St., Denton • www.hereafterdenton.com

oors and seating. It closed for renovations Nov. 17. • Reopened March 31 • 214 E. Hickory St., Denton • www.facebook.com/dentonhoochies

Now open

In the news

Closings

9 Knee Deep Plumbing The plumbing company now oers assessments and replacements of water softeners and ltration systems.

13 Starbucks The Starbucks coee shop on the second oor of the student union at the University of North Texas oered coee, tea and baked goods. • Closed March 31 • 1155 Union Circle, Denton • www.starbucks.com 14 The Hydeout The cocktail bar oered specialty drinks. • Closed Feb. 20 • 103 Ave. A, Denton • www.hydeoutdenton.com 15 Crooked Crust The pizza shop closed after 14 years in business. • Closed Feb. 27

• 733 Fort Worth Drive, Denton • www.kneedeepplumbingtx.com

10 The Plot Twist Book Bar The bookstore celebrated one year of bringing romance-based novels to Denton in January. • 227 W. Oak St., Denton • www.theplottwistbookbar.com 11 Salvage Secondhand Shoppe The thrift store, which specializes in handpicked, gently worn clothing, celebrated its fth anniversary March 7. • 225 W Oak St., Ste. A, Denton • www.salvageshoppe.com

16 Gen Korean BBQ House The restaurant allows guests to cook their own meats, such as beef, pork or chicken, on a built- in tabletop grill. Owner Amanda Vogle said the Denton restaurant is the only Gen Korean BBQ House in North Texas to have fresh sushi on the menu. Other menu items include seafood options, appetizers like deep fried mandu, soups and salads. • Opened March 3 • 3410 N. I-35, Ste. 130, Denton • www.genkoreanbbq.com

12 Hoochies The seafood restaurant has a new bar and updated

• 101 Ave. A, Denton • Website unavailable

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DENTON EDITION

Government

BY ADAM DOE

Denton staff to put 7 properties up for sale Denton City Council directed staff to move forward with selling seven city-owned surplus properties, which could earn $1 million-$2 million for the city, at a March 3 work session. The background In 2025, the city’s budget task force and Matrix Consulting Group recommended that city staff identify underused properties, city documents state. The review found seven potential surplus properties, according to a presentation from Deputy Director of Real Estate DeAnna Cody. “When a property no longer supports those [city] initiatives, it’s [up to the city] to determine potential reuse opportunities,” Cody said. Proceeds from the sales will go to the funding source that purchased the property, Cody said. City staff will bring any qualifying bids to council in late summer or early fall, she said.

Officials tab Ogden as interim city manager Denton City Council approved Deputy City Manager Cassey Ogden’s promotion to interim city manager at a March 3 council meeting. The details Ogden has worked for the city of Denton for 17 years and was named deputy city manager in February 2025. Sara Hensley retired as Denton City Manager at the end of March. Council members expect to approve a con- tract with a recruiter in March or early April and hire the new city manager about 6-9 months after that, Denton Chief Communi- cations Officer Dustin Sternbeck said. He added that City Council is obtaining proposals from recruiting consultants to look for a new permanent city manager.

Seven Denton surplus properties for sale

1 South Mayhill Rd., East McKinney St.: 4 acres 2 602 Rose St.: 0.27 acres

3 Riney Rd., North Elm St.: 0.32 acres 4 100 block of Maple St.: 0.32 acres 5 702 S. Locust St.: 0.38 acres 6 709 S. Locust St.: 0.46 acres 7 Paisley St., Audra Ln.: 0.6 acres

288

RINEY RD.

380

AUDRA LN.

PAISLEY ST.

ROSE ST.

S. WOODROW LN.

MAPLE ST.

35E

SOURCE: CITY OF DENTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant receives $90M for 1st phase of updates

The new plant will increase the site’s water capacity to 30 million gallons per day, said Kyle Pedigo, Denton’s planning and engineering divi- sion manager. City documents show the plant’s current capacity is 21 million gallons per day and is operating at about 90% capacity. The project’s scope also includes building a new control operations building and improving solids handling and disinfection, Pedigo said.

The first phase of construction for the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant expansion received funding after Denton City Council approved $90 million for the project March 3. The gist Council selected Sundt Construction to manage early-phase construction, like earthwork, utilities and site surveying, council documents state.

Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant

TREATMENT PLANT RD.

288

S P E N C E R R D .

S. MAYHILL RD.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY GABBY BAILEY

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 2: Last day to register to vote April 20: Last date to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked)

Denton County residents can vote at any county voting location during the early voting period but only at their precinct location between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on election day. Visit www.votedenton.gov/election-day-information/current-and-upcoming-election for more information.

April 20: First day of early voting April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election day

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

District 2 Robert J. Archer III Nick Stevens At-large Place 5 George Michael Ferrie Jr.

Denton ISD Place 6 Greg Petolick Vicki Byrd

Chris Watts Brian Beck District 1 Kris Cox Michael Herron Jordan E. Villarreal

Sample ballot

Denton City Council Mayor

Angela Brewer Shannon Childs

Erica Garland Caleb Meese

SOURCES: CITY OF DENTON, DENTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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DENTON EDITION

Election

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Denton mayor

Why are you running for oce?

Denton deserves a citizen-led, accountable council that listens more than it talks. I’ll focus on neighborhood concerns and intentional growth to keep Denton “Denton.” I’m committed to making our city aordable for all. Together, let’s ensure our government truly reects the heart and heritage of our community.

Intentional growth that preserves Denton’s spirit; prioritizing resident input, incentivizing “missing middle” housing and a local-rst economy that champions our small businesses. I will always put the needs of our neighbors who live here now before folks yet to arrive.

Angela Brewer Occupation & experience: Small business owner, communication coach and professor, City Charter Review Committee, Interfaith Ministries board member www.angelabrewerfordenton.com

Denton deserves leadership that listens and responds with urgency. I am running to advocate for our homeless and immigrant communities while strengthening transparency and community engagement. I want residents to feel heard, respected and valued in the decisions that shape our city.

My priorities are improving aordability, expanding accessible support services and increasing civic participation. I want to remove barriers that prevent residents from engaging with the council and ensure underserved communities are meaningfully included in policy discussions and city decision making.

Shannon Childs Occupation & experience: Client navigator and case worker for a nonprot serving UNT and TWU

www.facebook.com/ shannonthebaughman

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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BY GABBY BAILEY

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Why are you running for oce?

I believe the city is at a critical moment and requires experienced leadership to address mounting challenges. I will restore eective council governance by prioritizing essential services, infrastructure, aordable housing, economic mobility and scal responsibility. I have the experience and track record to accomplish these goals.

Top priority is to return council to a culture of eective, ecient governance. Stabilize the budget. Increase transparency with fewer closed sessions regarding energy costs. Prioritize bond funded projects to better manage our debt. Create policies to begin using the aordable housing bond funds approved by the voters.

Chris Watts Occupation & experience: Denton mayor (2014-20), served as council member (District 4, 2007-13), at- large Place 6 (2022-24) www.chriswattsdenton.com

Denton is at a crossroads. After ve years serving on City Council, I have experience in what needs xing and putting innovative solutions in place. I’m running for mayor to keep Denton aordable, protect our environment, strengthen infrastructure and champion the creativity and innovation that make our city special.

My top priorities are keeping Denton aordable for working families, investing in reliable infrastructure like streets and utilities, protecting and expanding parks and natural spaces and strengthening Denton’s culture of creativity and innovation. I will focus on transparent leadership, data-driven decisions and building partnerships that move our city forward.

Brian Beck Occupation & experience: Computational biologist, Mayor Pro Tem, Development Code Review Committee, Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board www.beckfordenton.com

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Education

UNT slashes programs amid $45M budget shortfall

Languages, Literatures, and Cul- tures will merge as degrees from the Department of Linguistics are phased out, UNT stated. The university will close and phase out the master’s in Media Industry and Critical Studies degree, the master’s in Women’s and Gender Studies degree, and the master’s in Early Childhood Education through the Teacher Education and Administration department. UNT will also end its undergraduate major of Latino and Latin American Studies. UNT plans to phase out 25 minor programs and some language minors will also be cut, including Arabic, Italian and Latin. The university cites low enrollment for those cuts. UNT will also phase out 44 graduate and undergraduate academic certicates. The university stated the certicate programs being closed have an average enrollment of less than two students per year. The list of the program closures and merges can be found at www.unt.edu/budget-updates/ academic-programs-update.html.

The University of North Texas plans to phase out or consolidate several programs as the university faces a $45 million budget shortfall. UNT will close or merge various degrees, majors, minor programs and some certication pathways, per the UNT website. Students enrolled in these programs can complete their degrees, but new students will not be allowed to enroll in those programs. Some context The decision comes after ocials announced a $45 million budget shortfall for scal year 2025-26. UNT President Harrison Keller cited several reasons for the shortfall, including a drop in international graduate student enrollment and changes to the state funding formula. Keller said university ocials were considering eliminating low-enrollment courses, freezing hiring for some vacant positions and increasing teaching loads to address the shortfall. Sorting out details The Department of Linguistics and the Department of World

Award-winning floor plans in 6 communities near you. Where Quality Meets the Neighborhood You Love.

380

Denton

Wildridge

International graduate student enrollment at UNT The drop in international graduate student enrollment and state formula funding changes contributed to UNT’s $45 million decit for scal year 2025-26.

Corinth

Landmark

35W

Northlake

35E

7.5K

Pecan Square

5.6K

6.2K

-54.67% decrease from 2023-25

Furst Ranch (Coming Soon)

Treeline

3.4K

3.1K

Lewisville

Wildflower Ranch

377

35W

1.5K

Flower Mound

Roanoke

1.3K 1.1K

1.3K

Fall semester 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

Denton ISD to rezone Paloma Creek Elementary students

Denton ISD leaders are planning to repurpose Paloma Creek Elementary School after it did not meet Texas Education Agency standards. DISD’s board of trustees and staff approved the rezoning plans during a March 24 meeting. Put in perspective Students will be moved to nearby, higher-per- forming elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year as part of DISD’s Building Forward initiative, a district news release states. “This is not an easy conversation or an easy recommendation, but we firmly believe we will better fulfill what we promised to our students and families this way,” Superintendent Susannah O’Bara said. Paloma Creek scored a D for three consecutive years under the TEA’s accountability rating. When schools consistently perform poorly, the TEA gives districts several options to boost academic performance, including the option to reassign

Elementary school enrollment projections with Paloma Creek students

2024-25 TEA rating: X

Bell: C

Martinez: F

Sandbrock Ranch: C

Savannah: C

Union Park: B

1K 800 600 400 200 0

-4.11%

+3.4%

+10.82%

-20.94%

+7.78%

School year

SOURCES: DENTON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

students to higher-performing schools, according to the release. What happens next? In rezoning Paloma Creek, some students from other elementary schools in the Braswell High

School zone were adjusted. Lacey Rainey, assistant superintendent of school leadership and aca- demic programs, said students attending another elementary school can remain at their campus. Plans are being finalized on how to repurpose the Paloma Creek campus, the release states.

DENTON EDITION

Education

Development

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

BY ADAM DOE

Novartis to build $280M plant to create cancer treatments

Denton ISD teachers to receive $750 pay raise Denton ISD teachers and sta members will receive a pay increase after the DISD community approved of a tax rate increase under Proposition A. The overview The pay increase was discussed during a Feb. 24 DISD board meeting. Teachers will receive a $750 increase, more than a 1% adjustment. Sta will receive a 1% increase on the midpoint of their current pay grade, a district news release states. Superintendent Susannah O’Bara said in a dis- trict-wide survey that sta members were asked how they wanted to utilize the additional funds. Sta “overwhelmingly” supported increasing sta pay and deemed that a top priority, she said. Learn more The pay adjustments were paid to sta members in a lump sum in March.

See Denton ISD’s graduation dates

“As we continue our budget work this spring, we are committed to building a long-term compensation plan

that reects the value our employees bring to Denton ISD students and families.” JEREMY THOMPSON, DENTON ISD DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT

Pharmaceutical company Novartis Gene Therapies will build and operate its rst Texas radioligand therapy, or RLT, manufacturing plant in Denton, according to a news release from the company. The site will be fully operational in 2028. Some background Denton City Council approved an economic development agreement with the company in December, according to previous reporting. Con- struction is expected to begin at the end of 2026, the release states. The new facility will produce drugs for radioli- gand therapy, a form of targeted radiation used to treat advanced forms of cancer, according to the Novartis website. It treats the advanced cancers without inicting as much damage to healthy tissue as traditional cancer treatments, Novartis’ website states. The Denton location will be the fth U.S. manu- facturing site of its kind, the release states.

What they’re saying The plant is part of the company’s $23 billion investment in the United States. The $280 million plant will create local jobs in bioengineering, advanced manufacturing, quality and operations. “[With] the partnerships with the universities, getting this property back on the tax rolls and how this places Denton and [Dallas-Fort Worth] in the pharmaceutical industry, I’m really excited to support this,” Mayor Pro Tem Suzi Rumohr said. “This would not only be a win for the city of Den- ton, but for DFW and the state of Texas,” Director of Economic Development Brittany Sotelo said. The backstory Denton City Council approved an economic development agreement and tax abatement with Novartis at a Dec. 16 meeting. The site was formerly operated by U.S. Radiopharmaceuticals, which closed in 2009, city documents state.

Denton ISD’s graduating class of 2026 is weeks away from walking the stage. The details Five of the district’s six graduation ceremonies will be held at the University of North Texas Coliseum, located at 601 North Texas Blvd., in Denton. Fred Moore High School’s ceremony will be held at the Denton High School Fine Arts Center. The high school graduation dates are: • Fred Moore: Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. • Ryan High: Thursday, May 21 at 3 p.m. • Guyer High: Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. • LaGrone Academy: Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m. • Braswell High: Friday, May 22 at 3 p.m. • Denton High: Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m.

SHADY OAKS DR.

WOODROW PARK

SHADY OAKS DR.

$280M invested by Novartis into Denton plant

DISD voters approved raising the tax rate to $1.2069 per $100 of assessed value in the Novem- ber election. The tax rate increase was expected to generate $26.91 million in new revenue for the district, which would result in a projected surplus of more than $11 million and help address the district’s projected shortfall of $15 million. Ocials earmarked funds to support costs for instruction, district operations and general administration. District leaders expect to recommend a compen- sation increase for the 2026-27 school year later this semester, the release states.

46,000-square-foot facility

150 new jobs

$4.8M over 10 years in city revenue from new plant $3.23M in tax abatements once facility is operational

SOURCE: CITY OF DENTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LEWISVILLE HIGHLAND 1151 FM 407 (469) 630-6306 DENTON 2315 Colorado Blvd (940) 243-2929

Transportation

BY ADAM DOE

Ongoing projects

WESTGATE DR.

E. MCCART ST.

288

RINEY RD.

WINDSOR DR.

BARROW DR.

WESTGATE DR.

HARDAWAY RD.

380

W. UNIVERSITY BLVD.

380

1 Westgate Drive connector expansion Project: The connector will extend the road to connect to Barrow Drive. Update: The Westgate Drive road extension is nearly complete, according to an update from city staff. Contractors are installing fences along the roadway with a final site walkthrough planned 156

JIM CHRISTAL RD.

288

W. OAK ST.

WESTERN BLVD.

W. HICKORY ST.

SHADY OAKS RD.

AIRPORT RD.

BELL AVE.

after the fences are installed. • Timeline: August 2025-April • Cost: $3.91 million • Funding source: city of Denton

35E

1515

Denton

WESTCOURT RD.

COLORADO BLVD.

RIVERPASS DR.

35W

1830

Upcoming projects

2449

POCKRUS PAGE RD.

2 Western Boulevard reconstruction Project: Western Boulevard from Jim Christal Road to US 380 will receive an additional southbound lane. The Texas Department of Transportation awarded a grant worth $4.76 million to the city for the project. Denton City Council approved funding for the design phase in early March. Update: The project entered the design phase in March. Construction on the project is scheduled to start in January 2027. • Timeline: January 2027-May 2027 (construction) • Cost: $5.36 million • Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation, city of Denton 3 Elm Street and Locust Street updates Project: North Locust Street and North Elm Street will receive a full reconstruction with asphalt paving and curb, gutter and driveway replacements. Denton County’s Transportation Road Improvement Program bond is partially funding the project. Update: The project is in the design phase and city officials are acquiring right of way, with construction scheduled to start in early 2027. • Timeline: early 2027-early 2029 • Cost: $23 million • Funding sources: city of Denton, Denton County

HICKORY CREEK RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• Cost: $139.13 million • Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation, North Central Texas Council of Governments 7 I-35 merge reconstruction Project: Construction began on adding lanes and improving ramps on the I-35 merge near the University of North Texas in spring 2025. Update: The road reopened on the northbound exit at Bonnie Brae Street and all northbound lanes from the interchange through West Oak Street. Crews will install pavement along the northbound and southbound frontage roads along the highway and begin work on the off-ramp at Oak Street throughout the month. • Timeline: spring 2025-January 2030 • Cost: $588.78 million • Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation 8 Riney Road improvement project Project: Riney Road from US 77 to Hardaway Road will receive an additional lane. Along with the lane additions, improvements will also include a 10-foot walk-and-bicycle trail to link a new Denton ISD elementary school to the North Lakes Park trails. Update: Council approved funding in January and contractors are installing traffic control signs to prepare for utilities relocations ahead of the expansion. • Timeline: March-December • Cost: $1.85 million • Funding source: city of Denton

$3.9 million reimbursement from the Texas Department of Transportation. Update: Construction is currently underway and is scheduled to complete in August, city officials said. • Timeline: October 2025-August • Cost: $5.36 million • Funding source: city of Denton 5 Hickory Creek Road bridge construction Project: Hickory Creek Road is closed from Riverpass Drive to FM 1830 for the third phase of construction. The project will install a bridge over railroad tracks and realign the road. Update: The road closed in early March and is scheduled to reopen in late December. • Timeline: March-December • Cost: $65.72 million • Funding source: city of Denton 6 I-35E and Mayhill Road interchange update Project: The project includes rebuilding the interchange at Mayhill Road and I-35E. Crews started work on I-35E from Loop 288 to Pockrus Page Road in January. Update: Crews are currently installing drainage, and traffic will be redirected to a detour route while drainage is installed. • Timeline: January 2026-June 2029

35E

35W

156

Ongoing projects

4 FM 1515 road widening construction Project: Crews are relocating utilities in preparation for a future road widening project. The utility relocation project will take place between Westcourt Road and the I-35W frontage road. The project is eligible for a roughly

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY GABBY BAILEY & ADAM DOE

TWU’s 125th Birthday Hop Celebrate 125 years of Texas Woman’s University with a bar crawl through downtown Denton. The event will start at East Side, where participants will check in and receive their stamp cards. Other locations include Miss Angeline’s and Oak St. Drafthouse. The ticket covers a goodie bag and a beverage at each location. • April 17, 6-9 p.m. • $30 • 117 E. Oak St., Denton • https://giving.twu.edu/e/twu-hoco-hop

Amplify Denton Check out local musicians at the free-to-attend Amplify Denton Music Festival at the Greater Denton Arts Council. The event is in partnership with the Denton Music and Arts Collaborative.

• April 18, 2-10 p.m. • Free • 400 E. Hickory St.,Denton, • www.dentonarts.com/event-listings/ amplify-denton-2026

An Evening of Friends & Fables Enjoy a magical evening at the Evening of Friends and Fables at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio. Dress as your favorite romantasy or fairytale character, and enjoy snacks and a live DJ. Drinks and food will be available for purchase. • April 26, 2-5 p.m. • $20 (pre-purchase), $25 (day of) • 411 E. Sycamore St., Denton • www.bit.ly/4bpkM72

friends and music career to produce Hollywood movies. • April 16-17, 7:30 p.m.; April 18, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; April 19, 2 p.m. • $8 (students), $10 (faculty), $15 (public) • 1179 Union Circle, Denton • https://unt.universitytickets.com Movie in the Park Head to the lawn outside the Quakertown Civic Center for a screening of “Bee Movie.” This family-friendly event will have activities for one hour before the movie begins at 7 p.m. There will be games, trivia, food trucks and drinks. • April 17, 6 p.m. • Free (admission) • 321 E. McKinney St., Denton • www.cityofdenton.com/1240/Movies-in-the-Park Off to the Races This Kentucky Derby-themed charity event benefits Serve Denton, which partners with local nonprofits to better serve people in need. Guests can enjoy jazz music, a dueling pianos performance, elevated drinks and food and a derby hat contest. • April 18, 6-10 p.m. • $150-$15,000 • 306 N. Loop 288, Ste. 100, Denton • www.tinyurl.com/47butsmv Blooms and Butterflies Spring Family Dance Celebrate spring at Quakertown Civic Center with the Blooms and Butterflies Family Dance. Guests are encouraged to dress up at the event, which will feature music, snacks and photo opportunities. • April 25, 4-9 p.m. • $15 (residents), $25 (non-residents) • 321 E. McKinney St., Denton • www.bit.ly/4uf8QMQ

April

Cece Coakley at Rubber Gloves Folk and country musician Cece Coakley will perform at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio. Coakley is on tour through May. • April 8, doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. • $20.32 • 411 E. Sycamore St., Denton • www.rubberglovesdenton.com/events/cece-oakley Parents’ night out Parents can enjoy a night out and take their kids to the Denia Recreation Center. The rec center will feature a bounce house, DJ, basketball games, video games and pizza. • April 10, 7-11 p.m. • $25 (resident), $35 (non-residents) • 1001 Parvin St., Denton • www.bit.ly/3OLXJuu Boil Buddies Bash This Cajun cookout is put on by Friends with Benefits and Denton GOAL, two local nonprofits. There will be live music, a gumbo contest, the Cajun cookout and drink specials. • April 11, noon-6 p.m. • Pricing and food depends on crawfish harvest

May

2026 Spring Creative Retreat Wildflower Art Studio will host this half-day session where guests can explore abstract floral canvas painting and an intro to watercolors class. A gourmet lunch will be provided, along with welcome mimosas and all-day tea and coffee. • May 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • $195 (early bird), $225 (regular registration) • 715 N. Locust St., Denton • www.wildflowerartstudio.net/ 2026-spring-creative-retreat Denton Taco Fest Guests are invited to enjoy a variety of taco vendors and a silent auction in the parking lot behind Lucky Lou’s. The proceeds will go to the Denton Public School Foundation. • May 2, 2-7p.m. • Free (admission)

• 1207 W. Hickory St., Denton • www.tinyurl.com/3xvkjhz8

Merrily We Roll Along Enjoy a performance of the George Furth and Stephen Sondheim musical performed by the University of North Texas’ department of dance and theater. The musical follows the story of a music composer who abandons his

• 1209 W. Hickory St., Denton • www.tinyurl.com/ymcu6bb2

DENTON EDITION

Bonnie Brae project hits halfway mark From the cover

Phase 1 • $12M budget • 2017-2020

Phase 4B • Tentatively expects to receive funding in 2028

By the numbers

The overview

100%

Several funding sources are nancing the proj- ect, including North Texas Tollway Authority toll revenue, city of Denton bonds, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and funds from the 2008 and 2022 Transportation Road Improvement Program bond packages, Garcia said. He said the costs for later phases were much higher than the rst two phases after the COVID-19 pandemic. The rst two phases were each $12 mil- lion, and the third phase cost roughly $40 million. The sixth phase will cost $38 million. “We saw signicant markups on materials and lead times. Construction also continued to rapidly grow in DFW, which raised prices,” Garcia said.

Phase 2 • $12M budget • Dec. 2019-March 2021

Phase 5 • Tentatively expects to receive funding in 2031

The third and sixth phases of the Bonnie Brae Street updates are currently under construction. The third phase stretches from Roselawn Drive to I-35E and passes by the University of North Texas’ athletics center and DATCU Stadium, UNT’s football stadium. Cameron Wilson, UNT’s senior associate athletic director, said the center’s main entrance o of Bonnie Brae was closed for several months for construction. Crews worked on the northbound lanes from January 2025 to mid-July 2025 and reopened Bonnie Brae Street before the school’s rst football game, city ocials said. The school opened an internal road to the public and for sta to get to work during the time Bonnie Brae was completely closed by the stadium. Wilson said city sta and the construction company working on Bonnie Brae, Sundt, worked with the school to halt road work and avoid closures during athletic events. “They’ve been good about working with UNT Athletics and our schedule of events to minimize or eliminate conicts,” Wilson said. Bonnie Brae is now open by the stadium with one northbound and one southbound lane while crews continue work, Wilson said.

100%

Phase 3 • $40M budget • Oct. 2023-Sept. 2026

Phase 6 • $38M budget • Jan. 2025-April 2027

70%

40%

Phase 4A: roundabout • $3.4M budget • Completed Sept. 2020

Phase 7 • The state is managing this phase

100%

288

Bonnie Brae funding sources

BRONCO WAY

NCTCOG toll road revenue: $46M

RINEY RD.

Denton 2019 bond: $27M

BONNIE BRAE ST.

Federal Highway Administration: $11.1M

380

Denton 2014 bond: $6.1M

SCRIPTURE ST.

2022 TRIP bond: $6M

W. UNIVERSITY DR.

2008 TRIP bond: $5M Denton 2012 bond: $3.4M Denton maintenance and operations funds: $800K

35E

DATCU Stadium alternative routes

Bonnie Brae Street budget by phase

Closed entrance to DATCU Stadium Temporary entrance to DATCU Stadium

ROSELAWN DR.

35W

35E

Phase 4B: $22M Phase 5: $18.8M Phase 3: $40M Phase 6: $38M

Phase 1: $12M Phase 4A: $3.4M Phase 2: $12M

DATCU Stadium

$146.2M total*

VINTAGE BLVD.

SOURCE: CITY OF DENTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT *NOTE: THE PROJECT’S CURRENT BUDGET DOES NOT INCLUDE THE SEVENTH PHASE.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCES: CITY OF DENTON, TXDOTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming in

… In my neighborhood in the last two years, there have been a lot of apartments and houses newly built.” Yardley Elm, a 316-unit apartment complex near King’s Ridge and Bonnie Brae, opened in Decem- ber 2024, a company representative said. Perch Denton, a rental home community just south of King’s Ridge, completed construction in April 2024.

and from his house. “The only thing is the inconvenient [added] time, which would be just a minute or two, not more than that,” he said. Uthra said he hears construction noise through- out the day, but believes the project is justied due to the city’s growth. “I think once the project is completed, it is going to be amazing. Right now, it takes a lot of time to use Bonnie Brae because it gets congested,” Uthra said. “The population has increased recently here.

The sixth phase covers Bonnie Brae Street from West University Drive to US 77 and passes by Denton High School’s entrance. The added lanes will alleviate trac during peak hours near the high school, and the phase will include a trac light at Riney Road and Bronco Way to better direct trac, Garcia said. Ankur Uthra, a resident of the King’s Ridge neighborhood o Bonnie Brae where the sixth phase of the project is taking place, said construc- tion has not added too much to the commute to

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ADAM DOE

Bonnie Brae Street seventh phase

What they’re saying

Looking ahead

BONNIE BRAE ST.

Work in April will have construction crews installing sidewalks and developing road foundations near the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad tracks along Bonnie Brae Street as part of the project’s third phase, which is scheduled to complete in September. The sixth phase is expected to be finished in April 2027, with crews paving during the next seven months after completing underground work like installing drainage infrastructure and leveling the ground, Garcia said. The Texas Department of Transportation is managing the designs for the seventh phase and it approved the schematic in February. The environmental clearance, where officials ensure construction complies with environmental laws, is scheduled for October, TxDOT documents state. The phase will extend Bonnie Brae a quarter mile from US 77 and connect to Loop 288, according to TxDOT documents. Phases 4B and 5 have not yet received funding. Council documents show the 4B phase was

288

“20,000-plus people in the football stadium with four lanes will be much quicker than the road that we were working off of the past 15 years.” CAMERON WILSON, UNT SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

BONNIE BRAE ST.

delayed in September 2023 after council decided to move $2.8 million from 4B to the third phase to meet higher-than-expected costs. Funding allocation to 4B is tentatively scheduled for the city’s 2028 budget, but there’s no guarantee it will receive funding at that time, Garcia said. The fifth phase is tentatively scheduled for the 2031 budget. “It can easily move back up with council priorities and decisions,” Garcia said. “It gets measured with all other city priorities for its general fund.”

“By connecting the north and south sides of our community, this project will fundamentally

improve how people move around the city.” CASSEY OGDEN, INTERIM CITY MANAGER

DENTON EDITION

Early Voting: April 20, 22-28 Election Day: May 2, 2026

Endorsed by Denton Firefighters Association

Denton is a $2.5 billion business. We need a Mayor who understands business rsthand. Chris Watts knows city government. His track record * shows he offers successful, creative solutions to tough challenges, like those Denton faces now. Chris thinks outside the box and is open to others who do, too. He knows citizen input – your input – is essential to healthy City government. Maximizing Opportunities Two ways Chris will maximize

As your Mayor, he will work to: • Restore citizen trust in the public process. • Reduce fees and stop raising the tax rate by both: - Subjecting City expenditures to microscopic review and - Optimizing economic development opportunities. • Preserve and protect neighborhoods. • Streamline processes and scheduling for street, road, water and sewer upgrades.

opportunities before the City now: • Pursue creation of a Bio-Medical Campus with Novartis as the hub. • Establish a task force to explore ways New Markets Tax Credits can benefit the City through public-private and public-public partnerships.

About Chris • Business owner

• Licensed attorney with special expertise in negotiation • Former Denton Mayor and City Council Place 6 & Dist. 4 rep • Lifetime Denton resident

* www.ChrisWattsDenton.com Voter info and voting locations: VoteDenton.gov

Pol. Ad Paid for by Chris Watts Campaign

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY KAREN CHANEY

Quandary Escape Adventures oers immersive experiences Although Quandary Escape Adventures has four distinct escape rooms, co-owner Amanda Yeargan said there are commonalities. “Every story is dierent, but in one way or another, you are trying to save the day,” Amanda Yeargan said. “You get to play games, solve puzzles, open locks and do whatever it is that you need to do to complete the story.” Denton residents and married couple Amanda and Yancey Yeargan opened the entertainment business in 2018 in Denton, along with Amanda Yeargan’s brother Tim Sonnier. The setup Prior to starting the 60-minute game, guests will gather in the lobby where a sta member will explain the storyline and mission. If guests say this is their rst time doing an escape room, it is typically suggested that they start in the Art Heist room. “It has a couple of things going for it. First of all, you get to be the bad guy. Everybody likes to be the bad guy,” Amanda Yeargan said. “Second of all, it’s simple. People understand the concept walking into it. It’s a heist—you’re going to steal some art.” The other three permanent rooms are Operation Honeycomb, Unwrapped and Viva La Resistance. Plans are underway to create a blackout room. “We have Viva La Resistance, which was the very rst game I ever thought up, and it has one electronic button and 17 puzzles,” Amanda Yeargan said. “Our second game that we created was Unwrapped. That is our Egypt mummy-themed room, and that one has a lot more electronics in it.” The maximum number of participants per room is listed on the company’s website. Amanda Yeargan recommends dividing that number in half to get the ideal number of participants. “[Operation Honeycomb] has a maximum of six because it’s a very small game and it is linear,” Amanda Yeargan said. “We don’t want people standing around doing nothing.” Zooming in Combined, the Yeargans have done hundreds of escape rooms, including a few on their honey- moon, “because nerds are gonna nerd,” Amanda Yeargan said. Some of those experiences have prompted the business owners to prioritize accessibility in their escape rooms. Yancey Yeargan

Owners Amanda and Yancey Yeargan said the Art Heist room is recommended for rst-time escape room experiences.

PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Amanda Yeargan said her hexagon bathroom tiles were the inspiration for Operation Honeycomb.

Denton residents Amanda and Yancey Yeargan opened Quandary Escape Adventures in Denton in 2018.

is the in-house computer programmer and small electronics specialist. Amanda Yeargan is the game designer, carpenter and manager. Some of their decisions of inclusivity are based on personal experience. “One of the games we played ... had a perception puzzle—you had to be at a specic height in order to see it. The designer of that game is 6-foot, and he put it at a height that was comfortable for him,” Amanda Yeargan said. “I am not 6-foot. I felt really left out, and I hated that there was this puzzle that I had no opportunity to solve. I don’t want to put that experience on anybody else.”

1173

288

W E S T G A T E D R .

5800 N. I-35, Ste. 506, Denton www.quandaryescapeadventures.com

DENTON EDITION

Dining

BY GABBY BAILEY

Learn more about 3 kid-friendly patios in downtown Denton

entertainment, diverse menu options and a variety of local beers and cocktails in downtown Denton.

options and spaces where children can do activ- ities like play games or enjoy outdoor activities under adult supervision. Here are three kid-friendly patios that oer

With the weather warming up, many patios in Denton are available for families to enjoy a bite to eat, have a beverage and let their kids play. All locations have kid-friendly times, food

This list is not comprehensive.

1 Shuck Me Known for its coastal seafood fare, Shuck Me has a sand pit area and playground on its grounds outside the front door, along with picnic-style outdoor seating that is shaded or under umbrellas. Shuck Me has a full beer and cocktail menu, along with food items such as po’boys, fried seafood baskets, tacos, fajitas and oysters. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu with fried shrimp, catsh, chicken tenders and sides.

2 Union Bear Brewing Co. At the brewery’s Denton location, children are welcome inside and on the patio, where there are two dart boards. Inside the brewery, there are also two arcade-style games and a pool table that is available for all ages. The brewery is known for its Texas-made beers, cocktail bar and outdoor patio. Union Bear has a full menu with handmade pizzas, burgers, appetizers and desserts. There is also a kids’ menu with pasta, pizza and chicken tenders.

3 East Side Denton While East Side operates as a bar, it is a kid- friendly destination until 9 p.m. The location has a large patio with picnic-style tables and a giant projector for movies, sporting events or shows. There are several food trucks on site for meals and the bar has a large beer and cocktail menu. East Side has an events calendar that shows when kid-friendly movies are playing on the patio. The venue has Halloween movies during October and Christmas movies in December.

Union Bear Brewing Co.’s Denton location oers pizza, like the OG Honey Pig, and other entrees.

Shuck Me has a variety of seafood and fried basket options, such as the fried oyster po’boy.

East Side has a full wall of beer taps and cocktails, like the Hibiscus Moscow Mule.

E . H I C K O R Y S T .

E . M C K I N N E Y S T .

E.OAKST.

E. SYCAMORE ST.

W . M C K I N N E Y S T .

E . H I C K O R Y S T .

311 N. Elm St., Denton www.shuckme.net

215 S. Bell Ave., Denton www.unionbear.com/union-bear-denton

208 N. Austin St., Denton www.eastsidedtx.com

MY PRIORITIES

Bring good-paying jobs to Denton Fund public safety personnel Ensure neighborhoods have a voice in

the development process Keep property taxes low

JORDANFORDENTON.COM Pol. adv. paid for by Jordan for Denton. Vicki Byrd, Treasurer

THE EXPERIENCED CHOICE FOR DENTON

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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