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Richardson Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7 MARCH 7 APRIL 6, 2026
2026 Camp Guide
Grocer and food hall
Storefronts
Square Mall eyes 2026 opening
”We have seen the traditional [mall] model—[it’s] too old,” said David Vu Tran, developer with VM Holdings, the company that owns the property. “Our shoppers get tired; we need to bring a new model, that international model that’s more exciting.”
BY ISABELLA ZEFF
E. BELT LINE RD.
Richardson Square Mall’s renovation is “full steam ahead” this year, a transformation that will turn the mall into an “entertainment zone,” Project Manager Patrick Garza said. Components are expected to open by this fall.
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The Richardson Square Mall site, which has remained vacant since 2019, is currently under construction into a new retail development. (Sky Eyes/Community Impact)
Also in this issue
Impacts: Check out a new Tex-Mex restaurant in CityLine, other business updates in Richardson (Page 6)
Transportation: Learn more about road projects on Custer Parkway, Belt Line Road and more city streets (Page 13)
Community: Plan your summer with a list of camp options in Richardson (Page 17)
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Encouraging children to seek truth, goodness and beauty in all things will ultimately lead them to walk with Christ. At SPCCS,
WHY A CATHOLIC CLASSICAL EDUCATION? Encouraging children to seek truth, goodness and beauty in all things will ultimately lead them to walk with Christ. At SPCCS, our fundamental tenets are faith, wisdom and virtue; the development of these tenets in our students helps build a foundation in Christ while providing them an enriching education. foundation in Christ while providing them an enriching education. As you walk through the halls and visit our classrooms, you will see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the foundation in Christ while providing them an enriching education. As you walk through the halls and visit our classrooms, you will see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the Encouraging children to seek truth, goodness and beauty in all things will ultimately lead them to walk with Christ. At SPCCS, our fundamental tenets are faith, wisdom and virtue; the development of these tenets in our students helps build a our fundamental tenets are faith, wisdom and virtue; the development of these tenets in our students helps build a exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty, a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty,
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Impacts
78 6 Paris Baguette The eatery’s menu includes cakes, tarts, donuts and other sweet options. Savory items like buffalo chicken and ranch pizzetta, four cheese quiche and crab meat croquette are also available. • Tentative opening date Feb 24 • 7615 Campbell Road, Ste. 106, Dallas • www.parisbaguette.com 4 Manny’s Mexican Kitchen The restaurant is now open in CityLine after hosting a grand opening on Feb. 25. Manny's took over a space formerly occupied by Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine. Manny’s serves a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex meals, including tacos, enchiladas, nachos and more. • Opened Feb. 25 • 1250 State St., Ste. 100, Richardson • www.mannystexmex.com 5 Nablus Desserts The dessert shop specializes in Arabic desserts, offering sweets like kunafa, a sweet crispy pastry, Dubai chocolate and feteer, a flaky layered pastry. • Opened Feb. 8 • 525 W. Arapaho Road, Ste. 36, Richardson • Facebook: Nablus Desserts
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Coming soon
7 Ocean Crawfish Seafood & Grill The restaurant serves Vietnamese-style seafood, including crawfish, lobster, oysters and clams, as well as a variety of snails, hot pot and fried rice. • Opening spring 2026 • 1610 E. Belt Line Road, Richardson • www.oceancrawfish.com 8 Port of Subs A sub sandwich chain headquartered in Nevada, is set to open a location in Plano, said Suzy Murff, Stonewood Investments project leasing and sales representative. The eatery’s menu features a variety of classic subs as well as signature hot subs. • Opening TBD • 3411 Renner Road, Plano
traditional Palestinian dishes and new takes on Middle Eastern cuisine. • Opened Feb. 7 • 200 W. Spring Valley Road, Richardson • www.ayatnyc.com 3 Cloud Naan The restaurant started in Pakistan and this is the first U.S. location. Cloud Naan offers a range of both traditional and fusion flavors of stuffed naans, from creamy tikka to Philly cheesesteak. • Opened Feb. 13 • 888 S. Greenville Ave., Ste. 224, Richardson • Facebook: Cloud Naan DFW
Now open
1 America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses The store offers eye exams on site with licensed optometrists as well as vision diagnoses, prescriptions and a wide range of contact lenses and glasses. • Opened Feb. 6 • 1230 E. Belt Line Rd, Richardson • www.americasbest.com 2 Ayat The Palestinian restaurant is now open in Richardson after holding a soft opening on Feb. 7, a company representative said. This is the New York-based restaurant’s first Texas location. Ayat serves both
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KAREN CHANEY, MICHAEL CROUCHLEY & ISABELLA ZEFF
9 Ross Dress for Less The store will take over a building formerly occupied by Big Lots. The discount store offers clothing, shoes, home decor and more. According to the filing, construction is set to begin in June and finish in November. • Opening TBD • 1332 S. Plano Road, Ste. 200, Richardson • www.rossstores.com 10 Soulcraft BBQ The restaurant is set to open on Main Street in Richardson’s Core District according to a city news release. The halal-focused restaurant will be run by Two Twenty-Five, LLC and committed to a ten-year lease in the city. Soulcraft BBQ will serve traditional Texas smoked meats, live-fire-grilled items and Southern-
& Associates, Inc. in 2024 and planned the move to Richardson in order to provide space for staff growth. The firm offers civil and structural engineering for both public and private clients. • Opened Dec. 8 • 2600 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 100, Richardson • www.ljbinc.com
Now open
In the news
12 Mavis Tire & Service Center NTB Tire & Service Center on Arapaho Road in Richardson is now Mavis Tires & Brakes. Mavis acquired NTB in 2023 and the Richardson location transitioned to the new brand in January. All services remain the same as before the name change, including tire replacement, brake repair, oil changes, flat tire repair, wheel alignment and state car inspections. • Opened January • 1350 E Arapaho Road, Ste. 112, Richardson • www.mavis.com
13 Selda Bakery The restaurant serves all-day food and a variety of European and Turkish pastries, from honey-covered baklava to savory pide. The bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., serving food like omelettes, waffles, grilled salmon and salads in addition to pastries. • Opened Jan. 20 • 101 S. Coit Road, Ste. 10, Richardson • www.seldadallas.com
inspired sides. • Opening TBD • 107 E. Main Street, Richardson
Relocations
11 LJB Engineering The firm opened a new office in Richardson, relocating its Dallas team from Garland. LJB Engineering, a North American firm, acquired the Garland-based Grantham
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RICHARDSON EDITION
Government
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY
Stars, Plano talk Willow Bend move
The background
A plan to redevelop The Shops at Willow Bend into a mixed-use development was approved in February 2024, before needing to be reworked in February 2025 due to the closure of Macy’s within the mall. Since property owners Centennial adjusted the redevelopment plan last February, Dillard’s closed its Willow Bend location and Neiman Marcus announced its impending closure for January 2027. The Crayola Experience also temporarily closed Feb. 7.
Plano could become the new home of the Dallas Stars, as the city con irmed that it has been in “earnest discussions” with the hockey team. The National Hockey League team is eyeing The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, as a potential site for a “new arena district,” according to a statement from the city. The Stars lease at the American Airlines Center is expiring in 2031. The city has not yet made a formal offer to the team, according to the statement. “The city of Plano is known for attracting national and international brands because of our strong economy, highly educated workforce and commitment to strategic growth,” a city spokesperson said in the statement. “For the past year, the city has been in earnest discussions with the Dallas Stars regarding a potential arena district at The Shops at Willow Bend.” “We respect that any decision about the team’s future rests with the organization, and we will
The Dallas Stars could move their new stadium to The Shops in Willow Bend in Plano.
JACQUELYN BURRER COMMUNITY IMPACT
CHAPEL HILL BLVD.
continue to approach these conversations responsibly and deliberately,” the city spokesperson said. The Stars are reviewing options for their North Texas home, a spokesperson said.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ISABELLA ZEFF
Library renovation delayed; opening planned for September New construction needs will push the comple- tion of the Richardson Public Library renovation to May or June and its opening to September, accord- ing to a presentation at the Feb. 2 City Council meeting. Council approved an additional $1.18 million to address water in ltration issues that arose during construction. What’s happening? The library renovation project began in spring 2024, and work is about 75% complete, Assistant City Manager Charles Go said. In August, council approved an additional $1.15 million to the $48.1 million budget to address some construction challenges. The second funding increase will cover addi- tional waterproo ng needs. The original scope of work included waterproo ng on the east side of the building, which had a history of water in ltration into the basement, Go said. Despite preventative measures, water in ltration Comprehensive zoning ordinance update set Richardson is on track to update its comprehensive zoning ordinance in order to allow for more e cient housing and business development in the city. The overview The comprehensive zoning ordinance is a set of regulations related to land use and development standards that tells property owners what they can do with their land. Director of Development Services Tina Firgens said Richardson’s zoning ordinance is out of date with current market realities. “We say we want these things and we even go and sometimes incent them, but on the other hand, our regulations are inconsistent with that message,” City Manager Don Magner said.
Charter election set for May ballot
Richardson City Council called a May charter election for voters to consider 50 amendments to the city charter. Voters will consider a prospective resign- to-run amendment that would require the automatic resignation of any council member or mayor who announces their candidacy for any other elective public o ce after the May election. The big picture Council initially approved a retroactive resign-to-run provision. If approved, it would have forced the immediate resigna- tion of council member Dan Barrios, who is running for U.S. Congress.
Assistant City Manager Charles Go said the library renovation is roughly 75% complete.
ISABELLA ZEFF COMMUNITY IMPACT
has been observed in other sides, so the design team recommended the same waterproo ng work on the north, south and west sides of the building. Going forward Most of the interior work on the library will be able to continue on schedule during the water- proo ng process, but the new work will push the completion of the library to May or June. After work is complete, the library will need six weeks to move in furniture and books—both the temporary and new location will be closed during this time. Library Director Jennifer Davidson recommended that the move and closure be post- poned until August, allowing the temporary library to remain open through the summer. Richardson calls $223.4 million bond election Richardson voters are set to consider a $223.4 million bond in May after City Council voted unanimously to call a bond election Feb. 9. What you need to know City sta presented potential bond projects to council over several months, including street repair, re facility renovations and playground improvements. City Manager Don Magner con- solidated the proposed projects into the $223.4 million bond. The bond will appear on the ballot as ve separate propositions: • Proposition A: $132.2 million for street improvements • Proposition B: $36 million for re facilities • Proposition C: $22.2 million for park and recre- ational facilities
Dates to know April 2: Last day to register to vote April 20-28: Early voting May 2: Election day
The bond will be split into ve propositions. Street improvements: $132.2M
Fire facilities: $36M Park and recreational facilities: $22.2M
Total $223.4M
Sidewalks: $16.5M
Flood control and drainage facilities: $16.5M
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
• Proposition D: $16.5 million for sidewalks • Proposition E: $16.5 million for ood control and drainage facilities Of the proposed funds for re facilities, $23.5 million is for the payment to construct Fire Station No. 7, but will not actually be paid until after this bond program. “I’m really excited about a record number for infrastructure on the streets and alleys,” Mayor Amir Omar said. The election will take place May 2, with early voting from April 20-April 28.
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RICHARDSON EDITION
Education
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY & ISABELLA ZEFF
PISD enrollment drop projected to continue Plano ISD’s enrollment is projected to dip below 40,000 students by the 2029-30 school year, according to a recent demogra- pher report. The district’s enrollment was down by 2,712 students in 2025-26 from the previous school year, outpacing the projected enroll- ment decline by more than 1,300. PISD’s demography consultant Rocky Gardner told said that he expects the enrollment to continue declining but “not at the same pace” as this year’s decline.
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Construction on the new Richardson West Middle School is set to begin this summer.
RENDERING COURTESY GLENN PARTNERS
Richardson West Junior High project on track Richardson West Junior High is on track for a complete reconstruction to transform into a middle school after Richardson’s City Plan Com- mission unanimously recommended approval for zoning changes Feb. 3. The overview The zoning changes will allow for a complete
Senior planner Derica Peters presented plans for the $119 million construction, in which West and the Richardson High School baseball stadium, located next to each other, will swap locations. A new three-story Richardson West Middle School will be constructed where the baseball stadium is. When the new middle school is complete, the two-story junior high will be demolished and a new baseball stadium will be constructed in its place. The reconstruction will allow the existing junior high to remain operational throughout construction. Education Service Center plans renovations The Region 10 Education Service Center, which provides services and support to school districts across North Texas, is planning o ce renovations this year. The renovations are set to be the last phase of a seven-year project across the center’s two Richardson locations. The big picture Region 10, located in neighboring buildings in Richardson, is the second largest Education Ser- vice Center in the state, Deputy Executive Director April Estrada said. Both buildings serve as conference centers for professional development and as o ce spaces for sta , providing a range of services and support for educators and students across 130 school districts, charters and private schools, including Richard- son, Plano and Frisco ISDs. Estrada said the center has been undergoing a
20K 30K 40K 50K Plano ISD enrollment
Projected
10K 0
reconstruction of the arts and technology magnet school as part of RISD’s larger initiative to convert all junior highs into middle schools by fall 2028. This will add sixth graders to the junior highs that currently serve seventh and eighth grade.
School year
SOURCE: PLANO ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
PISD to adopt 2027 28 academic calendar Plano ISD sta is preparing for adoption of the district’s 2027-28 academic calendar next month. The speci cs All three proposed calendar options include a fall break for students from Oct. 11-15, 2027, Thanksgiving break from Nov. 22-26, 2027, spring break from March 13-18, 2027 and days o for students on April 14 and 17. The rst two options, drafts 1 and 1B, each have winter break from Dec. 20, 2027-Jan. 3, 2028, Drafts 1, 1B and 2 each have di erent last days of school of May 23, 2028, May 24 and May 19, respectively. PISD’s board is expected to adopt the calendar in March, according to the presentation.
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phased renovation project for about seven years and has already completed upgrades on its initial location on Spring Valley Road as well as parts of the second location on Abrams Road. The nal phase of the project, planned for later this year, would renovate the o ce spaces on Abrams Road. Zooming in Both buildings’ conference spaces were reno- vated rst to bring them “up to the new learning standard,” Estrada said. Estrada said the renovations were driven in part by growth in the Education Service Center sta , which has added over 100 employees since 2022.
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Transportation
BY ISABELLA ZEFF
Richardson plan aims to reduce roadway deaths, injuries
Richardson is working to reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries, according to a presentation on the Safer Streets Richardson plan at the Feb. 16 City Council meeting. Mobility program manager Daniel Herrig presented an update on the safety action plan, including high-crash locations that city staff identified as places to improve safety. Some context The Safer Streets Richardson plan is a safety action plan funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. It focuses on reducing transporta- tion-related fatalities and serious injuries through data-driven and collaborative methods. Richardson is one of a few cities in the metro- plex, including McKinney and Frisco, that are currently developing a plan like this. Herrig said Richardson’s goal is to reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2050.
Herrig said the project is finishing up its first phase, which was composed of public engage- ment, collaboration with stakeholders and safety analysis. The details The city conducted a community survey from Aug. 1-Oct. 15, and Herrig said common themes in the responses included speeding and reckless driving, stop sign and red-light violations and pedestrian and cyclist safety. Staff used police crash report data to analyze crash locations and contributing factors in order to identify high-injury locations and prioritize mitigation projects. From 2020-2024, there were 6,292 total crashes in Richardson, 195 of which were fatal or serious injury crashes. The analysis also found that crashes were more likely to cause fatality or serious injury for pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists than for drivers.
Richardson crashes by road user, 2020-2024
Minor injury
Fatal or serious injury
Total crashes
6,097
195 (3.1%)
Cars
5,909
133 (2.2%)
Pedestrians
70
27 (27.84%)
Motorcycles
Note: The main lanes of freeways on US 75 and President George Bush Tollway were omitted from the analysis.
65
20 (23.53%)
Bicycles
53
15 (22.06%)
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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RICHARDSON EDITION
Transportation
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY
BY ISABELLA ZEFF
Richardson officials approve updated DART funding deal
Ongoing projects
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1 Custer Parkway reconstruction Project: Street reconstruction of Custer Parkway from A Campbell Road to Renner Road and street panel replacement from B Renner Road to State Highway 190. Update: Concrete replacements on the northbound lanes from Lookout Drive to Campbell are ongoing and expected to be completed this spring. Traffic signal replacements at the intersections at Renner and Campbell are also ongoing and expected to be completed by spring. • Timeline: fall 2024-fall 2026 • Cost: $23.1 million • Funding source: city of Richardson 2 Arterial street maintenance Project: This project will rehabilitate various street segments throughout the city. Update: Construction on Floyd Road from A Belt Line Road to US 75 is completed. Construction on Renner Road from B US 75 to Brand Road began in winter 2026 and is underway. • Timeline: summer 2025-summer 2026 • Cost: $2 million • Funding source: city of Richardson
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Richardson officials approved a pair of agree- ments with Dallas Area Rapid Transit that aim to reshape the system’s governance and funding models. What you need to know With six member cities heading toward May withdrawal elections, DART adopted a new plan to return money back to cities. Under the new interlocal agreement, Richardson is expected to receive $26.12 million over the next six years , according to DART documents. Rich- ardson City Council approved the new interlocal agreement Feb. 23, along with a second agreement that will reallocate voting power on DART’s board of directors. “[Richardson] has some of the most robust usage in the system, and we need to try to main- tain and sustain that,“ Richardson City Manager Don Magner said. “We were able to create an interim solution that I think is going to provide
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Funds returned: equivalent of 25% of collected sales tax revenue
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Other methods: equivalent of 15%
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DART: 7.5%
RTC: 2.5%
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DART’s plan will send the equivalent of 25% of collected sales tax back to cities after six years. 10% would come from DART, Regional Transportation Council and other revenue sources are being considered for the rest of the funds.
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SOURCE: DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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regional authorities to make up the rest. The funds must be allocated to projects that benefit DART’s system or provide complementary services, Magner said. The second interlocal agreement will increase the DART board from 15 to 22 members, with each member city having at least one seat on the board. Magner said that he anticipates DART services to be impacted by the new plan. “You can’t give up $360 million over the course of six years and not have to make some changes,” he said.
us with a lot of time ... to regroup and reconsider things and to work on a very important plan moving forward.” Plano, Farmers Branch and Irving have canceled their withdrawal elections, while Addison opted to move forward with the election. The first interlocal agreement aims to return the equivalent of 25% of DART sales tax receipts to member cities over the next six years. DART and Regional Transportation Council’s contri- bution would provide a base of 10% sales tax return, and DART officials would work with other
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3 Belt Line Road improvements Project: Drainage, utility and pavement improvements at Belt Line Road and pavement improvements along Cottonwood Drive. Update: Culvert installation at Belt Line and along
Cottonwood is complete. Paving on Cottonwood is currently ongoing. • Timeline: fall 2024-winter 2026 • Cost: $4.7 million • Funding source: city of Richardson
DALLAS 9500 N Central Expy (214) 369-2800 ADDISON 15055 Inwood Rd (972) 239-5891
Square Mall eyes 2026 opening From the cover
A closer look
The big picture
experience.” The food hall is in the early planning stages, Garza said, and he was not able to disclose specific restaurants, but it will likely have around 10 stalls with a variety of options. “You’re going to have an awesome gourmet burger place. We’re going to have a taco stand,” Garza said. “We’ll have the Asian cuisine to mirror the community. We’re going to have a nice blend that pulls in all audiences.” Garza said the focal point of the food hall will be a bar with space to host regular events, from live music to fundraisers that partner with local schools and community organizations. “It would be like the heartbeat of the commu- nity,” Garza said. “Most food halls and projects like this bring community together, and that’s what we want to do.”
The mall will be built around a food hall created by Garza’s company National Food Hall Solutions, alongside the first U.S. location of Japanese grocery store Aeon and additional restaurants and retail spots. “We think the marriage between the grocery store aspect and the food hall aspect, there’s some magic there,” Garza said. Tran said Aeon will provide an experience for shoppers based around the discovery of new items, rather than just “going to the store to buy a product.” City Manager Don Magner said the city encour- aged Tran to make the mall a “true international destination” providing food, entertainment and retail from all around the world. Garza said the mall will be an “all-day
The multimillion renovation of Richardson Square Mall was originally announced in 2024, almost two decades after the mall closed in 2006. Components of the new mall are expected to open by this fall. Tran said he wanted to update the traditional mall model, offering a range of experiences and a modern look with outdoor corridors linking the mall’s buildings. Tran said he hopes the environment will encourage people to hang out at the mall rather than just shop and leave. “It’s not about buying stuff anymore,” Tran said. “You go to a place you enjoy, that is something you cannot buy online.” Tran sees the project as more than just one mall’s renovation—he said Richardson will be his launching pad for a nationwide model of malls that could have 200 locations. “We want to build not just a business but a legacy,” Tran said.
Coffee shop 2,704 sq. ft.
Renovated floor plan
Korean BBQ 7,098 sq. ft.
Breaking down the project
Stationary store 7,098 sq. ft.
Boba tea shop 1,352 sq. ft.
Claw machine 2,704 sq. ft.
Bakery 4,056 sq. ft.
92-acre property
64,714 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space
Ice cream shop 2,704 sq. ft.
Specialty grocer 48,536 sq. ft.
SOURCE: THE RETAIL CONNECTION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT Leased Ongoing negotiations Not yet leased Covered promenade
2,704 sq. ft. 2,704 sq. ft.
9-11 food hall stalls
14+ storefronts
Pho restaurant 3,000 sq. ft.
SOURCE: VM HOLDINGS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ISABELLA ZEFF
Zooming out
What they’re saying
What’s next
Garza said the January winter storm created some delays in construction, and it will take a few months to finish the outside of the structure, followed by interior work. “We’re hoping to get something out late summer [or] early fall, at least some of the components,” Garza said. “You’ll see a lot of movement here over the next couple of months.”
Tran said he wants to use the mall to bring traffic not only to the shopping center but to all of Richardson. “People were looking for this revitalization,” Garza said. “We think we could do something really special with it and bring it back to its glory days.” Magner said there is demand for more retail and sit-down restaurants in the southeast area of Richardson, and the revitalized mall could be a “catalyst” for others to invest in the area. “This will be by far the largest revitalization project of a commercial site that we’ve seen in that part of town,” Magner said. “It’s a real proof of concept that when a project is devel- oped thoughtfully, when a diverse set of uses are brought together that are complementary, then that market will support that project.” Tran said the mall’s position as the launching pad for his planned malls around the country could bring Richardson nationwide recognition.
“Our vision working with the developer was to create a true international destination.”
DON MAGNER, CITY MANAGER
Key dates
“It would be like the heartbeat of the
2019: Sears closes February 2024: plans for renovated mall announced Early 2025: construction begins
community.” PATRICK GARZA, PROJECT MANAGER
Summer/fall 2026: f irst mall components to open
SOURCE: VM HOLDINGS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER Join us for these Easter Week Events Maundy Thursday - Seder Meal Thursday April 2 Good Friday Service - Friday April 3 6:30pm-7:30pm Eggstravaganza - Saturday April 4th 9:30-11:30am
Family fun event including Easter Egg Hunts, Bouncehouses, Food Trucks, Prizes, and more! Easter Service - Sunday April 5th 10:30am Scan QR code for details
Text “EGG” to 972-235-5296 to register for egg hunts 1001 N CENTRAL EXPY, RICHARDSON, TX 75080 | FBCR.ORG/JOURNEY-TO-THE-CROSS
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RICHARDSON EDITION
Events
BY ISABELLA ZEFF
March
The Physics of Aerodynamics Learn about the forces of flight from experts with the Frontiers of Flight Museum and build and test an aircraft
design. For ages 8 to 12. • March 7, 2:30-3:30 p.m. • Free • 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 525 • bit.ly/corflight
Syncopated Ladies Live The Syncopated Ladies bring modern tap dancing to audiences around the world, both live and on film and TV. • March 8, 7:30 p.m. • $49-$70 • 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com/event/?i=11182 Pi Day Recipe Exchange Celebrate Pi Day (3/14) at the Richardson Public Library by bringing in your favorite pie recipe—and a pie to share, if you want. • March 14, 1-2 p.m. • Free • 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 500, Richardson • bit.ly/ricpiday Serpentine Fire Enjoy a performance of Earth, Wind & Fire’s biggest hits from tribute band Serpentine Fire. • March 14, 7:30 p.m. • $108 and up • 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com/event/?i=11618 Modern Calligraphy for Beginners at CityLine Sip & Script is hosting a calligraphy lesson for beginners that includes instruction and demonstration, a calligraphy kit and materials to write on. The class will be held in the plaza near Good Union BBQ. • March 16, 6-7:30 p.m. • $65 • 1150 State Street, Richardson
Bunny Bash at UT Dallas Head to the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center at the University of Texas at Dallas for a family-friendly celebration that includes an egg hunt, games and activities, face painting, snacks and bunny photos.
• March 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • $5, kids under 2 free • 2501 Drive G, Richardson • https://calendar.utdallas.edu/event/ bunny-bash-at-ut-dallas
• www.sipandscript.com/event/ modern-calligraphy-for-beginners-at-cityline/
composer Ravi Shankar’s music. • March 24 • $54.50-$86.50 • 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com/event/?i=11185
Texas Forever Fest (worth the trip) Celebrate Texas culture with live music, entertainment, interactive activities, food trunks and a variety of vendors at the annual event hosted at Haggard Park in downtown Plano. • March 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano • www.plano.gov/2060/Texas-Forever-Fest Ravi Shankar Ensemble A multi-generational collective of world-class musicians performs a selection of legendary Indian musician and
Easter Eggstravaganza This night egg hunt at Breckinridge Park will feature glowing Easter eggs and is designed for children ages 2-6. Registration is required and crafts, refreshments, storytelling and Easter Bunny pictures will also be available. • March 24, 7:45-8:45 p.m. • $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents • 5300 Renner Road, Richardson • bit.ly/BreckEggstravaganza
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SCAN TO LEARN MORE
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Community
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY & ISABELLA ZEFF
Camp Guide
2026
Richardson
Richardson
Camp Sa-Que-Sippi Type: arts, day, sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 26-Aug. 7 Cost: $195 for YMCA members • Richardson Family YMCA, 821 Custer Road, Richardson • https://ymcadallas.org/richardson-day-camps
Carpe Diem Private Preschool Summer Camp Type: academics, arts, tech, sports, Ages: 5-11
Dates: Coming soon Cost: Coming soon
• Carpe Diem Private Preschool, 271 Renner Parkway, Richardson • https://camps.endeavorschools.com
City of Richardson Parks and Recreation Day Camp Program Type: arts, day, sports Ages: 5-15 Dates: June 1-July 24 Cost: TBD • 711 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson • www.cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/ cor-day-camps Drama Kids International Camp Type: arts Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 15-19, July 20-24 Cost: $204-$330 • Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson • https://dramakids.com/ dallas-rockwall-richardson-plano-tx/camps-events
Shredder Ski & Snowboard School Type: sports Ages: 3-10
Dates: May 26-Aug. 21 Cost: starting at $60-$65 (daily) • 1002 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 229, Richardson • www.shredderski.com
Dates: June 1-Aug. 10 Cost: $250 per week • Kids Montessori Academy, 1521 E. Arapaho Road, Richardson • https://kidsearlylearningcenters.com/summer-camp Legendary Youth Sports Summer Camps Type: day, sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 26-Aug. 7 Cost: $287/week • Legendary Youth Sports, 1980 Nantucket Drive, Ste. 108, Richardson • https://legendaryblackbeltacademy.com Music So Simple Summer Camps Type: arts Ages: 6 months-8th grade Dates: May 31-Aug. 7 Cost: $120-$325 per camp • Music So Simple, 1144 Plano Road, Ste. 142, Richardson • www.musicsosimple.com/summer-2026.html
Dates: June 29-July 3 Cost: $225 • 101 N. Central Expressway, Richardson • https://camps.winshape.org/day-camps/richardson-tx The Heights Church Summer Music Camp Type: music, day Ages: Children who have completed K-6th grade Dates: June 29-July 2 Cost: $175 • 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson • www.theheights.org/event/summer-music-camp-2/ The Heights Church Vacation Bible School Type: church, day Ages: Children entering Kindergarten (Fall ’26) – Completed 6th grade Dates: June 2-5 Cost: $40 • 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson • www.theheights.org/event/vbs-2026/ H.E.R.O.E.S. Summer Camp Type: academics, arts, day, sports Ages: 3 and older Dates: June 15-July 17 Cost: $500-625 per week • First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson • www.heroesdfw.org Kids Montessori Academy Summer Camp Type: day, academics Ages: 5-12
First United Methodist Church Vacation Bible Camp Type: day Ages: 4-completed 6th grade Dates: June 8-12 Cost: $30 • 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson • www.fumcr.com/children_camps First United Methodist Church Richardson Dodgeball Camp Type: sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: Aug. 3-7 Cost: $125 • 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson • www.fumcr.com/children_camps
Camp Skylark Type: day, sports
Ages: Finished K-7th Dates: May 26-Aug. 7 Cost: $225/week • 201 W. Renner Road, Richardson • www.campskylark.com/locations/richardson This list is not comprehensive.
First Baptist Richardson WinShape Camp Type: church, arts, day, sports Ages: Kindergarten-sixth grade
17
RICHARDSON EDITION
Business
BY ISABELLA ZEFF
Startup Runway renews lease, looks to host more companies
in the city, bringing jobs and economic activity to the area. “We went into this kind of as a pilot program,” City Manager Don Magner said. “We have extended their lease for another year, and so we’re really excited to see what year two looks like.” Zooming in With the exception of one company that manufactures high-protein chocolate bars, Nandyala said the 18 companies Startup Runway has brought to Richardson’s IQHQ are all in the technology space, including AI, nancial technol- ogy and blockchain. Most are from India, as well as two companies from Singapore and one each from Europe and Dubai. When considering a company to bring in, Nandyala said Startup Runway begins with background research and analysis to determine whether it is the right t for American markets and for Richardson.
After bringing 18 international companies stateside in its rst year, Startup Runway renewed its lease in Richardson as it looks to help more international companies expand to the city. “We want to expand our relationships and be a truly global conduit, bringing in international companies across di erent industry verticals and sectors into our ecosystem here,” founder and CEO Mahesh Nandyala said. The big picture Startup Runway facilitates global companies’ expansion to the United States, providing resources, connections and a physical space in Richardson’s Innovation Quarter Headquarters, or IQHQ, to launch from. Startup Runway o cially launched its partner- ship with Richardson in August 2024 with plans to bring 10 companies to the city. Nandyala said Startup Runway and Richardson are working on a “shared vision” to expand international business
Startup Runway signed an o cial partnership with the University of Texas at Dallas late last year.
COURTESY STARTUP RUNWAY
Companies start in the “incubator” of the IQHQ, where Startup Runway is also based, with the goal of eventually leasing their own space in Richard- son and hiring additional employees. “It’s like a crawl, walk and run approach because these companies are coming here for the rst time,” Nandyala said.
home Guide Coming Soon! Community Impact’s
Promote your business:
Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KAREN CHANEY
Vent-A Hood employs 100 people in Richardson.
Technology has advanced with the times at Vent-A Hood.
Ralph Eli has worked at Vent-A Hood for over 25 years. He’s one of dozens that have reached 20+ years with the company.
PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Vent-A Hood grows through multiple generations
While speaking about Vent-A Hood—a company founded in Dallas in 1933 and relocated to Rich- ardson in 1961—Vice President of Sales Miles “Bill” Woodall IV, a Marine Corps veteran, oscillates between exuding family pride and industry insight. The facility features a hallway with an image-cen- tric timeline, including a portrait of Woodall’s great-uncle Carr P. Collins, Sr. who nanced Vent- A Hood in 1937 and recruited his nephew, Miles Woodall Jr. to manage the company. In a nutshell Vent-A Hood manufactures home kitchen ven- tilation and range hoods. Bill Woodall said 93% of the canopies produced at Vent-A Hood are standard shapes but they have developed a reputation for creating custom shapes and those requests make up about 7% of their canopy production. Bill Woodall points to their patented Magic Lung as being a major factor in the company’s longevity. The blower system uses centrifugal force to separate all grease from cooking vapors and removes smoke, steam, odors, heat and harmful gases from the kitchen air without a conventional lter. Zooming in Situated on 9-acres on Greenville Avenue, a Vent- A Hood employee hall of fame plaque lists 35 people reaching their 20+ year mark and many others lling in the 25-50+ year categories. Ralph Eli recently celebrated his quarter-century
mark with the company. “I have known Eli since I was a little boy. I’ve gotten marriage advice from him,” Bill Woodall said. “We have an expression here: If you make it past your 90 day point, you’ll probably make it past your 20 year point.’” The second oor of the factory is where product design and training departments are housed. Product training includes an interactive demon- stration proving Vent-A Hood hoods will keep ames from going into pipes causing an attic re. Meet the CEO Miles “Skip” Woodall III is Bill Woodall’s father and the current CEO of Vent-A Hood. Just like his son, Skip Woodall started working at the family business as a child and is also a Marine Corps veteran. “I was 12 years old when I started working here in 1958,” Skip Woodall said. “I worked in the stock room. I worked days, nights—my dad pushed me harder than anybody.” As the CEO, Skip Woodall oversees nances. “[Skip Woodall] doesn’t believe in debt. He has structured it so that we can weather the storm whenever we need to. He’s very responsible with that,” Bill Woodall said. “There’s a lot of companies that have to shut down when something happens. He’s always big about keeping rainy day funds and acting responsibly. I don’t think we would be here without that.”
The Vent-A Hood factory includes packaging, shipping and manufacturing departments.
The Vent-A Hood management team including Skip Woodall, third from left and Bill Woodall, far right.
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1000 N. Greenville Ave., Richardson www.ventahood.com
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RICHARDSON EDITION
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