Progress continues on Frisco’s $50 million renovations to the downtown area of the city in an attempt to revitalize the area.
The Frisco City Council originally approved projects to improve the city’s center in 2018 in its Downtown Master Plan Update. The goal was to provide a more “pedestrian-friendly” promenade, which will be accomplished in three phases.
Phase One of this project includes improvements to Elm Street.
Reconstruction efforts will transform the street into a concrete roadway, complete with parallel parking and a new sidewalk, storm drain, street lights, and traffic signals.
Construction recently commenced, and city officials expect the renovations to be completed by the end of 2023.
“The intersection of Elm Street and 3rd Street will be closed to traffic on Thursday, June 29, and will remain closed for about three weeks,” the city said on its website. “During the closure, each block approaching this intersection will be a dead-end street and limited to local traffic only.”
Jason Ford, president of the Frisco Economic Development Corp., told The Dallas Morning News that the improvements to the downtown area will be a boon for economic development.
“Making the Rail District more walkable will retain and attract great brands, businesses, jobs and tourists to Frisco,” said Ford, per the DMN. “Lifestyle amenities play a big role to decision-makers considering new business locations — employers want exciting, local and organic places to entertain their employees, partners and clients. It can be a major driver for economic development.”
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney told the DMN that the revitalized downtown area will provide a “town square” feeling and attract new businesses.
“It’s going to be a destination place that people want to visit,” said Cheney, according to the DMN.
Other projects in the downtown area include improvements to Main Street (Phase Two) and 4th Street Plaza (Phase Three). Main Street will undergo the removal of parking spaces, widening of sidewalks, and “full depth paving replacement,” as well as traffic light updates.
Developments on 4th Street include the addition of a plaza that will serve as a “community gathering space” for citizens.
Main Street and 4th Street improvements are expected to be completed by Q4 2025.
These are not the only new additions coming to the City of Frisco. A new Universal theme park was approved, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The Frisco City Council also recently met to discuss a number of new projects for citizens, including Grand Park, a performing arts complex, and more. In April, the council approved a four-month, $394,000 contract with a design company to draw up plans and develop the park property, which comprises over 275 acres. The park opened its first trail, Big Bluestem Trail, in November.
