Frisco celebrated the completion of an approximately $83 million downtown makeover Tuesday, bringing reconstructed streets, a five-story parking garage and a public gathering space to its historic Rail District, the city announced.
Voter-approved bonds account for $67.5 million of the funding, making taxpayer-backed borrowing the project’s largest funding source.
Hundreds of residents and business owners joined city leaders and staff October 13 at 4th Street Plaza, 8802 4th Street, according to the city’s release.
“I’m thrilled to see this Rail District centerpiece come to life!” Frisco Mayor Mark Hill said in the release.
Bonds cover most of the cost
The city also listed $10.9 million from the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, $1.66 million from the Frisco Community Development Corporation and $2.83 million from other sources. The announcement did not identify those other sources.
Crews rebuilt Elm and Main streets between First Street and North County Road, adding a 12-inch water line, underground stormwater infrastructure, decorative brickwork and lighting. Wider Main Street sidewalks provide room for outdoor dining and retail activity, according to the release.
The improvements form part of the Downtown Master Plan Update that the City Council approved in 2018, according to the city’s redevelopment page.
The garage offers 450 parking spaces at no charge. It opened in June, as The Dallas Express reported in its coverage of the garage opening. Tuesday’s celebration marked completion of the broader redevelopment project.
Plaza hosts performances and community events
Connecting Elm and Main streets, 4th Street Plaza includes covered seating, a stage, a lawn, restrooms and public art. Railroad-inspired features include a track-style shade structure and panels that resemble boxcars.
The city’s event schedule lists complimentary performances by Frisco Improv Players on October 14 from 7 to 8 p.m. and the Patrick Casey Band on October 16 from 7 to 9 p.m., plus complimentary yoga on October 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The district also has a complimentary Boxcar shuttle pilot that launched in June, as The Dallas Express previously reported. The city’s current transit page lists Friday-through-Sunday service.
“Ultimately, we don’t just build places. We build places for people,” Ricardo Sanchez, capital improvement project manager for Parks and Recreation, said in the release.
