A recent push for revitalization in downtown Plano has transformed a once-dusty farming community into a city that buzzes with activity, said Phyllis Jarrell, manager of special projects in the city.

"If anyone had said 15 years ago that downtown Plano was going to be a hotspot, I think people would've looked at them and said, 'You're crazy,'" Jarrell said.

City Council approved an additional financial incentive bonus of $630,000 to Phillips May Corporation in July to urge the contractors to finish reconstruction sooner along 15th Street, between G Avenue to Central Expressway, according to city records.

Jarrell said the project will include street repairs, the addition of a hike and bike trail and enhanced landscaping. Utilities will also be hidden from view.

"It will be a painful process, but it will really be a nice gateway into downtown," Jarrell said.

New housing opportunities are popping up along downtown roads as well. Junction 15 is a mixed-use development, located on 1001 14th St., that comprises 280 apartments and includes 9,000 square feet of commercial space for tenants on the first floor, Jarrell said. The apartment community provides studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and Jarrell said tenants are expected to move in starting in late October or early November.

Julie Holmer, owner of Angela's at the Crosswalk restaurant, remembers downtown before a Dallas Area Rapid Transit station existed and said the city has made leaps and bounds since revitalization began. Holmer said she hopes the changes to the area will bring more foot traffic to downtown, but that it will also retain the same atmosphere.

"Hopefully, developers will be selective to retain that small-town, historic feel," Holmer said.

Michael Hamilton owns La Foofaraw, a downtown boutique that specializes in home decor and retail. Hamilton said he anticipates the increased housing will boost sales for current downtown businesses as well as the new future tenants on Junction 15's first floor.

"I'm hoping more retail comes in there because [those stores help downtown] become more of a destination for all of Plano," Hamilton said.

City Council also approved a re-zoning request Aug. 25 for InTown Homes to construct 61 single-family detached houses at Rice Field, located at 18th Street and G Avenue. Jarrell said the new housing opportunities support businesses, increase DART ridership and attract new residents to existing downtown neighborhoods.

Hamilton said he isn't looking forward to construction, but he said the result will be better for the community.

"[Construction is] part of being progressive, it has to happen," he said. "Let's hope for good weather so that it gets done quick."