The Shops at Starwood broke ground June 26 on the third phase of its community commercial development.

The expansion, which is expected to open at the beginning of 2016, will include more than 26,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space and more than 11,000 square feet of executive office space.

With the Shops at Starwood located at Lebanon Road and the Dallas North Tollway, the expansion will be a nice bookend on the north end of Frisco’s $5 Billion Mile, council member Jeff Cheney said.

“All of these projects on the $5 Billion Mile are exciting,” he said. “They are going to bring a lot of things to the city. [The Shops at Starwood expansion] is going to be another cherry on the top of that pie.”

The Shops at Starwood is currently fully leased and includes small chains and local businesses.

Real estate company Whitestone REIT obtained the development in 2011 and has since planned it through the vision of a community-centered business center, Whitestone COO John Dee said. This business model calls for a mix of local, regional and national tenants.

Tony Felker, Frisco Chamber of Commerce president, said with the large developments under construction in the $5 Billion Mile, the Shops at Starwood’s concept helps connect small businesses with nearby residents.

“At the end of the day, it’s also small business that makes a difference in the community,” he said.

Rob Exline, Shops at Starwood leasing agent, said there are no contracts yet, but he has received several letters of intent for leasing at the new phase. He said he’s looking to draw traditional retail, unique restaurants and boutiques.