Fourth Street Plaza, the sprawling pedestrian area currently being built in downtown Frisco, might look a little different than the original plans once it opens in 2026.

What happened

Frisco City Council members tentatively approved plans to cut some features from the plaza during an Aug. 20 work session meeting, as costs teeter $5 million above the city’s budget.

Director of Engineering Jason Brodigan said the features on the chopping block were chosen because removing them would not affect anything in the overall plaza and were optional or for aesthetic purposes.

“If you would have never told us, I don't think I would have noticed on ribbon cutting day,” Mayor Jeff Cheney said.


Here is what the city is proposing:
  • Removing the outdoor fog fountains
  • Replacing the rolling wooden benches with stationary seating areas
  • Using concrete bricks instead of clay
  • Removing the ingrade rail track metal
  • Removing the picket fence
  • Removing the canopy overhang on the restrooms building, which was for aesthetic purposes only and not part of the actual roof
  • Removing the strata vaults, which are underground spaces to support tree growth but are not necessary
  • Removing the trough-style fountains
  • Removing the aesthetic LED lights from the railroad track overhang, as other lighting will keep the plaza well-lit
The proposed cuts would free up $4.38 million, meaning the city would still need to find another $536,900 to keep the project fully within budget, Brodigan said.

The larger amenities at the plaza, such as the outdoor lawn, performance area and shaded areas are still included in the plans and will not be affected by the cuts.

In case you missed it

While construction on Fourth Street Plaza broke ground June 7, plans for The Rail District stretch back almost 10 years. The idea to redevelop downtown was first mentioned in Frisco’s 2015 comprehensive plan, a long-range planning document with goals and projects for the future of the city.


In 2018, Fourth Street Plaza was added to Frisco’s downtown master plan, which was already a 20-year-old document.

Going forward

Some of the removed features could be added back to the pedestrian plaza after it opens, Brodigan said. This includes the LED lighting, fence, restroom canopy overhang and trough fountains.

Brodigan said he expects a construction contract will be ready for council members to approve by their Sept. 3 meeting.


“We're at an exciting point of the plaza,” he said.