The Dr Pepper StarCenter is expected to add an additional ice rink with 1,800 seats.[/caption]
The Dr Pepper StarCenter in McKinney plans to expand its facility by 46,000 square feet, which will add additional parking to the facility.[/caption]Officials from the StarCenter, located at 6993 Stars Ave., McKinney, said they hope this expansion will allow for larger events and tournaments, including a possible minor North American Hockey League franchise, according to a presentation given at last night's City Council meeting.
The expansion is estimated to cost $8.5 million with $3.5 million in funding from a grant approved by the McKinney Community Development Corp. and the remaining $5 million coming from the city of McKinney.
According to a 20-year lease between the city and the StarCenter, which was approved at last night's meeting, the StarCenter will pay $60,000 per month for rent for years one through five, and $65,000 per month for years six through 20.
According to a preliminary site layout, the additional parking will replace two of the four baseball fields at Craig Ranch. These baseball fields will go away with or without the parking lot, according to the presentation.
"We will only be taking out of commission the two fields out of the top fourplex and replacing them with the expansion of the [Dr Pepper StarCenter] on two fields," David Craig, master developer and principal at Craig Ranch, said in an email. "The expansion of the [StarCenter], which has exceeded all expectations [and] is a great addition to the quality of life venues for the city of McKinney."
The Dallas Stars will continue to maintain operations, utilities and maintenance of the center.
The StarCenter in McKinney is currently 85,000 square feet with two ice rinks, a restaurant, concessions, skate rentals and a party room. According to the presentation, this facility serves approximately 250,000 customers per year.
