The development will be located on 0.7 acres of an existing 17.85 acres located at the northeast corner of SH 121 and Alma Road in McKinney. The larger plot of land has been set aside for proposed office, retail, restaurant and hospitality developments in a project called District 121.
The smaller lawn space, called The Commons at District 121, will be privately maintained and owned by District 121 but publicly accessible, officials said. The lawn will be surrounded by the other proposed buildings along with an adjacent parking garage and a possible hotel with structured parking, per meeting documents.
“[District 121] will be a destination retail, corporate, and restaurant development in McKinney,” MCDC President Cindy Schneible said.
The Commons within District 121 will feature an expansive grass area in front of an approximately 825-square-foot stage with a large LED screen as a backdrop, according to meeting documents. Floor pavers and stamped concrete will be used to designate outdoor rooms. Cushioned seating, tables and umbrellas will be clustered around the perimeter of the lawn area, with portable seating provided throughout the space. There will be areas for outdoor gas fire pits as well as lawn games such as bocce ball and cornhole.
“The Commons is designed to attract and allow/encourage groups, as well as individuals/families, to enjoy an outdoor setting while waiting for a restaurant reservation, immersing in specific programming offerings or simply relaxing,” meeting documents stated.
Space within the park can be used to host programmed events and could serve as an activity center for events such as exercise classes, lectures, streaming sports events and live music, per meeting documents.
In addition, vendor kiosks can be set up within the space similar to a farmer’s market and could be either permanent or brought in for special events.
The District 121 corporation estimates the project will cost $2,040,250, which will be covered by the grant.
Construction of The Commons is expected to begin in late 2020 and is slated to open to the public by December 2021.
"I love the project," council member Rainey Rogers said. "I think it is a great thing."
