The $10 million project was announced earlier in April. The proposed two-story building will serve as a new headquarters for Hugs Cafe, a nonprofit organization that offers training and employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What happened
McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously during an April 8 meeting to recommend approval of the zoning request. If approved by City Council at a future meeting, the zoning would allow for trade school uses at the new building, according to city documents.
The building will be located at the northeast corner of Andrews Street and Green Street. Once constructed it will contain a training academy and kitchen, four classrooms, a rooftop deck and patio.
Hugs Cafe will move its administrative and training personnel to the new headquarters in order to house all facets of the organization under one roof.
City Planner Araceli Botello said city staff support the rezoning request as it aligns with the city’s categories and strategies for land use as listed in the 2040 comprehensive plan.
“The proposed development is also expected to enhance and contribute positively to the neighborhood without negatively impacting the surrounding residential within the area,” she said.
What’s next?
McKinney City Council members are expected to consider the zoning case at an April 15 meeting, commission member Steve Lebo said. Hugs Cafe officials plan to break ground on the project in May with the new building projected to open in summer 2026.
More information about the project can be found on Hugs Cafe's website.
The details
The building will stand at 45 feet tall. Development will include screening elements to reduce potential impacts to adjacent single-family homes. Properties to the south and east of the site are currently developed with single-family residential homes, according to city documents.
The property to the west is occupied by Tupps Brewery and the property to the north is vacant but zoned for single-family residential.
If approved by council, the property will be zoned as a planned development district with requirements related to landscaping, screening and vehicle parking.
