More than 300 multifamily units are coming to downtown Plano.

Plano City Council approved a zoning change during its April 10 meeting that will see 5.2 acres of land on J Place developed into 307 multifamily units by apartment developer Trinsic Residential. The plot of land is just north of SH 190 and the Richardson border.

Plano Mayor John Muns said the development was a “welcome opportunity” for the city.

“This [plot of land] has been an eyesore for a long time,” Muns said. “[Trinsic] came up with a great idea. This is a welcome opportunity to continue to make downtown Plano a really great place for people to come, enjoy and live in.”

The item passed 6-1 with Council Member Anthony Ricciardelli voting against the zoning change and Council Member Shelby Williams abstaining from the vote.


Ricciardelli cited concerns with the number of deviations from the city’s comprehensive plan, including the proximity to the highway and the residential density in the area.

“The comprehensive plan does matter,” Ricciardelli said. “I'm concerned that we might make it too routine to deviate from the dashboard for this reason or for that reason. ... I view it as a beneficial redevelopment, certainly, but I don't view it as a critical redevelopment.”

Council agreed to categorize the development as a transit-oriented development due to its proximity to the CityLine/Bush Dallas Area Rapid Transit Station and the planned 12th Street Silver Line Station.

The complex is also set to feature a parking structure between the residential units and SH 190, and 10%-20% of the development must be active open space, such as dog parks, playgrounds or other amenities.


Council Members Kayci Prince, Maria Tu, Julie Holmer, Rick Smith and Rick Grady also voiced support for the project.

“East Plano has waited 30-something years for something to be developed in that area,” Tu said. “I would like to see that some heart and some passion put into so that whatever is ultimately developed there would represent the city of Plano.”

The full presentation and discussion can be found on the city’s website.