390 apartments, restaurant approved for mixed-use development in downtown Plano

A rezoning request for redeveloping a tract of land downtown with a mixed-use development containing apartments and a restaurant with outdoor pickleball courts received approval from Plano City Council.

The project called Railside Lofts and Courts, located at the corner of 13th Street and Municipal Avenue near the future site of the Silver Line’s 12th Street Station, was approved during the Oct. 9 meeting.

What you need to know

The development proposal includes 390 multifamily units, a restaurant, six indoor pickleball courts and a game lawn area in downtown Plano, according to city documents. Per the documents, the apartment building will be five stories tall and will also include a proposed dog park and a five-story parking garage.

The proposed development is the result of 2022 Plano Luna—a partnership between Metropolitan Interests Corporation; Hines, a Houston-based developer; and Austin-based restaurant Bouldin Acres.

“What we’re trying to accomplish is not just another apartment community with commercial use, but rather a destination use that will serve as a catalyst for the neighborhood to spur greater development,” said Pierce Cravens, 2022 Plano Luna general partner.

Director of Planning Christina Day said vertical residential development cannot occur before the earlier of Jan. 1, 2025, or the issuance of a building permit for nonresidential space. Flex space units were added along the whole exterior-facing ground floor of the multifamily residence.

What they're saying

Council member Rick Horne said the redevelopment will benefit the downtown area.

"It's blighted as it currently exists, and I think that the plans we have presented today will certainly raise that up, and we certainly hope raise the property around it," Horne said. "The apartment will add residents that we hope will enhance all the places around there. I think this will increase the activity and make downtown a pedestrian-friendly activity center, which is what we are trying to do."