Frisco's Fourth Street Plaza opened Oct. 13, marking the end of the city's $83M downtown reinvestment project. (Jack Hintze/Community Impact)
Frisco celebrated the opening of Fourth Street Plaza on Oct. 13, marking the conclusion of the city’s $83 million downtown reinvestment project.
The approximately 85,000-square-foot plaza between Main and Elm streets will serve as a gathering space for public events, including live music, improv shows and sunrise yoga.
“This is where Frisco’s history meets its future,” capital improvement manager Ricardo Sanchez said. “I hope that we don’t remember the construction, but really just remember the concerts, the events, the friendships and everything that’s going to happen in this place for years to come.”
The details
Designed with a railroad theme, Frisco’s Fourth Street Plaza features covered seating and tables, public murals, a restroom, decorative fire pits, Rail District gateway monuments, a stage and lawn with open seating.
The plaza is part of Frisco’s $83 million Downtown Rail District Redevelopment program, which also included major projects like Main Street reconstruction, Elm Street upgrades, new underground water lines, wider sidewalks and a public parking garage.
The plaza features 164 trees representing nine species across its north and south sides and is designed to welcome downtown’s annual food truck festival, StrEATs. Additionally, the plaza was designed to allow westward expansion to Third Street.
Hundreds attended the plaza’s opening celebration, which featured food and drinks, face painting, balloon animals, Rail District merchandise, live music by Cherry Bomb, a dining experience on Main Street and a drone show.
Frisco leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of Fourth Street Plaza. (Jack Hintze/Community Impact)
How we got here
Main Street reconstruction in Frisco's Rail District began in July 2024, removing on-street parking and disrupting customer access, foot traffic and patio events for independent businesses.
In response, the city of Frisco, the Frisco Economic Development Corporation and the Frisco Community Development Corporation introduced several business incentives, including a gift card initiative that generated $1 million in gift card value through $500,000 in city-funded matching bonuses, with $360,000 redeemed by customers.
Shannon Hammond, owner of The Game Show Experience located in the Rail District, said Main Street’s reconstruction was challenging for her and nearby businesses, but seeing the finished project "is a beautiful moment."
"Months of construction were very hard on small businesses. We were very discouraged throughout construction, and being here today, I almost feel like crying," Hammond said. “I see this attracting more businesses downtown to fill the new spaces … this gives us a gathering place for us to come and build relationships within the community.”
Frisco’s $83 million reinvestment project is funded by voter-approved bonds, contributions from the Frisco Economic Development Corporation and the Frisco Community Development Corporation.
“What you are seeing and experiencing today is the culmination of a 13-year journey from an idea to reality,” director of development services John Lettelleir said. “We have a very special, unique gathering place in our downtown.”
