$200M mixed-use project, mahjong studio: Check out 5 McKinney stories you may have missed

2. The Empress House debuts mahjong studio, boutique in downtown McKinney

The Empress House is now offering a space to play mahjong in downtown McKinney.

The boutique mahjong studio and social club offers a way for beginners to learn about and play mahjong, including through their introductory class Mahjong 101, which teaches players the skills needed to begin playing.

For both beginners and experienced players, the studio offers open play sessions where bookings are available for single seats as well as groups of four. The open play experience includes hostesses that can answer questions and assist with guided play, as well as snacks and beverages.

3. Council approves zoning for multifamily development in west McKinney

City officials approved new zoning in June for an apartment project in west McKinney that could reactivate the former Globe Life headquarters campus as a mixed-use development.

McKinney City Council members approved a multifamily zoning request for the 14-acre property during a June 2 meeting. The action comes after McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval in May.

David Craig, founder and CEO of Craig International, spoke as the project applicant during the meeting. He said the zoning request is “one component” of a “very exciting mixed-use project” that he is “thrilled about.”

4. Fields of Fidelis offers lavender-based products in East McKinney

Fields of Fidelis is now offering a variety of lavender-infused products at a storefront in East McKinney.

The business, owned by Army veterans AJ and Lenda Fidelman, offers products such as candles, bath bombs, essential oil and more. The business’s lavender is grown locally on the Fidelmans' farm in Anna.

The McKinney shop is located in a renovated grain silo on the Tupps Brewery property as part of the brewery’s Build-Your-Own-Business program.

5. McKinney Chamber of Commerce launches downtown event venue Gather on the Square

Gather on the Square, an event venue, is now open in Historic Downtown McKinney.

The event space is owned and operated by the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and offers rentable space for a variety of events.

The McKinney Chamber of Commerce team is “reinventing” the space, which has been used as an event venue under multiple operators, President and CEO Lisa Hermes said. It will continue to host milestone events such as weddings, birthday parties and baby showers, but the team is also looking to host civic and community events as well as corporate gatherings.