Proposed office park to bring together McKinney nonprofits

The city of McKinney is moving toward creating a hub for local nonprofits.

The Sanchez Advisory Group, an urban design firm and development responsible for the Chestnut Commons, among other developments, submitted a rezoning request to shift 1.2 acres on the north side of White Avenue and east of Redbud Boulevard from a duplex residence district to neighborhood offices. McKinney City Council considered this request at its Dec. 1 meeting.

The purpose of this rezoning is to bring together McKinney’s charitable organizations, such as McKinney Little Free Pantry, Baby Booty Diaper Bank and Samaritan Inn, in an office space of two buildings with about 10,000 square feet, according to meeting documents. While these nonprofits have not committed to joining the office, the letter of intent listed these groups as examples of McKinney's charitable organizations.

“The goal will be to develop an office park solely focused on bringing together the various not-for-profit organizations in McKinney so that we can capitalize on each other’s strengths; collaborate and deliver with more impact; and fundamentally be a hub for community,” Sanchez & Associates CEO Martin Sanchez stated in the project’s letter of intent.

At the meeting, Sanchez said this project would remove the existing duplex zoning and convert the area for office use.

“I think I have shared to the community our intent to build, basically, what amounts to a center for nonprofit management for the city of McKinney called 'The Mustard Seed Project,'” Sanchez said. “We're really excited about that—to try to bring as many of the nonprofits together for synergy and long-term cohesiveness.”

With Council Member Scott Elliott abstaining, McKinney City Council unanimously gave the project and rezoning a favorable recommendation at its Dec. 1 meeting. The Sanchez Group is in the process of purchasing the property to develop the project.

“Thank you for bringing this project to McKinney,” Council Member Charlie Philips said.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional information.