Developer dials back retail at long-planned Plano mixed-use development

The Dallas developer behind a long-planned mixed-use project in Plano is increasingly wary of retail in a post-coronavirus environment, seeking to reduce the amount of store space on the property.

Plano Planning and Zoning Commission on July 20 signed onto the developer Billingsley’s request to reduce the amount of retail space planned for the Beacon Square property near Coit Road and President George Bush Turnpike.

Originally, retail stores were planned to line the development’s main street, according to the original plan approved in 2014.

“This is an interior street and spinal road without visibility,” Lucy Billingsley, a partner with the company, wrote in a letter to the city. “We do not believe retail can be leased or succeed in this location in today’s world.”

Billingsley has yet to build on the property, but the developer now says it is preparing for the first phase of construction.

In place of some of these retail concepts, the development would incorporate nine more live-work units, which provide space for small businesses to operate near multifamily housing units.

In a memo to commissioners, city planning department staff said it supported the amendments to the zoning.

Requiring the same amount of retail approved in the original plan would be “questionable in the current market,” Development Review Planner Donna Falletta told commissioners.

Billingsley also requested changes to accommodate additional green space and an LA Fitness location on the property.

Commissioners voted to recommend these changes by a 5-2 vote.