Title
Update on Lower 5 Plaza
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
(2.1: Balance available resources to accommodate the growth and maintenance needs of the city)
MEETING DATE: September 16, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Development Services / Engineering
CONTACT: Gary Graham, Director of Engineering
Blake Sills, PE, Engineering CIP Manager
Brook Retta, PE, CIP Engineer
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Receive presentation and discuss items related to ongoing development of the Lower 5 Plaza Infrastructure and Park Improvements Project (CIP Projects ST2234 and PK2234).
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Discuss items related to ongoing development of the Lower 5 Plaza Infrastructure and Park Improvements.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) design for SH 5 roadway improvements from McMakin Street to Power House Street is underway referenced as CSJ 0047-05-054. The planned improvements to SH 5 include a complete reconstruction as a 4-lane divided roadway. Construction of the planned improvements is estimated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 following City of McKinney water/wastewater and Franchise Utilities’ relocations.
• The FY24 Capital Improvement Plan budget included funding under CIP Projects ST2234 and PK2234 for the preliminary bridge layout, drainage design, park layout, grading, and conceptual park layout related to Lower 5 Plaza located at SH 5 between Virginia Street and Louisiana Street.
• The City is currently under contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., which is providing professional engineering consulting services for Lower 5 Plaza.
• On July 30, 2025, City staff conducted a public meeting to offer opportunity for public comment on the Lower 5 Plaza project. An online survey was also conducted as part of the public meeting. The comments received from the online survey are attached to the agenda item.
• On December 3, 2024, City Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Grant Agreement in the amount of $15 Million under the Fiscal Year 2023 Neighborhood Access and Equity (FY23 NAE) Grant Program with (United States Department of Transportation) USDOT and TxDOT for the design and construction of the Lower 5 Plaza Project (CIP Projects ST2234 and PK2234).
• The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has committed $22.65 million funding towards the project. This includes engineering design and environmental impact assessment, ROW acquisition, and construction of the infrastructure needed for the crossing.
• On April 16, 2024, City Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an AFA for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program with TxDOT for engineering design, environmental impact assessment, and ROW acquisition.
• TxDOT began the Environmental Impact Assessment in 2024, and the process is approaching completion.
• On August 4, 2025, USDOT provided TxDOT, NCTCOG and City of McKinney official notice that the FY23 NAE Grant in the amount of $15 Million has been rescinded due to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
• The withdrawal of the FY23 NAE Grant will likely increase the City’s Local Participation contribution amount to design and construct the Lower 5 Plaza as a result of reduced funding.
• The City’s Capital Improvements Program includes the following improvements to be incorporated into TxDOT’s roadway construction for SH 5 from McMakin Street to Power House Street:
o Continuous median-mounted roadway lighting and City of McKinney median conduit systems for illumination, irrigation, and fiber conduit
o Underground drainage systems upgraded from TxDOT’s 5-Year storm design to 50-Year storm design to meet the City of McKinney’s design criteria
o Turn lanes and colored textured concrete in lieu of TxDOT’s standard rock riprap on medians along SH 5
o Enhanced at-grade pedestrian crossings on SH 5 at Virginia and Louisiana Streets pending coordination with TxDOT
o New pedestrian crossings utilizing Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB) traffic control device at eight different locations along SH 5 pending TxDOT’s approval
o Enhanced noise wall aesthetic treatments
• On September 16, 2025, City staff will submit a resolution for City Council approval to amend the Lower 5 Plaza Infrastructure and Park Improvements Project and redirect efforts to provide additional surface grade improvements along SH 5 between McMakin Street and Power House Street.
• An updated presentation has been prepared covering the following areas:
o Project Overview
o Summary of Public Outreach
o Funding
o Next Steps
• Staff is presenting this informational presentation to receive concurrence on direction to begin coordinating with NCTCOG and TxDOT to incorporate the additional Surface Grade improvements along SH 5 between McMakin Street and Power House Street.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A