Plano mayor outlines 'Big 10' redevelopment projects, says bond will go to voters in May

Plano Mayor John Munns on Thursday laid out what he called the city’s "Big 10" — a package of 10 major redevelopment and reinvestment projects — and said the city will place a bond measure before Plano voters in May to fund public safety facilities and other infrastructure needs.

Munns said the projects range from long‑term planning for Plano’s Northeast Gateway to redevelopment of aging retail and office campuses, and include a proposed life‑science hub anchored in the Legacy neighborhood. "I call it, it's the Big 10," Munns said, framing the projects as the city’s next phase now that Plano is largely built out.

The mayor told the audience the city has about 4% of land still available for new growth and that future expansion will emphasize redevelopment and modernization of existing properties rather than new greenfield development. "Part of this is recognizing that the brand new growth that we are accustomed to as a city will change," Munns said.

Among projects Munns highlighted: Envision Oak Point, a long‑range planning policy for a 730‑acre area described as Plano’s Northeast Gateway; early leasing success at Assembly Park in the Oak Point area; a proposed rural preserve and micro farm on a portion of LaVonne Farms; the Collin Creek redevelopment into a mixed‑use project the mayor described as a roughly $1 billion transformation; Haggard Farms, a 142‑acre legacy property planned for mixed uses anchored by a destination restaurant and event hall; a redevelopment plan for the Shops at Willow Bend into an open‑air, mixed‑use village; and the Texas Research Quarter, a multi‑site life‑science development centered on the former Electronic Data Systems campus.

Munns said the city is also pursuing redevelopment at the Park at Legacy, including a new 14‑story Miyako Bridal Hotel and a five‑acre public park proposed after a $15,000,000 donation from Toyota Motor North America. He said the proposed park would be named Mendome Park.

Munns described the projects as a shift toward modernization — renovating mature neighborhoods through rebate programs, updating office campuses with new amenities, and adapting parks and recreation facilities to current needs. He asked residents to consider the bond measure this May, which he said would include funding proposals for a new police headquarters, a new fire station and other infrastructure projects.

Why it matters: With limited undeveloped land remaining, the mayor framed redevelopment as the path for Plano to remain competitive and to modernize aging public safety and civic facilities.

Discussion and next steps: Munns said the bond measure will be placed on the May ballot; he did not provide a bond amount or detailed project financing in the speech. City staff were directed in the speech to continue planning and to study potential locations for nonprofit and community uses tied to redevelopment projects.

The mayor credited city staff and council members for participation in planning but did not present any formal council action or vote during the address.