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Plano hears consultant survey on Legacy/Granite Park; council to consider a phase‑two assessment
Summary
Consultants reported that Legacy/Granite Park remains a competitive business district but faces high office vacancy, demand for Class A+ space, and calls for greater walkability, mixed‑use development and event space; staff proposed a follow‑up high‑level assessment and possible master plan.
City officials on Monday heard a consultant summary of owner and tenant sentiment in the Legacy/Granite Park business district and agreed to follow up with a high‑level assessment before deciding whether to pursue a master plan.
Wendy Benau of Frieza Nichols, the urban planning and design firm hired to conduct the study, told the council the team conducted an online survey and 18 stakeholder interviews representing about 28 respondents and more than 50% of the landowners in the study area. "This has been a very cool assignment for us because it was very neat for us to be able to go in and ask the opinions of people who live and work and are on the ground every day," Benau said.
The consultants reported several consistent findings: Legacy remains a desirable location, but there is a surplus of vacant office space and shifting tenant preferences mean demand is concentrated for higher‑end Class A-plus space. Firms told the team they wanted more flexibility for non‑office uses, better walkability, programmed open spaces and more conference/event venues and boutique hotel options to attract visitors and large meetings. The report also flagged that DART service and internal circulation are underutilized and that some firms have implemented their own microtransit solutions.
The study did not prescribe a single solution. Benau said the project was "a listening exercise" whose results highlight options for the city and private owners, not a firm recommendation to change land use everywhere. Consultants emphasized tailoring responses by sub‑area — Legacy East and West have different characteristics — and suggested the city explore targeted infill, mixed‑use development in specific locations, and tactical interventions to improve walkability and nighttime activity.
Council members thanked the consultants and staff for the quick engagement. Staff said they will circulate the full slide packet and raw survey data to council and participating companies, propose a phase‑two high‑level assessment (land use, utilities, transportation) funded in next year's economic development budget, and bring back recommendations before deciding whether to fund a formal master plan.
What happens next: staff will return with a proposed scope and cost for a follow‑up study that could inform zoning changes and potential capital or incentive requests in a future budget cycle.
