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McKinney 76% Built With About 7 To 10 Years Of Growth Land Left, Logs $732M In Construction, And Clears 8360 W University Drive Thru

McKinney is still growing fast, but the window is starting to narrow. Most of the city is already developed, and leaders say the remaining land could fill up within the next decade. Major projects and approvals are still moving, but the strategy is beginning to shift.

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Historic Preservation Advisor Board

McKinney Historic Board Picks 12 Homes, Eyes June Deadline, Hears On Greenville Preservation Plan

At the April 2, 2026 Historic Preservation Advisory Board meeting, members focused on board appointments, the 2027 home calendar, and a preservation question tied to a Greenville property. The decisions affect residents in McKinney’s legacy neighborhoods and could shape how the city presents its historic character next year.

Board Seats Open Now

Deputy City Secretary Tanitra Parchman said applications for 2026 board and commission seats are open through Friday, June 19. City Council will begin making appointments Aug. 25, with terms starting Oct. 1. New and returning members must finish open government training by then.

12 Homes Chosen For 2027 Calendar

The board picked 12 homes for the 2027 Preserve McKinney Historic Home Recognition Program calendar. Staff said the list had to stay on the east side in legacy neighborhoods this year. The selected homes range from older houses to newer infill, showing how the area has changed over time.

Greenville Preservation Help Asked For

Board member Megan raised an email from Streetlights Residential asking for help finding someone to study a historic home on its Greenville site. Staff said the company is looking at preservation options and wants expert advice. No recommendation was made at the meeting, but the property was identified as 1321 Greenville, a high-priority home.

Next Steps

Staff will now work on the calendar layout, contact owners, and arrange photos, with photographs expected to be finished by June 1. The preservation question on Greenville was discussed, but no board action was taken. The board will return next month with more updates as the calendar project moves ahead.

City Council Work Session

Development Report Shows Growth Surging And Buildout Closing In

At the April 7, 2026 McKinney City Council work session, a technical glitch reshaped the start of the meeting before council turned to a yearly look at growth. For residents, the biggest takeaway was simple: McKinney is still growing fast, but staff says the city is getting closer to buildout.

City Nears Buildout

Development Services Director Michael Quint said McKinney is now 76.2% built out. Staff estimates the city could reach a buildout stage in about seven to 10 years, when yearly population gains may slow. That points to a future where growth may look different and available land becomes harder to find.

Nonresidential Construction Hits A Record

Quint reported $732 million in nonresidential construction value in 2025, topping the previous high of $685 million set in 2022. He said the city is seeing strong commercial growth across McKinney. Council also noted that construction value does not include added taxable value from equipment inside some buildings.

Homebuilding Stays In A Manageable Range

On the housing side, Quint said McKinney issued about 1,400 residential permits in 2025, plus about 200 more in Trinity Falls in the ETJ. He described 1,500 to 2,000 permits a year as a sustainable range, so the lower total suggests growth is still active without jumping far past that target.

Northwest McKinney Leads New Housing

Most new home permits are coming from the city’s northwest side, which staff said matches long-term expectations. Painted Tree is still active but could begin tapering off in the next few years. Quint also said Wildwood, formerly Honey Creek, and Highland Lakes are among projects that could add to future permit totals.

Big Projects Move From Talk To Reality

Quint highlighted several projects that either got building permits or certificates of occupancy in 2025. Whole Foods is now open at University and Custer, Dave and Buster’s received a permit at Hardin and 380, and work continues on the Sunset Amphitheater near Gateway and US 75, including a large parking garage now visible from the highway.

Virginia Street Reopens

Quint also pointed to the reopening of Virginia Street near City Hall. He said the infrastructure work is expected to support broader redevelopment east of Highway 5. For nearby residents and property owners, that means the city is looking at how public improvements can shape what comes next in that area.

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City Council

McKinney Council Rolls Out Proclamations, Clears Annexation Cases, And Approves A Drive-Thru

At the April 7, 2026 McKinney City Council meeting, members handled proclamations, annexation requests, and a drive-thru restaurant permit. The decisions touched daily life across the city, from housing and cleanup efforts to future road and sidewalk projects.

Proclamations Set April Themes

Mayor George Fuller recognized Easter, Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Community Development Week, Wealth Building Community Day, the North Texas Community Cleanup Challenge, and Earth Month. The notices pointed residents to events in April, including an affordable housing summit on April 13 and cleanup and environmental efforts.

Drive-Thru Permit Moves Ahead Near 380

Council approved a specific use permit for a drive-thru restaurant at 8360 West University Drive. Staff said the speaker box sits about 165 feet from a residential property line, but two office buildings block it from nearby homes. The site is north of the new Whole Foods area and near the planned 380 work.

Annexation And Zoning Cases Get The Green Light

Council approved a series of annexation and zoning cases tied to pre-annexation agreements from 2016, mostly in southeast McKinney near the airport. Several tracts were zoned agricultural for now, while others were set for light industrial, commercial, residential, or a mix, depending on location.

Eminent Domain Request Clears For Gateway Work

Council also approved a resolution tied to a temporary construction easement near the Sheraton Hotel as part of the McKinney Amphitheater Improvements Project. Staff said the work is for a widened sidewalk on the south side of Gateway Boulevard and would follow state eminent domain steps if needed.

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Wrapping Up the Week

Momentum is turning toward more intentional growth, with key developments moving forward while long-term land supply becomes a bigger factor. As space tightens, how the city builds next will define what McKinney looks like going forward.

🌞 Local Events This Week You Shouldn't Miss

😂 Laughs in Bloom Comedy Festival
📅 April 10
The Comedy Arena, 305 E. Virginia St, McKinney, TX 75069
McKinney may be celebrating Arts in Bloom, but The Comedy Arena is making a very solid case for laughs in bloom too. Expect a lineup featuring some of the funniest folks around and a good excuse to get out on a Friday.

🎶 Turnpike Tributedours Concert
📅 April 10
HUB 121, 7570 State Highway 121, McKinney, TX 75070
Country fans, this one has your name on it. A free concert at HUB 121 is already a strong start to the weekend, and this tribute show sounds like an easy yes.

🐦 2nd Saturday Bird Walks
📅 April 11
Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069
A peaceful morning option for anyone who likes their weekends with a little fresh air and a little curiosity. Great for beginning and intermediate birders who want to sharpen their spotting skills without making it feel like homework.

🏡 Village Tours at Chestnut Square Historic Village & Museum
📅 April 16
Chestnut Square Heritage Village, 403 S. Chestnut, McKinney, TX 75069
If you’re in the mood for charm, this is the move. Wander through historic homes and soak up the stories of the families who once lived there, which is honestly a pretty lovely way to spend an afternoon.

🎨 Sip & Throw Pottery Nights
📅 April 18
Jump Into Art Studios, 404 N Church Street, Mckinney, TX 75069-3855
A pottery wheel, a night out, and the chance to make something with your own two hands? That’s a strong combo. This one feels ideal for date night, friend night, or simply proving you can in fact throw a pot.

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