From its founding in the 1870s through the mid-20th Century, Downtown Plano was the heart of this small farming community. Plano citizens and surrounding Collin County residents came Downtown to access the cities of Dallas or Sherman by rail, to shop for household goods, and for access to critical services at the local hospital, school, and governmental offices.
Post-war development had a major impact, as it did on so many other American downtowns. Commuter rail service stopped operations. Through the 1970’s, the geographic and commercial center of the city moved west with new growth, and Downtown Plano evolved into a place to buy knick knacks and antiques, losing much of the draw it once enjoyed. While city offices remained, the blocks were filled with dilapidated storefronts. By the mid-1980s, city leaders recognized the area’s need and took action upgrading sidewalks and streets and the creating the first Downtown Vision plan.
Through a few decades of hard work and committed citizens, Downtown has reemerged as an exciting and vibrant place. Through the last decade, it has been reborn with a variety of shops, housing, light rail transit, offices and restaurants. The ghost town after 5 PM is gone, yet the history of Downtown and its small-town Texas, eclectic charm remains. The reinvigoration of Downtown continues with the support of its neighbors, merchants, and active supporters. Please visit this page for more on what is next for downtown!
History of Downtown Plano
A Brief History of Plano
Downtown Plano: Creating A Transit Village
Downtown Master Plans and Reports
Downtown Development Plan (1992)
10 Big Ideas for Eastern Plano (1997)
Downtown Plano Light Rail Stop (1998)
Downtown Plano: A Vision and Strategy for Creating a Transit Village (1999)
City Center Plan in Eastside Plano (2001)
Downtown Plano: Retail Action Plan (2006)
Downtown Plano Market Reports
Gibbs Planning Group Short Report (2008)
Gibbs Planning Group Market Analysis (2008)
Visitor’s Guide and Kiosks
Downtown Directory (2010)
Visitor’s Guide and Brochure (2008)
Downtown Redevelopment Projects
Downtown Redevelopment Opportunities: City-Owned Properties (2007)
Transit Oriented Development Presentation (2008)
Downtown Redevelopment Profiles (2009)
Pinnacle-Southern Land Project (2009):
Preliminary Concept
Elevation - Side
Elevation - Corner