Denton's public libraries and the city's animal services were awarded funds to improve online systems as part of the first-ever Innovation Grant Program.

About the program: As part of the city’s “business not as usual” initiative for fiscal year 2025-26, the city accepted applications for ideas that would improve city services, save time, make money and improve customer experience, Interim City Manager Cassey Ogden said at Denton City Council's regular meeting Oct. 13.

The city awarded $30,000 in total for both projects to be fully implemented with the funding allocated from limited discretionary dollars available for new initiatives, said Kimberly Barroteran from the city’s marketing and communications team.

Dollars at work: Denton's public libraries will implement a new online payment and point-of-sale system, which would be available to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Denton's animal services will digitize customer intake, which is currently done with pen and paper for all visits. 

New luxury storage condominiums will open in Denton this November for storage and recreational needs.

The details: The new condominiums from commercial real estate firm Scott Brown Commercial offers customizable, secure and spacious options, according to its website.

“We had started seeing similar developments emerge in surrounding cities and recognized an opportunity to bring that same concept to Denton,” said Shelby Helmlinger, the commercial marketing and operations director at Scott Brown Commercial. “We noticed there wasn't anything quite like it in our local market and felt it would be a great addition to the community.”

For owners hoping to use the space as a studio or quiet retreat, they can incorporate air conditioning and soundproofing, Helmlinger said. The condominiums can also be used for boats, vehicle storage, as a fitness or gaming den or to showcase and store valuable collections.

• 4300 Hickory Creek Road, Denton

A groundbreaking ceremony for the city of Roanoke's boutique hotel and convention center was held on Oct. 7 with local elected officials, city staff and developers, where current Roanoke City Council members helped unveil the name for the boutique hotel.

The overview: The Cade Hotel will be located at 600 S. Oak St. and be part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. According to previous reporting, Hilton will operate the hotel and convention center, which will be owned by the city. The full-service hotel will also feature a restaurant.

What they’re saying: Mayor Carl E. "Scooter" Gierisch said the city staff kept the name of the hotel a secret until they had solid ground to announce it.

The name is tied to the Cade Branch, a water source that is between US 377 and the railroad tracks, Gierisch said.

What else? Brasfield & Gorrie, a Dallas-based construction firm, was awarded a design-build agreement in May, according to previous reporting.

Check out five upcoming, ongoing and completed transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Upcoming projects

1. John Hickman Parkway construction

Project: John Hickman Parkway in Frisco will be constructed from Dallas North Tollway to Parkwood Boulevard. The project borders The Mix at the corner of Lebanon Road and Dallas North Tollway.

Update: The project is in the design phase and project details are not yet available.

• Timeline: early 2027-mid 2028

• Cost: $7.5 million

• Funding source: city of Frisco

Ongoing projects

2. Eldorado Parkway and Virginia Parkway rehabilitation

Project: Reconstruction of failing concrete panels and broken curbs will occur in McKinney along Eldorado Parkway between Ridge Road and US 75 and along Virginia Parkway between Stonebridge Drive and US 75.

Update: Work on Eldorado Parkway is complete. Work continues on Virginia Parkway between Lake Forest Drive and Hardin Boulevard. Any remaining work on Virginia Parkway between Hardin Boulevard and US 75 will be completed in summer 2027 after the project is rebid.

• Timeline: June 2025-October 2026

• Cost: $10.8 million

• Funding source: city of McKinney