After several months of construction, the new front entrance to Allen City Hall is complete.

Construction of the just over $631,000 renovation project at Allen City Hall was completed the week of May 22, said Chelsey Aprill, director of Allen’s Public and Media Relations office.

How we got here: The front entrance to Allen City Hall closed Dec. 17 for renovations including replacing the original front steps, adding a ramp for accessibility and updating the surrounding landscaping, per city documents.

Need something to do this weekend? Here is a list of five events happening in the Allen area June 5-7. 

1. Summer Luau: The Allen Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a luau to kick off the summer at Ford Pool. Online registration is required.

• June 5, 5-7 p.m.
• Free (admission)

• June 5, 7 p.m.
• Free (admission)

Several construction permits have been filed around Dallas-Fort Worth. Check out five expensive construction projects around the Metroplex, including park renovations in Southlake and a new body shop in Plano. 

1. North Park renovations in Southlake
North Park on Dove Road will receive new turf, chainlink fence, drainage, sidewalk and irrigation improvements, according to documents filed with the TDLR. North Park opened in 2012 and features sports fields, multiuse trails and a pond. 

• Location: 200 E. Dove Road, Southlake
• Estimated timeline: July 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2026
• Estimated cost: $8.2 million

• Location: 2601 Preston Road, Frisco
• Estimated timeline: Aug. 3, 2026-Nov. 6, 2026
• Estimated cost: $2 million

CSL Plasma operates several plasma donation centers across Dallas-Fort Worth, with locations in McKinney, Grand Prairie, northeast Fort Worth and Dallas. CSL operates over 350 locations in the United States and Europe, according to the company website. Community Impact contacted the company to learn more about plasma donation, and got responses from Wlenyeno Elliott-Browne, the company’s global head of plasma quality. Answers have been edited for clarity and style.

Who can donate plasma? Are there any age, weight or health restrictions? 
Generally, anyone in good health, between the ages of 18 and 74, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and meets eligibility and screening requirements can donate plasma. Prior to donating, every donor must complete a medical questionnaire, which is reviewed by a CSL staff member.

Is donation painful?
In general, people may experience mild discomfort when donating plasma, similar to when donating blood or having blood drawn. Donors often compare the feeling of the needle to a slight pinch or bee sting.