Gold Sponsors

Plans to build a $31 million biomanufacturing facility in Plano’s Legacy district are on pause, according to a statement from NTxBio CEO Joan Haab.

What you need to know: The project, supported by a $1.48 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant, was expected to create more than 170 jobs according to a news release from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office. Founded in 2015, NTxBio produces pharmaceutical-grade raw materials, which are used to develop RNA and protein therapeutics, according to the release.

Quote of note: “At this time, NTxBio is continuing to evaluate its long-term growth strategy, including potential expansion opportunities in North Texas,” Haab said. “While Plano has been an important part of those discussions, we are currently pausing our expansion plans there in 2026.”

Zooming out: The facility was planned for 6652 Pinecrest Drive in Plano’s Legacy district, Deputy City Manager Doug McDonald said. Haab confirmed the pause is “not related” to AT&T’s plans to relocate its global headquarters to a new 54-acre campus at the former EDS campus at 5400 Legacy Drive.

J. Alexander’s Kitchen and Bar is now open in west Plano, according to a J. Alexander's social media post.

The details: The new location will be the restaurant’s first location in North Texas, followed by a new location coming to Prosper this summer. J. Alexander’s serves a variety of American cuisine, including wood-fired steaks, seafood, burgers and house-made desserts.

• 3980 Dallas Parkway, Plano

Michael Talley, former senior vice president of the McKinney Economic Development Corp., has been named Plano’s new Director of Economic Development, according to a Jan. 27 city news release. 

What you need to know: Talley brings more than a decade of experience in economic development and business recruitment, according to the release. Talley will succeed Doug McDonald, who was recently promoted to Deputy City Manager overseeing Development Services departments, including economic development.

Career history: Talley joined McKinney’s EDC in January 2022, where he helped attract new businesses to the city and oversaw several high-value projects.
Prior to joining McKinney’s EDC, Talley served as Economic Development Director for Denton County, working with more than 40 communities on industrial and corporate development projects.

Looking ahead: Talley is set to begin his new position Feb. 16, the release states.

A new fire station in Flower Mound and industrial warehouse development in the Alliance area are among other projects recently filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Here are five of the most expensive permits filed with TDLR in the past week.

1. Industrial warehouse development

2. Westside Village Jewel Box Office

3. Fire Station No. 6 in Flower Mound

4. Fortezza

5. Concession stand renovations for Grady Littlejohn Softball and Baseball Complex