Check out some recent development updates coming out of Plano, including a proposed 215-acre mixed-use development and a new Japanese hotel.

1. 215-acre Lavon Farms development in east Plano moves forward
A project that would develop an east Plano dairy farm into 215 acres of homes, apartments, parks and more is one step away from final approval. A zoning change for Lavon Farms was recommended for approval by Plano’s Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 17.

The big picture: Lavon Farms would feature 626 single-family residential units, 1,052 multifamily units and 37 acres of open space. 

2. Plano approves city grant, tax relief for $117M Japanese Miyako Hybrid Hotel project

Plano officials are backing the construction of a new Japanese luxury hotel in northwest Plano by providing annual tax rebates and funding to support marketing and tourism efforts.

Zooming in: At their Oct. 27 meeting, Plano City Council members approved a pair of items tied to the new Miyako Hybrid Hotel. Construction on the upcoming 215,000-square-foot Japanese luxury hotel began Oct. 15. 

Two new restaurants are now open in east Plano.

Blender Brands, a North Texas-based hospitality group, will own and operate the new concepts at Assembly Park, including Cliff Coffee, Tacoro Tacos & Tequila and Assembly Icehouse, co-owner Jacob Cox said.

Some context: The restaurants are part of Assembly Park, a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Plano Market Square Mall by Triten Real Estate Partners.
The project, completed in October 2023, includes creative office space, multifamily apartments and restaurant and retail space.

What you need to know: Cliff Coffee, a Southwestern-themed coffee shop, opened in late September, followed by Assembly Icehouse and Tacoro in November. Cox said Tacoro will be a taqueria with a full-service bar, and Assembly Icehouse will be a family-friendly sports bar featuring live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

• 6200 K Ave., Plano

Developers have broken ground on a master-planned community in Denton that will feature homes from nine builders, trails, park space, on-site schools and retail space, including the city's first H-E-B. Meanwhile, TeraHop, a Singapore-based tech company, is expanding its operations to a new Richardson facility.

Here are six development stories you may have missed from Community Impact's Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

Landmark breaks ground in Denton, model homes coming soon

VanTrust Real Estate announces 121 Commerce Park project in McKinney

Flower Mound council approves zoning for 335-acre conservation development Eden Ranch

Tech company TeraHop to open Richardson manufacturing facility

Grocery store development in North Texas continues to surge

Fort Worth launches Alliance Logistics District to streamline regional freight traffic

Kim McKinnon and Denise Lamanna work together as realtors on their “Downsizing Made Easy” program at Southlake-based McKinnon Real Estate, which focuses on helping homeowners across the region transition to senior living.

Community Impact interviewed McKinnon and Lamanna to provide families additional knowledge while considering a transition. Answers have been edited for length, style and clarity.

How can families determine if senior living is a good fit for their needs?
McKinnon: If someone is having a hard time functioning at home, meaning running errands, being able to get meals prepared. Are they able to walk freely?

Lamanna: Are their physical needs being met? We also run into loneliness or their ability to maintain their home from a maintenance perspective. That becomes an issue a lot of times with seniors.