DTX-PLS: Impact 10/27/2025

Plano’s Fire Station 5 has reopened for service following a major renovation project that doubled its size and modernized the station’s facilities.

How we got here: Fire Station 5 first opened in 1983 and is located just west of the intersection of Park Boulevard and Preston Road. The $12 million renovation of the building was supported by the 2021 bond referendum, which designated $9 million toward the project originally, according to city documents. The renovation increased the building from 7,200 to 14,000 square feet, allowing for additional space to house emergency vehicles and equipment, according to a news release from the city.

Zooming out: Plano City Council recently approved a contract at its Sept. 16 meeting with the Plano Firefighters’ Association that will allow firefighters to work 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off—a shift from the current 24 hours on, 48 hours off schedule. Plano Fire-Rescue is the first all-paid fire department in Texas to adopt the “24/72” shift schedule.

Pizza Twist is planning a new location in north Plano.

Zooming in: The restaurant offers customizable pizzas with vegan, gluten-free and halal options. The fast-casual chain also serves wings, salads, pasta and Indian-fusion pizzas. The location will be at the intersection of Independence Parkway and Legacy Drive.

• 7224 Independence Parkway, Ste. 316, Plano

Mountain Mike’s Pizza is set to open a second location in McKinney next year, a representative of the company confirmed.

The specifics: According to its website, the business offers a variety of classic and specialty pizzas. Other menu items include chicken wings, side dishes, salads and sandwiches. Mountain Mike’s Pizza also offers desserts such as the pizza cookie and the cinnamon dessert pizza. Participating Mountain Mike's Pizza locations offer an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

Also of note: The first Mountain Mike’s Pizza location in McKinney opened at 4590 W. University Drive in July. A grand opening event for the University Drive location is schedule for noon-4 p.m., Nov. 1, and will include free miniature pizzas for the first 100 customers, concert ticket giveaways, raffles, activities for children and more.

• 8251 Eldorado Parkway, Ste. 100, McKinney

Interesting in visiting a local book shop or finding a new book? Check out these 15 independent bookstores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

1. Neighbor Books: The store offers books in a variety of genres, puzzles, gifts and more. Neighbor Books also has a second story offering a variety of seating areas.

• Opened in 2024
• 208 E. Louisiana St., McKinney

• Opened in 2025
• 1018 E. 15th St., Plano