General fund money gained benefits city and residents Sales tax means progress in Frisco Chief talks new station, safety rating and Safety Town Fire dept. expanding The rendering depicts Fire Station 8, which will be built at the intersection of Independence Parkway and Rolater Road. By Krista Wadsworth e Frisco Fire Department is meeting increased demand for services head on by moving for- ward with an eighth fire station. Construction on Fire Station 8 is estimated to begin in Decem- ber at the intersection of Inde- pendence Parkway and Rolater Road in southeast Frisco. It could be completed in late summer or early fall, depending on construction progress and weather. Adding the eighth station will significantly reduce response times for the area, Fire Chief Mark Piland said. Fire Station 5 currently han- dles most of the calls in the area, but when its crew is on another call and an emergency is called in southeast Frisco, Fire Station 2 and the Central Fire Station are the closest, which is a 12- or 13-minute response time. “It’s not so much about your first call, but also your ability to back up vacant stations when they are on a call to provide that service,” Piland said. “It’s going to help us a lot.” Department staffing e department staffs about 155 firefighters—51 or 52 per shiſt—plus five battalion chiefs, two assistant chiefs, five fire inspectors, a newly appointed fire inspection engineer, as well as eight or nine civilian support staff members and three Frisco Fire Safety Town staff members. e majority of Frisco’s certi- fied firefighters are also paramed- ics, and all are at least Emergency Medical Technician certified. “Any one of our firefighters can ride in the medic [ambulance], and vice-versa—any one one of By Rachel Slade Building permits, certificates of occupancy, Planning & Zoning agendas—the strength of Frisco’s economy can be measured with a variety of tools. But when the work is done, the results can be distilled to one important figure: $54 million. Up 18.48 percent from last year, that figure denotes the city’s sales and use tax revenue through November’s reporting period, according to data released by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. “Many folks in the community may not truly understand the impact that local sales tax revenue has on all of us,” said Tony Felker, president and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. “More local sales tax revenue helps minimize property taxes impacting all residents, while also maximizing quality of life and economic growth.” A breakdown of the Fiscal Year 2014 bud- get—which went into effect Oct. 1—reveals that Frisco’s sales taxes account for 33.3 per- cent of total general fund revenues this year, the second-highest revenue source behind property taxes at 40.9 percent. Estimated at $34.9 million, sales taxes dedicated to the general fund will provide money for a wide variety of services, programs and purchases, touching every major department serving the medics can also ride in the [fire] truck,” Piland said. Piland said he thinks there is an advantage to fire-based EMS, where the firefighters also serve as paramedics, versus having separate departments. “at’s lost on people some- times,” he said. “We hire one person, but they are dual func- tioned. Most people, when they are hired, do one function. ese people, when they are hired, per- form two very significant func- tions, and the training on both of them is pretty extensive. Fire department’s future e 2013-14 budget allows the hiring of a captain to oversee emergency medical services. “Right now, 52 to 60 percent of what we do is EMS,” Piland said. “We don’t have a day-to-day, full time EMS coordinator. We’ve got to bring some focus to that pro- gram. We cannot continue just to tender it along. It’s got to move to the next level.” Piland said a conservative esti- mate is that two more fire sta- tions will be needed in the next five years. “Where both of them go, it’s hard to pinpoint them down,” he said. “We have an idea of where we think they will probably go, but that can all change with development, it can change with a road, it can change with people putting in major utilities.” Courtesy city of Frisco See Fire Department | 24 See Sales Tax | 22 INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4 IMPACTS 6 CITY Bond committee update 8 EDUCATION Frisco ISD elementary rezoning 10 TRANSPORTATION East Main Street construction 11 DEVELOPMENT Frisco Square growth plans FEATURES 12 CALENDAR 15 DINING Kenny’s Burger Joint 16 & 17 NONPROFIT Downtown homes revitalized Boy Scouts sell Christmas trees 18 BUSINESS The Cute Little Shop 19 HISTORY Frisco’s grain elevators 20 RETAIL GUIDE Holiday shopping guide 26 REAL ESTATE ONLINE IMPACTNEWS.COM FRISCO EDITION Volume 1, Issue 5 | Dec. 5, 2013–Jan. 8, 2014 Online exclusive news impactnews.com Regularly updated coupons impactdeals.com Find us on Facebook impactnews.com/frs-facebook Follow us on Twitter @impactnews_frs Frisco Calendar Year 2013 $54,008,808.65 Calendar Year 2012 $45,580,975.64 Percent Increase 18.48% Denton County Calendar Year 2013 $54,008,808.65 Calendar Year 2012 $45,580,975.64 Percent Increase 18.48% OVERALL SALES TAX REVENUES (YEAR TO DATE, THROUGH NOVEMBER) Collin County Calendar Year 2013 $204,181,624.80 Calendar Year 2012 $186,850,559.22 Percent Increase 9.27% State Calendar Year 2013 $4,348,928,940.03 Calendar Year 2012 $4,091,851,779.45 Percent Increase 6.28% COUPONS LISTED ON PAGE 27 Source: City of Frisco
Transcript
General fund money gained benefits city and residents
Sales tax means progress in Frisco
Chief talks new station, safety rating and Safety Town
Fire dept. expanding
The rendering depicts Fire Station 8, which will be built at the intersection of Independence Parkway and Rolater Road.
By Krista WadsworthThe Frisco Fire Department is
meeting increased demand for services head on by moving for-ward with an eighth fire station.
Construction on Fire Station 8 is estimated to begin in Decem-ber at the intersection of Inde-pendence Parkway and Rolater Road in southeast Frisco.
It could be completed in late summer or early fall, depending on construction progress and weather.
Adding the eighth station will significantly reduce response times for the area, Fire Chief Mark Piland said.
Fire Station 5 currently han-dles most of the calls in the area, but when its crew is on another call and an emergency is called in southeast Frisco, Fire Station 2 and the Central Fire Station are the closest, which is a 12- or 13-minute response time.
“It’s not so much about your first call, but also your ability to back up vacant stations when
they are on a call to provide that service,” Piland said. “It’s going to help us a lot.”
Department staffingThe department staffs about
155 firefighters—51 or 52 per shift—plus five battalion chiefs, two assistant chiefs, five fire inspectors, a newly appointed fire inspection engineer, as well as eight or nine civilian support staff members and three Frisco Fire Safety Town staff members.
The majority of Frisco’s certi-fied firefighters are also paramed-ics, and all are at least Emergency Medical Technician certified.
“Any one of our firefighters can ride in the medic [ambulance], and vice-versa—any one one of
By Rachel SladeBuilding permits, certificates of occupancy,
Planning & Zoning agendas—the strength of Frisco’s economy can be measured with a variety of tools. But when the work is done, the results can be distilled to one important figure: $54 million. Up 18.48 percent from last year, that figure denotes the city’s sales and use tax revenue through November’s reporting period, according to data released by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
“Many folks in the community may not truly understand the impact that local sales
tax revenue has on all of us,” said Tony Felker, president and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. “More local sales tax revenue helps minimize property taxes impacting all residents, while also maximizing quality of life and economic growth.”
A breakdown of the Fiscal Year 2014 bud-get—which went into effect Oct. 1—reveals that Frisco’s sales taxes account for 33.3 per-cent of total general fund revenues this year, the second-highest revenue source behind property taxes at 40.9 percent. Estimated at $34.9 million, sales taxes dedicated to the general fund will provide money for a wide variety of services, programs and purchases, touching every major department serving
the medics can also ride in the [fire] truck,” Piland said.
Piland said he thinks there is an advantage to fire-based EMS, where the firefighters also serve as paramedics, versus having separate departments.
“That’s lost on people some-times,” he said. “We hire one person, but they are dual func-tioned. Most people, when they are hired, do one function. These people, when they are hired, per-form two very significant func-tions, and the training on both of them is pretty extensive.
Fire department’s futureThe 2013-14 budget allows
the hiring of a captain to oversee emergency medical services.
“Right now, 52 to 60 percent of what we do is EMS,” Piland said. “We don’t have a day-to-day, full time EMS coordinator. We’ve got to bring some focus to that pro-gram. We cannot continue just to tender it along. It’s got to move to the next level.”
Piland said a conservative esti-mate is that two more fire sta-tions will be needed in the next five years.
“Where both of them go, it’s hard to pinpoint them down,” he said. “We have an idea of where we think they will probably go, but that can all change with development, it can change with a road, it can change with people putting in major utilities.”
Co
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See Fire Department | 24
See Sales Tax | 22
INSIDETHIS ISSue
NEWS
4 Impacts
6 cItyBond committee update
8 EducatIonFrisco ISD elementary rezoning
10 transportatIonEast Main Street construction
11 dEvElopmEntFrisco Square growth plans
FEATURES12 calEndar
15 dInIngKenny’s Burger Joint
16 & 17 nonprofItDowntown homes revitalizedBoy Scouts sell Christmas trees
At Baylor Medical Center at Frisco, we’ve not only tripled the size of our Emergency
Department, we’ve taken your emergency visit to a new level of quality care.
When you visit our emergency department, a referral coordinator will be assigned
to help you receive the right care, even after you’ve returned home. We’ll make your
appointment with the right specialists and provide resources to help you receive
the full continuum of care. With a beautiful new facility and advanced technology, you
can be sure Baylor Frisco will see you through your emergency effi ciently and with
the quality care you expect from Baylor.
E X P A N D E D E M E R G E N C Y D E P A R T M E N T N O W O P E N
Frisco Edition • December 2013 nEws 3
During this busy holiday shopping season, it’s probably safe to bet that we’ll all have frequent encounters with the number 8.25. After all, it’s at the bottom of nearly every receipt we get when conducting business in Frisco right next to the words “sales tax.”
After reading this month’s cover story I hope you’ll look at that number with greater understanding of what it means for each of us who live in this booming city. I certainly will. It has helped fund much of the growth we have seen to date and that we will see in the future.
As we worked on this story, it reminded me of a question I get quite often: “how is Community Impact Newspaper funded?” Sometimes people want to know if we are a nonprofit or whether we will eventually start charging for subscriptions.
I understand the curiosity; our business model is
unique for a newspaper. We take on the expense of mailing it to everyone in Frisco, because we believe it is an important public service to help citizens stay con-nected with what is going on in our community.
We stick by a promise to never charge for that service or sell our content, and that is made possible purely through the support of local advertisers—business men and women who also believe in the importance of this content and who want to earn your business.
Their success is directly tied to ours at Community Impact. So as you decide where to spend your hard-earned dollars, if you like what we are doing here, I hope you will consider shopping at some of the busi-nesses that help make this publication possible each month. You will find plenty to choose from throughout the paper and in the Impact Deals coupon section in the back.
It seems odd that the expiration date on many of those coupons is 2014, but the next time we land in your mailbox it will, in fact, be a new year. Between now and then, from all of us at Community Impact, we wish you the best, most blessed and beautiful holidays with your families.
COmmUNITy FEEDBACktakE thE poll last month’s poll rEsults
What type of development would you like to see added to Frisco Square??
restaurants
Apartments
entertainment
retail stores
office space
Parks or other open space
Take the poll online at impactnews.com/frs-poll
Look for the results right here in next month’s print edition of Community Impact Newspaper.
What kind of health care serves do you believe are most needed in Frisco?senior care
33.33% obstetrics/gynecology
33.33% Family practice physicians
33.33% Hospitals/emergency care
0% Pediatric care
0% internal medicine
0%results from an unscientific Web survey, collected 11/7/13–11/26/13
While still a hub of activity, portions of Frisco square remain un-developed. the area is currently a mix of residential, entertain-ment, dining and office space.
readers split their votes evenly between obstetrics/gynecol-ogy, family practice physicians and senior care, while emer-gency care, pediatric care and internal medicine received no votes.
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spring Creek Pkwy.
Lake Lewisville
eldorado Pkwy.
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stonebrook Pkwy.
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Italian specialties. 214-436-5552.
5 Run on!, a retailer catering to runners, opened in mid-November at 8300 Gaylord Parkway, Ste. 21. In addition to running apparel, shoes and gear, the Frisco location will also carry a selection of flip flops and yoga wear and will offer free yoga sessions. The store will be the ninth to open in the Dallas area and the fourth in the past nine months. www.runontexas.com
6 Pamela Hoehn recently started her container garden design business, The Elegant Potter, from her home. The Elegant Potter specializes in residential and commercial container designs using a variety of plant material. She also offers in-home consultations for container design and outdoor living products—containers, furniture, garden accessories and statuary. The business also does seasonal bed plantings and fresh-cut floral designs for home, corporate or specials events and can provide presentations and demonstrations on container garden design. 630-988-8106.
7 Urban Air Trampoline Park opened Dec. 7 at 10530 John W. Elliott Dr., Ste. 900. The indoor facility features more than 10,000 square feet of trampoline. It includes two wall-to-wall trampoline areas, two trampoline dodgeball courts, two slam dunk tracks and a trampoline foam pit. 800-960-4778. www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com.
Coming Soon
8 Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm is expected to open mid-January at 7040 Independence Parkway. The 17,000-square-foot early childhood center includes classrooms, a cafeteria, resource room, activity gym, splash park and play areas. Using the Brain Waves curriculum under the guidance of a teacher, digital activities build language, math, science and fine motor skills. 214-620-6657.www.kidsrkidspreschool.com
9 Rockstar Martial Arts is expected to open in early January at 5000 Eldorado
Now Open
1 La Casa Velez Mexican Kitchen & Bar opened in mid-October at 2831 W. Eldorado Parkway, Ste. 112. In addition to Mexican food and a full bar, the restaurant has free Wi-Fi, lunch and drink specials. It does carry-out orders. 214-618-0242. www.facebook.com/lacasavelez
2 iFly indoor skydiving facility is open near Stonebriar Centre. It has a 14-foot diameter vertical wind tunnel featuring an all-glass flight chamber. The facility caters to individual, family, group and corporate customers. 8380 Hwy. 121. 214-618-4359. www.iflyworld.com
3 Trendz Forever opened in mid-November at 3401 Preston Road, Ste. 15.
The women’s boutique offers jewelry and accessories, including handbags, belts and scarves, as well as women’s clothing.214-618-1644. www.trendzforever.com
4 Sam’s Italian Cafe is now open at 12388 FM 423. The restaurant serves homemade authentic Italian and Mediterranean food. Menu choices range from hot and cold subs, salads, pizza, and
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Parkway, Ste. 420. The studio focuses on martial arts for children ages 3 and up. The Life Skills program teaches students the importance of self-respect, discipline, goal setting and perseverance. Martial arts styles include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, judo, boxing and Tae Kwon Do. RockFit, a high-energy class consisting of high-intensity drills, Muay Thai pad drills, boxing and kickboxing is offered for those looking to build muscle, lose weight and improve conditioning. 214-387-8727.www.rockstarmartialarts.com
Relocations
10 Golfsmith, at 2787 Preston Road, Ste. 1150, moved to a new and expanded 40,000-square-foot west Plano location at 1701, Ste. B, Preston Road on Nov. 18.www.golfsmith.com
Anniversaries
11 Kenny’s Burger Joint, at 1377 Legacy Drive, Ste. 120, celebrates its fifth anniversary in December. The restaurant serves a variety of different burgers, ribs and sandwiches, and it features a full bar, craft beer and a wine list. 214-618-8001.www.kennysburgerjoint.com
Expansions
12 Varsity Club Wings and Sports at 307 Main St., Ste. 105, has expanded its menu to include breakfast on Sunday. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are served from 9 a.m.-noon. 214-705-8312.www.varsityclubfrisco.com
13 Construction on extra parking for Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is underway on 4 1/2 acres on the northeast corner of U.S. 121 and Ohio Drive. Pat Lobb officials said it will include parking for additional vehicles and eventually a nearly 7,000-square foot building. 866-781-9902. www.patlobbcdjr.com
Closings
14 The Cupcakery, at 6975 Lebanon Road, Ste. 306, in the Shops at Starwood, has closed. Shop officials said they are looking for a new Frisco location and expect to open sometime after the first of the year. www.originalcupcakery.com
15 II Brothers Grill & Bar, at 5858 Main St., Ste. 190, has closed. The owners still operate a Plano location at 8308 Preston Road, Ste. 198.
In the News
Signs along Preston near 121 announce a proposed zoning change in the area. According to city representatives, the signs refer to an effort to remove old special use permits still on the books from years ago that are no longer needed due to ordinance
The Elegant Potter specializes in residential and commercial container garden designs.
7
Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm is expected to open in mid-January.
9
changes that have happened over time. The city is required to post notice of the change.
Frisco ISD has been awarded the highest and second highest bond ratings by Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s Rating Service, according to a release by the district.
Only 2 percent of school districts with a Moody’s rating have a higher credit quality rating than Frisco ISD. Three percent of school districts have the same rating and 95 percent have a lower rating.
No districts with a Standard & Poor’s rating ranked higher than Frisco ISD, while 3 percent had the same rating and 97 percent have a lower rating.
“In a district like Frisco ISD that has seen unprecedented growth and has constructed schools on average of three a year, it is significant to maintain these high ratings and to be able to receive such competitive rates on the bonds we issue,” Dr. Jeremy Lyon, Frisco ISD superintendent said.
Conifer Health Solutions, based in Frisco, has been honored by the Dallas Regional Chamber’s 2013 Blueprint Awards, which recognize companies that make a positive impact on the economy.
The Frisco Economic Development Corp. nominated Conifer Health, a subsidiary of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, for the Corporate Headquarters Location category.
Conifer Health’s new four-story, 200,000-square-foot corporate headquarters facility is under construction on the northeast corner of Warren Parkway. It is expected to be completed in March.
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Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com6 nEws
CITyNews from the city of Frisco Compiled by Krista Wadsworth
frisco city council6101 Frisco square Blvd.972-292-5000, www.friscotexas.govMeets first and third tuesdays, 5 p.m., open meeting at 6:30 p.m.
denton county commissioners court110 W. Hickory st.940-349-2820, www.co.denton.tx.usMeets tuesdays at 9 a.m.
collin county commissioners court2300 Bloomdale road or tBA location972-548-4100, www.co.collin.tx.usMeets the first four Mondays of the monthat 1:30 p.m.
TweetingsFor instant coverage of city council meetings, follow us on twitter @impactnews_frs
TweetingsMeetings
Incomplete master plan for parks, library leads committee to push bond election back
Sports practice site, tennis courts OK’d
Council approves zoning for college
The Frisco City Council will not call for a bond election in May 2014.
Nell Lange, deputy city manager, said at the Nov. 19 board meeting the bond election will be postponed until 2015.
She said the parks and library master plans are not complete, which makes it difficult to put a complete bond package together.
The decision was made after a bond committee update during a work session earlier in the day.
Lange said the city is going to stay active and keep working on the proposal, and it will be updated as the parks and library master plans move forward. The committee will then pick back up full time in fall 2014 to prepare for the May 2015 bond election.
Mayor Maher Maso said the decision will allow the bond committee to have more planning time.
Presentations made by city depart-ments to the bond committee can be found at www.friscotexas.gov and click-ing on the commissions/committees tab.
The Frisco City Council at the Nov. 5 meeting approved nearly $622,000 for a sports practice site on Independence Parkway.
The 12-acre site, on the northwest corner of Independence and Eldorado Parkway, is expected to take three to four months to complete and will pro-vide youth sports teams a place to prac-tice, easing crowding at neighborhood parks and other open spaces, according to city officials.
The park will have sidewalks and a drop-off area, and it will share parking with two schools in the area, Heritage High School and Maus Middle School.
The council approved $22,000 for additional tennis courts at the Warren Sports Complex on Eldorado Parkway.
The Frisco City Council paved the way on Nov. 19 for the possible con-struction of a private Bible university on the southwest side of Preston Road and the future Rockhill Parkway.
Dallas-based Criswell College is looking for a place to expand to a uni-versity model, and the council approved a request to amend the zoning to allow for a college to be constructed on the 181 acres of land currently zoned for single family/patio home/urban village.
If the college decides to build, the preliminary site plan would go back before the council for approval.
The property will not be allowed to be a mix of zoning. It will be zoned for either the college or single family/patio home/urban village.
Frisco bond historyFrisco voters most recently passed a $198 million bond in 2006. twelve propositions passed with 1,900 residents voting. of the 2006 bond money, $22.5 million remain authorized but have not yet been issued.
residents also authorized $197.5 million in bonds in 2002 with about 2,500 total votes cast.
the deadline for calling an election in May 2015 will be in spring 2015.
Frisco Edition • December 2013 nEws 7
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By Krista WadsworthFrisco ISD is moving forward with its
process to rezone schools to accommo-date the opening of one new high school and four new elementary schools in 2014.
On Nov. 11, proposed elementary school zones were released. Parents also had the opportunity to voice opinions about the previously released proposed new zones affecting Heritage, Liberty and Centennial high schools.
“We understand each of these numbers represents a child,” Board President Renee Ehmke said. “This is a very emotional decision for us as well. This is important to us, and we want you to know that.”
The four new elementary schools in the northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest portions of the district will relieve crowding for a number of current elementary schools.
The schools are being built to house about 760 students. Anything above 760 is considered overcrowding, although schools were allowed to enroll 860 stu-dents this school year before cutting off enrollment and sending students to other nearby schools that could handle the overflow.
In northwest Frisco, Phillips, Robert-son, Pink and Carroll will be relieved by Newman Elementary School, under construction at 12333 Briar Ridge Road. Newman is projected to open with 567 students in 2014 and have 660 students by 2015.
In southwest Frisco, Nichols and Bled-soe will be relieved by Hosp Elementary, 5050 Lone Star Ranch Parkway. That elementary is expected to open with 497 students in 2014 with a student popula-tion of 707 by 2015.
In far northeast Frisco, Scott Elemen-tary at 10550 Millbend Drive in McKin-ney will relieve Sonntag, Mooneyham and Ashley elementary schools. It is projected to open with 633 students in 2014 and
have 657 by 2015. In southeast Frisco, Curtsinger and
Isbell will be relieved by McSpedden at 14140 Countrybrook Drive, which is pro-jected to open with 422 students in 2014 and have 599 students by 2015.
District officials will also talk about possibly sending 100 Tadlock Elementary students to Sem Elementary because of
crowding at Tadlock.Trustee John Hoxie said when elemen-
tary schools begin to be crowded, the learning environment, from classroom to cafeteria to bathroom space, is not condu-cive for children.
“It’s better to get these schools, the pop-ulation, as close to or under 760 as pos-sible, Hoxie said. “That’s the educational
experience we are looking for.”High school zoning is set to be solidi-
fied at the Dec. 16 meeting. Also at the December meeting, parents will have an opportunity to voice opinions about elementary school rezoning.
At the Jan. 13 meeting, the trustees are expected to agree on elementary school zones.
Frisco ISD elementary zone maps released, rezoning discussions continueParents to voice opinions at Dec. 16 Board of Regents meeting
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Frisco Edition • December 2013 nEws 9
Frisco low-income housing at capacity134-unit North Court Villas opened in August on Stonebrook
By Krista WadsworthThe North Court Villas, a low-income
housing development at 8275 Stonebrook Parkway, recently opened in Frisco and is already at full occupancy.
The apartments opened in August, but recently held an opening ceremony. There is already a one year waiting list to move in.
“We were nearly leased up before the property was completely built,” said Nan Gamel, North Court Villas community manager. “Our inquiries about leasing and current residents are people looking for affordability, close proximity to jobs and recreation. Our residents range from recent college students just starting out on their own, to seniors downsizing to fit their new lifestyle and divorced parents.”
Officials from the Austin-based devel-opment and consulting firm, Songhai Development, said the North Court Villas is the only property added to Frisco’s workforce housing base in close to 20 years.
North Court Villas is a 134-unit garden-style community, which offers one, two and three bedroom homes to
residents who earn up to 60 percent of the area’s median annual income. For a fam-ily of four, that income would be $40,500.
“In this economy, there is a huge market of families and seniors in need of quality, affordable housing,” said Cherno Njie, Songhai Development president. “Our goal is to help meet this need by creating reasonably priced, amenity-rich communities. The opening of North Court Villas is the culmination of a vision that holistically works with the commu-nity in the city of Frisco.”
Dallas-based advocacy group Inclusive Communities Project approached the city of Frisco in 2008 about the need for additional housing options.
Songhai Development won the bid in 2010 with the city of Frisco and the ICP offering up to $2 million in subordinate loan financing to developers who utilize the 9 percent Low Income Housing Tax Credit awarded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
“By joining forces with ICP and TDHCA, North Court Villas is the right step in the direction of true transforma-tion that will ensure the city of Frisco is
a thriving, sustainable community with affordable, workforce housing options,” said Njie.
The cost for the apartments are $330-$725 for a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment; $395-868 for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment; and $456-$1,003 for three bedrooms and two baths.
The garden-style apartment complex includes a pool, children’s play area and covered parking.
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Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com10 nEws
By Krista WadsworthTraffic patterns on east Main Street,
from Preston Road to Custer Road, will continue to shift as road construc-tion moves forward, according to Texas Department of Transportation officials.
The project to widen the road from two lanes to six lanes began in June, and it is expected to be completed summer in summer 2015, said Michelle Releford, public information officer of construction for the Dallas TxDOT district.
“This was just a typical case of the city outgrowing the highway,” Releford said. “As of Nov. 1, 2013, Frisco has a popula-tion of 135,920, up from 116,989 in 2010. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, and a two-lane, two-way FM 3537 [Main Street] was not able to handle the current traffic volumes, thus prompting the need to expand the roadway.”
The project will be broken up into three phases of a traffic control plan, Releford said.
In the first phase, an asphalt detour on the northern side of the westbound lane is being constructed so traffic can continue to flow while construction takes place on the eastbound lanes.
In phase two, the traffic will change
onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes.
Once construction is complete on the westbound lanes, the rest of the road work will take place in the median, allowing traffic to flow back onto the east- and westbound lanes.
Releford said TxDOT is working with city traffic department officials on the project.
“TxDOT is in constant contact with the city of Frisco, and we participate with them and the contractor in weekly coor-dination meetings to resolve any issues or concerns they may have regarding the city of Frisco, relating to FM 3537 and the traveling public,” Releford said.
TxDOT informs the city of traffic switch information, which is then relayed by city officials to inform Frisco drivers. Releford said digital information boards with traffic information are placed at the road project before any changes.
Releford said although the traffic switches are planned months in advance, because of weather and unforeseen issues, exact dates are a moving target. The dates are communicated to city of Frisco offi-cials as soon as possible.
TxDOT is funding about $23.8 million for the road, which is the majority of the cost. The city of Frisco is contributing about $2.75 million.
East Main StreetLane switches to take place
TRANSPORTATION
PHASE PHASE PHASE1 2 3The northern side of the westbound lane is being constructed so traffic can continue to flow while construction takes place on the eastbound lanes.
The traffic will switch onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes.
The rest of the road work will take place in the median, allowing traffic to flow back onto the east and westbound lanes.
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Construction to widen East Main Street to six lanes
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By Krista Wadsworth and Rachel SladeThe 147-acre Frisco Square, while
not expanding as quickly as originally expected, is showing signs of growth.
An unnamed development is expected in the next couple months to be announced east of World Cup Way and north of Frisco Square Boulevard.
There are also plans in place for what will be the first church in the square.
The Grace Church congregation has plans to break ground in 2014 on a 30,000 square foot facility south of the Church and Page streets intersection.
The congregation recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for roads on the property behind the Cinemark theater and Frisco Municipal Center building and parking garage.
Cheryl Webster, the executive admin-istrative assistant at the church, said the land was donated about two years ago by a developer who wished to remain anonymous.
“With the enter-tainment, library, living spaces and the community feel, he wanted to have a church in the area,” Webster said.
Church officials are working with both the developer and the city of Frisco, which have specific guidelines about what the outside of the building should look like to ensure it fits with existing development.
Square was envisioned with office, retail, residential and government uses in mind.
In fact, it was a balance of life that inspired Frisco leaders and Five Star Development, the Square’s original build-ers, to go into business together. What started as a plan to build a new city hall and library eventually developed into a
goal of creating a town within a town—or as developers have described it, a little European village—surrounding the city’s seat of government.
Unlike other area town squares, which city leaders viewed as having too much individual focus on restaurants, retail or residential uses, Frisco Square was to have an even mix of live, work and play.
Planned as a $1 billion project with as much as 4.4 million square feet of development at build-out, Frisco Square has been a work in progress, evolving to respond to market demands and the ebb and flow of the economy.
Five Star had originally anticipated that Frisco Square would take 10 to 13 years to build out, a timeline that would have meant completion this year on the out-side. Instead, more than 20 acres are still open for development, but Mayor Maher Maso says the city and the square’s hand-
ful of land and property owners remain focused.
“Generally speaking, Frisco withstood the recession … we continued working on public-private partnerships and members of our
business community adjusted well to the economic climate,” he said. “Frisco Square went through a partnership transi-tion and faced financial challenges. Our city staff worked closely with the owners of Frisco Square to continue our priority to maintain the highest quality develop-ment in this centrally located area.”
Today, Frisco Square features retail, offices, apartments, hotels, restaurants, a movie theater, parks and a variety of gov-ernment uses — Frisco City Hall, Frisco Public Library, the Senior Center at Frisco Square and offices for Collin County all call the square home.
City leaders have also doubled-down on
the investment, using major city events such as Christmas in the Square, Arts in the Square and Music in the Square to draw area residents to the development throughout the year.
“At build-out, I see Frisco Square as a vibrant, active element in our community that anchors our bigger vision,” Maso
said. “We hope to build upon what we’ve started by creating venues, events and other sports and entertainment opportu-nities that draw thousands upon thou-sands of residents and visitors, including those traveling here from across the nation and the world.”
Frisco Square development picks upChurch plans to break ground in 2014 on new facility
“At build-out, I see Frisco Square as a vibrant, active element in our community that anchors our bigger vision.”
—Mayor Maher Maso
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Grace Church is expected to break ground on a new facility in Frisco square in 2014.
NEWS
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Happy holidays from my family to yours
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Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com12 fEaturEs
entertainment on three stages provided by Frisco elementary schools. Free. 5-9 p.m.simpson Plaza, 6101 Frisco square Blvd. 972-292-6520 for weather information. www.friscofun.org
07 Christmas in Olde Townexperience Christmas in olde town, featuring scenes
from Clement C. Moore’s “twas the night before Christmas, sponsored by Frisco’s Main street Merchants Association. take part in refreshments, photos with santa, Christmas Carolers, holiday shopping and an auto show. 10 a.m.-6p.m. www.downtownfrisco.com
08 20 & 21 Model train display
the spring Creek Model railroad Club presents a model train display at the Frisco discovery Center. Free. dec. 8, 1-6 p.m. dec. 20 and 21, 5-10 p.m. 8004 n. dallas Parkway. 972-668-5180. www.friscodiscoverycenter.com
12 through 15 Wakeland High School ‘Peter Pan’ theater production
the Wakeland theatre department presents “Peter Pan,” a musical adaptation of the play by sir James M. Barrie. Adults, $15; students and seniors, $10; and children under 5, $1. showtimes are dec. 12 and 13, 7 p.m.; dec. 14, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and dec. 15, 2 p.m. 10700 Legacy drive. tickets can be purchased by calling 469-633-5736 or www.wakelandtheatre.wordpress.com.
13 through 14 & 20 through 21 Holiday lights at Frisco Fire Safety Town
the outdoor Frisco Fire safety town is decorated for the holiday season. Children can visit santa and enjoy Christmas crafts and stories. Frisco isd will be collecting holiday pictures drawn by children at the Fisd Heroes school House in safety town during the event. the drawings are picked up after the two weekends and taken to a local nursing home to leave in the lobby for residents. 6—9 p.m. Free. next to Central Fire station, 8601 Gary Burns drive. www.friscofun.org
14 Frosty 5K and Merry Milethe city of Frisco’s Frosty 5K event will wind its
way from City Hall up to technology drive, south all the way to Cotton Gin road and back to City Hall. Merry Mile entry is $15 early or $20 on race day. individual 5K entry is $25 dec. 5 to dec. 12 or $30 on race day. team 5K entry (four or more) is $20 per person dec. 5 to dec. 12 (there is no team race day registration). registration is at 7 a.m., Merry Mile begins at 8 a.m., Frosty 5K at 8:30 a.m. and awards at 10 a.m. the registration and race start is at simpson Plaza at City Hall, 6101 Frisco square Blvd. Parking is at City Hall parking garage and toyota stadium. early packet pick up is 8 a.m.-8 p.m. dec. 11 and 12 at Frisco Athletic Center, 5828 nancy Jane Lane. www.friscofun.org
15 Open House at the Frisco Heritage CenterVisit with the strolling santa, the center’s docents
and a blacksmith demonstration. Members of the scoggins Middle school Band will perform a 2 p.m. holiday concert in the chapel. Cookies and hot cider are served. 1—4 p.m. Free. 6321 Page st. 972-292-5101. www.friscoheritage.org
through Jan. 4 ICE!the Lone star Christmas at the Gaylord texas resort Hotel and Convention Center is back and again includes a wonderland of ice sculptures and snow tubing. this year’s theme is “the nutcracker.” ticket prices range from $11.95 to $29.95. For detailed ticket information, visit www.gaylordtexantickets.com
Find more or submit Frisco events at www.impactnews.com/frs-calender
to have Frisco events considered for the print edition, they must be submitted online by the second Friday of the month.
CrossRoads Winery15222 King road972-294-4144, www.crwineryfrisco.com06 Vandell Andrew (Jazz)13 the Brehms (Jazz)20 the Jesse Washmon Group (Jazz)
The Pub In Frisco3231 Preston road, ste. 3972-668-9702, www.thepubinfrisco.com 05 Panic station (cosmic indie)06 Party Machine (cover songs from 1950s to today)13 overdrive (cover band, top 100 hits)15 the Verbes20 Limelight (classics to current covers)22 Maurice davis Band (singer/songwriter rock)27 downtown Fever Band (classic to current covers)
Rock101 Patio Grill2833 eldorado Parkway, ste. 301214-618-1701, www.rock101grill.comopen mic night every Wednesday06 suburban dilemma (all genres)07 Hollow Point (rock ‘n’ roll cover band)14 Caller 9 (songs from 1980s through today)21 ol’ Jug of Whiskey (country/rock)27 eric Baez & the recovery28 eleven eleven (pop music)31 Metal shop (tickets in advance, 1980s hair metal)
december
through Jan. 4 Skate the SquareFrisco residents skate the square in a real outdoor ice skating rink at Frisco square. the rink is open Mon.-thu. 4-10 p.m. and Fri.-sun. noon-10 p.m., except on Christmas day and in inclement weather. Public skating cost is $10 per person and includes skate rentals. the rink is available to reserve for private use for $250 per hour. Corner of Main street and Coleman Boulevard. 9200 World Cup Way. www.friscosquare.com
through 21 Festival of Trees 2013the local, community-based, juried art exhibit offered by Frisco Arts and the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco features three dimensional trees and wreaths, along with two-dimensional artwork at the Frisco Art Gallery. A public joint reception and awards ceremony is 2-5 p.m. dec. 8. A silent auction for the three-dimensional work runs throughout the exhibit and proceeds benefit CAsA of Collin County. two-dimensional work will be for sale, with 30 percent of the proceeds going to CAsA and 70 percent to the participating artist. Free exhibit. Frisco Art Gallery at Frisco discovery Center, 8004 n. dallas Parkway. 972-668-5180. www.friscodiscoverycenter.com
through Jan. 26 “Seasoned Greetings” exhibitthe Frisco Heritage Museum features a collection of novelty salt and pepper shakers from the private collection of Frisco Heritage Museum board member donna Anderson. Free. Wed.-sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., sun. 1-5 p.m. 6455 Page st. 972-292-5665. www.friscomuseum.com
06 It’s a Wonderful Life in Newman Villagethe fundraiser for the Frisco education Foundation
includes a snow hill for sledding, face painting, an ice skating rink, horse-drawn carriage, train rides and hot cocoa. santa and Mrs. Claus will visit. Adults are free; first child is $10 and $5 for every additional child. Photos with santa are $10. 4131 Fallbrook drive, on eldorado Parkway, west of the dallas north tollway. Parking and shuttle services available at Griffin Middle school. 214-387-0475. www.newmanvillage.com
07 Merry Main StreetMerry Main street features the lighting of the
city of Frisco’s tree at 6 p.m. Vendors selling gifts and holiday decor, food and warm drinks are served, along with free photos with santa, offered by 3:16 team realty. event includes Kids’ Holiday store, spring Creek Model railroad Club train display, live reindeer, santa’s workshop, snowflake light show, horse-drawn carriage rides and
CALENdAR
online Calendar
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Compiled by Krista Wadsworth
Frisco Edition • December 2013 fEaturEs 13
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Frisco Edition • December 2013 fEaturEs 15
were original, but “not too out there.” Instead, they “elevate” the burgers they serve to another level. For example, Kenny’s Burger Joint serves a Bacon & Egg Burger, but while other restaurants may leave it with only the egg, Kenny’s adds bearnaise sauce to it.
For those not in the mood for a burger, Kenny’s has other offerings on the menu, from Kenny’s Famous Ribs to a chilli cheese dog and salad options.
The quality of the food isn’t every-thing, Bowers said. A successful restau-rant is also about presentation and the experience. Kenny’s burgers are served on glass plates—no baskets—and cloth napkins are used at the tables.
Yet the restaurant is still cozy and casual. Famous quotes from movies such as “Animal House,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Pulp Fiction” line some walls, while pieces of art pay homage to other classic burger chains, such as Whataburger and In-N-Out Burger.
“We try to give a higher-end service and go for the overall experience when you are eating the burger,” Bowers said. “Just because you are eating a burger doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel like you are eating a filet mignon.”
The highlight of the full bar is Grey Goose Vodka on tap, served at 27 degrees out of a frozen spigot, Bowers said. Other selections include mixed drinks and martinis, a wine list and a selection of craft beers.
“We try to do a lot of things right—that’s our mission,” Bowers said. “We go above and beyond to try to take care of our customers. Frisco has been really good to us.”
Co-owner and chef Kenny Bowers stands with the El Jefe Grande burger, used in a restaurant challenge.
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Kenny’s Burger JointRestaurant about more than just a burger
L unch, dinner or basically anytime during the day, Kenny’s Burger Joint is a hopping southwest
Frisco restaurant. It will celebrate five years in busi-
ness in December, said Kenny Bowers, who along with Bob Stegall and Mike Hutchinson own the restaurant.
Kenny’s Burger Joint is part of the Kenny’s Restaurant group. The group includes three other restaurants in the Dallas area—Kenny’s Woodfire Grill and Kenny’s Italian Kitchen in Addison and Kenny’s Smoke House in the nearby Shops at Legacy in Plano.
Kenny’s Woodfire Grill, which opened eight years ago, served as the inspiration for Kenny’s Burger Joint, Bowers said.
“People used to talk about how great the burgers were, and say ‘you should do a burger joint,’” Bowers said. “Plus, cheeseburgers are my favorite food.”
He said they began looking for a loca-tion, and they decided to start the burger
joint when a space opened in the Stone-briar Commons shopping center.
Those same popular burgers from Ken-ny’s Woodfire Grill, which are cooked over a natural hickory, wood-burning, Texas-made Aztec grill, have turned Kenny’s Burger Joint into a popular lunch and dinner place.
“We use a blend of meat that is a 75/25 meat to fat ratio, so they are nice and juicy,” Bowers said. “We buy fresh, big buns from a bakery in Addison—La Spiga buns. We use good, quality ingredients, quality beef and buns. We pay a little more for our stuff than some places.”
Burgers range from the traditional Zeds Straight Up Burger ($6.49) and Patty Melt ($6.99), to the Mushroom Burger, which features Brie cheese and fresh mushrooms ($8.49). Others include a Pepperjack Guacamole Burger ($8.99) and a BBQ Burger ($7.99).
Bowers said they chose burgers that
dINING
By Krista Wadsworth
The Steak Bomb—shaved ribeye, mushrooms, onions, peppers and cheese—is a chef favorite ($8.99).
The bacon wrapped jalapeno appetizer is $6.99 at Kenny’s Burger Joint.
El Jefe Grande challenge• only two people out of 105 have mastered the el
Jefe Grande, which is a 7 pound, 7,000 calorie burger that has to be eaten in an hour. it is so big, customers are required to sign a waiver in case something happens (it never has). “it’s kind of tongue-in-cheek, but it’s serious,” Bowers said. the winners have their photo on the “Wall of Fame,” which is much smaller than the “Wall of shame,” which features photos of those who have attempted but failed to master el Jefe Grande.
Chef and customer favoritesChef and co-owner Kenny Bowers’ favorites:• the steak Bomb—a philly cheese steak-style
sandwich with a shaved ribeye, mushrooms, onions, peppers, white American and provolone cheese served on a hoagie ($8.99).
• Loaded cheese fries (Bowers said they are “deli-cious”) and the onion rings, which are similar to what would be found in a steakhouse.
Customer favorites:• Jucy Lucy Burger, which is stuffed with American
cheese on an old-fashioned bun ($6.99).• Bud’s Queso Burger, which includes queso from a
Frisco friend’s recipe, jalapenos, bacon, cheddar and barbecue sauce ($7.99).
Come try our new lines of Paninis,Salads, and Espresso Treats!
Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com16 fEaturEs
E ight downtown Frisco homes are each receiving $2,500 renovations, thanks to volunteers with North
Collin County Habitat for Humanity. Work on the eight homes began in
October and will continue into spring as part of Habitat’s Neighborhood Revital-ization Initiative, which is designed to improve low-cost housing for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents.
“We visited the targeted neighbor-hood—old town residential in Frisco—and did a neighborhood solicitation of those homes needing exterior repairs,” said Debbie Mormon, development asso-ciate for NCCHH. “Those approached were selected by income and need.”
Residents are required to repay about 10-30 percent of the total repair cost in the next year, based on income.
“They are also asked to partner with us if possible by working with the volun-teers to perform some of the tasks on their homes,” Mormon said.
Repairs through the Neighborhood Revitalization Intitiative began in east McKinney last year. To date, 34 homes
have been completed.The project has corporate support with
Plano’s Denbury Resources Inc. provid-ing volunteers. Others from the commu-nity, area churches and clubs have helped as well.
Mormon said there are several more homes in the area in need of repairs.
“We are looking for companies, businesses, churches, etc. to help with both volunteers and donations for these homes,” she said.
How to helpHabitat is always looking for volun-
teers.Anyone 14 and older can volunteer,
and those interested are required to attend a 45-minute orientation before beginning work. The orientation includes background information, covers safety issues and addresses questions.
Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Find more information online at ncc-habitat.com or by contacting Dawn Serr at [email protected].
Habitat for HumanityNorth Collin Co. group tackles home repairs
NONPROFIT
A home at 6626 Elm St. in Frisco is pictured before Habitat volunteer repairs.
Volunteers in front of the home at 6626 Elm St. after making repairs.
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Frisco Edition • December 2013 fEaturEs 17
O perating Christmas tree lots in Frisco has become a fundraising tradition for
Troop 51.The annual event started in 2003
at the troop’s charter location, Frisco First United Methodist Church.
In 2008, the troop was invited to start another tree lot in Frisco Square on Main Street, between World Cup Way and Coleman Boulevard.
“They range from petite Scotch Pines that brighten apartment homes to majestic Douglas and Fraser Firs that fill great rooms in Frisco with Christmas spirit,” said Matthew Drinjak, an Eagle Scout, troop com-mittee member and “tree boss” for the year. “Our prices vary by type and size of tree, starting at $15 for our petite trees up to $125 for our largest Frasers.”
The lots are built by the scouts and staffed by the scouts and their families with oversight from adult scouters.
“The staffing is based on family
units to encourage family participa-tion in Scouting and to display Scout-ing family life to our community,” Drinjak said. “Our motivation, at the heart of the tree lot, is service to others. Our main goal is to offer our charter organization and our greater community a way to brighten their winter holidays with a bit of natural beauty.”
The community service oppor-tunity is combined with the oppor-tunity for scouts to raise money for scouting activities. The share each scout receives is related to the number
of shifts they work.“This offers a real-life personal
management lesson on work versus reward,” Drinjak said.
Because the profit sharing is done on a per scout basis, the scouts are able to choose the activities they want to use the funds to pay for.
“By working the tree lots, many of our Scouts are able to pay for a good portion of the fees for a week long Circle 10 Council Summer Camp, our annual multi-day Troop 51 canoe trip to the Buffalo River In Arkansas, or even a portion of a semi-annual crew of older Scouts going to one of the four BSA High Adventure Bases around the nation,” Drinjak said.
Boy Scout Troop 51 onsists of 80 families and close to 90 scouts.
“Whether the young man is a newly active Scout Rank at the beginning of his journey or a tenured Eagle Scout who has achieved Scouting’s top rank, Troop 51 draws strength from our history to ensure our young men are prepared. for life,” Drinjak said.
Boy Scout Christmas tree lotsMoney sends scouts to summer camp, on trips and activities
NONPROFIT
The Christmas tree lots are operated from Nov. 29-Dec. 23.
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Christmas tree lotsFrisco First united Methodist Church, 7659 Preston road
Frisco square, Main street, between World Cup Way and Coleman Boulevard
Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com18 fEaturEs
The Cute Little Shop
Main St.
Teel Pkwy.
The Cute Little Shop owner Dorine Ad holds a doll in front of a wall of toys in her store.
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The Cute Little ShopFamily-owned business offers toys galore
Santa’s helpers surely had a hand in creating the nearly floor to ceiling col-lection at The Cute Little Shop Toys and Gifts on West Main Street.
Aisle after aisle is filled with toys for the young and the young at heart, said owner Dorine Ad, who considers herself a “toy expert.”
Ad came to the U.S. from Lebanon about 10 years ago from a career in graphic design. She entered a completely different field when she opened The Cute Little Shop in 2010.
“I wanted to do something by myself,” Ad said. “I worked back home with the Red Cross for 10 years—I volunteered,” she said. “I worked a lot with kids and spent a lot of time with special needs kids. It came out that toys are the best and easiest way for them to communicate and to teach them things,” she said.
Ad said she grew up in the war era in Lebanon, and toys were not common.
“When I came here [to the U.S.] and saw all the toys, I just fell in love,” she said. “I just wanted to know more and more and more. That’s why I say I’m a toy expert. Basically I just love toys. I love playing—who doesn’t?”
Dolls, puzzles, games, trains, dress-up clothes, baby toys, magic sets, brain teas-ers, books and much, much more line the shelves on a regular basis, with more in for the Christmas holiday.
But they aren’t just any toys. Ad meticulously researches the brands of the toy collections the shop carries.
She makes selections based on educa-tional value, quality and durability, and also researches where the toys are made, what materials they are made of and if they are tested for quality.
Ad said she is proud of the fact that The Cute Little Toy Shop’s return rate is “almost zero.”
“We work hard to find the perfect
toys,” she said. “We are a family-owned business. We don’t choose toys just based on their names.”
An example of her business philosophy is the wide selection from one of Ad’s favorite toy brands, Melissa & Doug, which lines a wall in the store. She said the puzzles and classic toys are not only educational and fun, they are quality enough to be “passed down from genera-tion to generation.”
Ad’s 8-year-old son is also instrumen-tal in helping choose toys. What he plays with and likes—and what stands up to that play—is often carried in the store’s collection.
In the baby section, Hape toys are featured. The German-based company focuses on musical and educational spe-cialty toys. The popular Taggies stuffed animals are also a hit, Ad said.
Dollhouses, accessories and dolls—including Madame Alexander dolls, which are so realistic they smell like baby powder—are available at a variety of price points. Plastic and ceramic tea sets add to the doll collection.
The shop carries a huge selection of Breyer model horses, coveted for play by the young and as collectors items for adults, Ad said.
Brio train sets, racing car sets, arts and crafts, hair and fashion accessory kits, sports and outdoors activities, magnet kits, remote control cars, science and discovery sets, and Ravensburger interac-tive puzzles round out the collection. The brain teasers and puzzles are popular with adults, Ad said.
A small section of the store is dedi-cated to gift items, from cookie jars and a Painted Pony collection to greeting cards, salt and pepper shakers, and more.
“We have something for the whole family,” Ad said. “The idea is to have unique items—items nobody else has.”
BuSINESS
3245 W. Main st., ste. 225214-705-0907 www.thecutelittleshop.comHoliday hours: Mon.-sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Quality toysthe Cute Little shop carries a wide variety of toy brands from makers all over the world. owner dorine Ad researches toys thoroughly for quality and educational value before carrying them in her store. some of the brands include:taggiesBreyerBriotinker toysMadame Alexander Melissa & dougCarreraBlue orangeravensburger
Adora dolls are one of several brands of dolls and accessories carried.
the Cute Little shop carries hundreds of puzzles, games and brain teasers.
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Frisco Edition • December 2013 fEaturEs 19
A lthough farming has not been a part of Frisco’s culture in many years, the city’s agricultural
roots are preserved by the presence of the grain elevators on the north side of Main Street, near the railroad tracks.
According to the Frisco Heritage Association, the Frisco grain elevators still in existence—one is metal and the other concrete—were constructed in the late 1940s and early 1950s by Continental Grain.
The history of grain elevators in Frisco extends much farther than that, however.
The land on the west side of the railroad tracks, bordered by John Elliott Drive, served as an agricultural hub for the city’s flourmills, cotton gins and grain storage operations.
A grain elevator has been in existence in the same place since the early 1900s, but it burned—a common fate for early facilities—and was rebuilt by different owners throughout the years.
Longtime Frisco resident Sam Roach said his grandfather, Emmett Dillard Roach, bought the original grain elevator around 1915—named Roach Grain & Elevator Co.—before it burned in 1922.
“It was his pride and joy,” said Roach, who knew about the grain elevator but never got the chance to discuss it with his grandfather, who died when Roach was young. “It was the biggest one probably between Sherman and Dallas,” he said.
Bob Griffin, who moved to Frisco at the age of 5, remembers his father and uncle running the grain elevator busi-ness that included a flour mill and corn shucking operation from 1936 to 1946.
“It was a busy place at harvest time,” Griffin said. “Grain trucks would be backed up all the way down Main Street.”
If individuals didn’t purchase har-vested grain, it would be sold to and stored for the government until it was needed, Griffin said.
The practice of keeping and selling grain was tricky, however, because grain shrinks when stored, yet the delivery had to match the amount of grain paid for.
Future of the grain elevatorsThe grain elevator complex is now
surrounded by urban development. City officials said the white concrete build-ing is structurally sound, but the metal building is not and has not been for some time.
Officials have not yet figured out a way to tie the grain elevator area to the sur-rounding development.
However, that could change at some point in the future.
The council recently gave the go-ahead for city development staff members to begin a master plan of the area.
The council also agreed to allow city staff to talk to developers who may be interested in leasing and developing the white building into a restaurant or other similar facility that would suit the his-tory of the building and the development in the surrounding area.
hISTORy FrISco
The Roach Grain & Elevator Co., operated by Emmett Dillard Roach from 1915-1922, burned in 1922.
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Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com20 fEaturEs
Bella BoutiqueClothing, jewelry and gifts9411 Preston Road
214-872-4222
www.bellaboutiquefrisco.com
Sussie’sClothing and accessories4760 Preston Road, Ste. 204
972-335-2792
www.facebook.com/sussiesfrisco
Pappagallo ClassiquesClothing, accessories and shoes6959 Lebanon Road
214-872-1969
www.pappagallo-classiques.com
Twisted SimplicityClothes and accessories6927 W. Main St.
214-705-1822
www.twistedsimplicity.com
Crafty, customizable gifts and seasonal items abound at Krafty Mama Creations. The family owned and operated business was established in 2002, but only a year ago, opened a storefront in downtown Frisco.
Find candlesticks, vases for flower arrangements, picture frames, seasonal and decorator items, customized wreaths and arrangements and more. The store also offers custom embroidery, laser engraving and custom vinyl application to apparel.
Any custom designs need to be ordered at least two to three weeks in advance, depending on the detail involved, owner Deborah Cunningham said.
Krafty Mama gift ideas:
• the Corkcicle—perfect for the wine con-noisseur, the frozen, icicle-shaped chiller will keep a bottle of wine stoppered and chilled for up to an hour. either side of the cork can be engraved with initials or a word. $37 plus $4 for engraving.
• Burlap decorator Christmas trees—the cus-tom designed holiday decorations are made by Cunningham. $49.99.
Stereo East Home Theater Design Studio has worked with home builders and buyers in the business of systems integration and custom installation for 30 years, but in the last several years has opened its studio to the general public.
The studio offers home theater systems, flat panel TVs, custom lighting, home automation systems, solar power—most anything beyond the basic appliance.
Stereo East gift ideas:
• Bose soundtouch music system—mod-els cost $299, $399 and $699. Music is streamed wirelessly from computer or mobile
devices over a home Wi-Fi system to the SoundTouch to produce stereo quality sound. Access to Internet radio service is built in.
• Control4 Home Automation—starts at $1,000. it allows the homeowner to control home temperature, alarm system, lock doors, adjust lighting or control any number of electronic gadgets—all from one control or remotely with a mobile device applica-tion.
20 fEaturEs
Confections BoutiqueClothing, jewelry, shoes and handbags8756 Teel Parkway, Ste. 326
214-872-1777
www.confectionsboutique.com
The Style HouseClothes, shoes and accessories
7127 Main St.
469-287-2823
www.stylehousefrisco.com
Men’s gifts
En Fuego Tobacco ShopCigars and accessories6142 Frisco Square Blvd.
214-494-4688
www.enfuegocigars.com
FlamesGrills and outdoor fireplace accessories3311 Preston Road, Ste. 14
214-618-2301
BrookstoneUnique electronic gadgetsStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone C, level 1
469-633-0115
www.brookstone.com
OakleySunglasses and accessoriesStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone B, level 2
972-335-7277
www.oakley.com
Frisco Sports CenterSports related gear and equipment8715 Lebanon Road, Ste. 100
972-335-3630
www.friscosportscenter.net
Premier GrillingGrills and accessories7776 W. Main St.
469-342-3461
www.premiergrilling.com
community Impact newspaper • impactnews.com
K rafty Mama K reations7110 Elm St.
214-551-6304
www.facebook.com/kraftymamakreations
Stereo East Home Theater Design Studio 9150 Warren Parkway
972-335-5122 • www.stereoeast.com
Holiday Shopping GuideWomen’s gifts
Distinctively Hers Clothing & AccessoriesClothing and accessories11445 Dallas Parkway
972-377-7217
www.distinctivelyhers.com
Blue Door BoutiqueClothes, jewelry and gifts6975 W Main St.
214-705-7701
www.bluedoorboutiqueonline.com
Heart’s DesireJewelry, stationery, home decor, bath and body4760 Preston Road, Ste. 200
972-335-1800
www.heartsdesiregifts.com
Chateau RusticClothing, jewelry, handbags and home decor7510 W. Main St.
886-307-5033
www.chateau-rustic.com
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Frisco Edition • December 2013 fEaturEs 21
Compiled by Krista Wadsworth
BachrachMen’s clothingStonebriar Centre Mall, 2601 Preston Road, Zone B,
level 2
469-633-0500
www.bachrach.com
FanzzSports clothing, memorabilia Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone C, level 2
214-705-7292
www.fanzz.com
Field of DreamsSports memorabilia Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone C, level 1
972-335-2899
www.facebook.com/FODTexas
Children’s gifts
The Cute Little ShopEducational toys, gift shop3245 W. Main St., Ste. 225
Lone Star Baby & KidsRoom decor, accessories, bedding and furniture9380 Prestmont Place
972-335-5222
www.lonestarbaby.com
Build-A-Bear WorkshopCustomized stuffed animalsStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone A, level 1
972-377-0281
www.buildabear.com
The Children’s PlaceClothes, shoes and accessoriesStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone A, level 1
972-731-9813
www.thechildrensplace.com
The Lego StoreLego building block toysStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone B, level 1
972-668-4648
stores.lego.com
Naartjie KidsClothes and accessoriesStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone A, level 1
214-705-9376
www.naartjiekids.com
GymboreeClothes and accessoriesStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone A, level 1
972-731-9789
www.gymboree.com
Hanna AnderssonClothes and accessoriesStonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Zone C, level 2
469-200-4539
www.hannaandersson.com
Gifts for four-legged friends
The Paw DepotAnimal care toys, specialty leashes and more8795 Preston Trace Blvd.
888-477-9997
www.thepawdepot.com
frisco Edition • december 2013 fEaturEs 21
The Wooden Swing features children’s backyard forts, trampolines, basketball goals and a variety of children’s furniture. The family-owned business started in Dallas 35 years ago, and opened a location in Frisco about seven years ago.
Customizable forts—made of redwood or cedar—are one of the most popular items The Wooden Swing sells. Store manager Jordan Lindsey said they are completely customizable, from the size, to fort elements and bridge units. They are made by a Justin, Texas-based company.
The Wooden Swing gift ideas:
• KidKraft Kitchen set—one of the most popular is the wooden retro kitchen. it is pink and includes a refrigerator, stove, oven and cabinet. it can be used indoors or out-doors. starts at $249.
• AlleyooP trampoline—A 14-foot round trampoline, complete with the enclosure and all pads. Many models come with a basket-ball hoop. starting at $1,499.
Three Dog Bakery, a newly opened retail store and bakery, features all things doggy.
The bakery specializes in all-natural treats—including holiday treats—that are made without sugar and salt. Custom birthday cakes and Peppermint Mocha treats served Starbucks drink style are just a few examples of the wide variety of options.
They carry a selection of dog food as well as natural chews and rawhides, and the retail store features unique toys, leashes, collars and spa items.
Gift ideas from Three Dog Bakery:
• treat duo—Cranberry stars and snickerdoo-dles are one of the bakery’s holiday treats.
• doggy gift baskets—Create your own or buy one pre-made. Choose your own gift basket, holiday or doggy decorated, which includes items, such as holiday-flavored treats, a holiday toy and an all natural rawhide. start-ing at $15.
The Wooden Swing8549 Gaylord, Mall Road F
972-334-9630
www.woodenswing.com
Three Dog Bakery2832 Eldorado Parkway, Ste. 212
214-618-1986
www.threedogbakerytx.com
This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of shopping in Frisco.
Bubbles N BonesGrooming facility and doggy boutique items11625 Custer Road
214-585-0006
www.bubblesnbones.com
Paws Dog BarkeryGrain free kibble, frozen, raw and dehydrated raw dog foods4760 Preston Road, Ste. 248
214-705-1790
www.pawsdogbarkery.com
PetcoPet supplies, food and toys for all animals5177 W. Eldorado Parkway
214-705-9384
www.petco.com
PetSmartPet supplies, food and toys for all animals3333 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 668-4311
stores.petsmart.com
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Community Impact Newspaper • impactnews.com22
Frisco residents and business owners. Although sales taxes are considered a
volatile revenue source, rising and dipping with the strength of the economy, pro-jected gains in sales taxes typically provide a steadying effect on property tax rates and free property-based tax dollars for addi-tional projects or objectives.
The city of Frisco tax rate in September was set at $0.4619 per $100 of valuation for a third fiscal year, the second-lowest tax rate among the surrounding cities of Plano, Prosper, Richardson, Allen, McKinney, The Colony and Flower Mound.
“The city’s residents and businesses invest their lives and property in this com-munity with anticipation of an exceptional quality of life,” City Manager George Pure-foy wrote in his budget transmittal letter to the City Council this year. “With contin-ued positive improvements being seen in the rise in property valuations, increases in sales tax revenues and single family build-ing permits, this … budget furthers the city’s progress.”
The benefits of strong sales tax revenue go beyond bolstering the city’s general fund and stabilizing the property tax rate, too. Of the 8.25 percent sales tax, 6.25 percent goes to the state and 2 percent to the city of Frisco. Of that 2 percent, 1 percent hits the general fund’s coffers. The remaining
1 percent is split equally between the Eco-nomic Development and Community Development corporations.
Voters approved the half-cent sales tax dedication for economic development in 1991, and the Frisco Economic Develop-ment Corp. has since been tasked with using the money to expand the city’s prop-erty tax base and create quality jobs.
Through September of this year alone, the FEDC facilitated 16 projects expected to add more than 2,200 jobs to the local economy, including the corporate head-quarters of the Dallas Cowboys and the expansion of the Conifer Health Solutions into a 200,000-square-foot headquarters and service center at the Dallas North Tollway and Warren Parkway. The Conifer Health Solutions expansion is expected to be complete in March.
“On a regional or a local basis, creating a retail mix which brings dollars in from out-side the immediate area helps create true economic growth by increasing the dollars in the area rather than simply turning the same dollars over and over,” Felker said. “Frisco has done a terrific job of doing this by working on a diverse retail composition that includes local retail, specialty retail and regional, if not statewide, destination attractions.”
The vote to approve a half-cent sales tax
dedication to the Frisco Community Devel-opment Corp. came in 1994. Since that time, tens of millions have gone to purchas-ing park land and developing recreational resources, including investments in the Dr Pepper Ballpark, Toyota Stadium, Frisco Athletic Center, the Sci-Tech Discovery Center and the move of the Museum of the American Railroad to Frisco and the Dallas Cowboys corporate headquarters. Planned expenditures by the Frisco CDC this fiscal year include construction at Grand Park, expansion of the Dog Park and Phase I of
the Veterans Walk of Honor.“As companies move to Frisco and there
is additional development in the retail sector, our budget will continue to grow annually, which will enable the Commu-nity Development Corp. to further con-tribute to the amenities and aura of living and working in Frisco,” Gary Carley, Frisco EDC President said.
Sales TaxContinued from | 1
SALES TAX BREAKDOWN
2005
$35
$25
$152006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
SALES TAX REVENUE HISTORYGENERAL FUND
Total sales tax revenue is projected to increase 16.3% in FY 2014 over the revised FY 2013 figures
$
dolla
rs in
mill
ions
6.25%
1.00%
0.50%
0.50%
State of Texas
City of Frisco(general fund)
Frisco Economic Development Corporation
Frisco Community Development Corporation
$15.2M
$17.2M
$18.9M$19.8M
$18.7M$20M
$21.8M
$24.4M
$30M
$35M
FRISCO SALES TAX
For more information visit impactnews.com
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Frisco Edition • December 2013 fEaturEs 23
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Fire departmentContinued from | 1
“Leadership is critical. Leadership training, coaching, leading folks in the right direction, mentoring the younger guys so they can lead later, is very important.”
chIEf profIlE
Iso safEty ratIng
fIrE safEty town
On his first day on the job in April, Frisco Fire Chief Mark Piland found he had three weeks until the 2013-14 preliminary fire department budget was due.
“It was three weeks of nothing but number crunching and meeting with the staff and meeting with the pro-grams,” he said. “It was a bittersweet thing. It was bitter in the way that it took all my time for the first three or four weeks I was here, but it really helped me learn, I think, the department faster.”
He came to Frisco with 34 years of experience in the fire service in Virginia Beach and central Florida. With family in the San Antonio area, the chief said the Frisco opportu-nity was too good of a department to pass up.
“It’s a tremendous fire department,” Piland said. “There are certainly challenges here, as there are in every depart-ment. These are somewhat unique based upon the growth patterns that we are experiencing. I like this type of chal-lenge. That’s what I came here for.”
He said his goal when he first came was to learn the department and the staff before “rearranging the deck chairs.”
Going through the bond proposal process also meant putting together about 70 percent of a formal strategic plan that the department does not currently have in place.
Now, about nine months after he took the chief posi-tion, he has met one-on-one with every staff member in the department. He has held “chief chats” and “open mic nights” as well.
The chief said the most important change so far has been an effort to teach and promote leadership.
“Leadership is critical,” he said. “Leadership training, coaching, leading folks in the right direction, mentoring the younger guys so they can lead later, is very important.”
Piland has plans for an officer academy, as well as career progression plans for his staff members.
Frisco Fire Safety Town, the city’s effort to educate kindergarten through fifth-grade students about fires and fire safety, continues to be a focus for the city and the fire department, Piland said.
Built in 2006, safety town celebrated reaching 250,000 visitors this summer.
With an interactive safety house, a mini-Frisco com-plete with street signs and traffic signals, youth learn
The Frisco Fire Department is in rare company with the quality of its fire protection services, according to the Insurance Services Office.
This year, the department for the second time earned an ISO rating of 1—the best safety rating possible. Of 60,000 fire departments evaluated, the Frisco Fire Department is one of 55 in the country and 15 in Texas to earn this rating.
“There are a lot of things that people will say are big deals in our organization, but ISO was a big deal,” Piland said. “That’s a very hard number to get. It drops residential insurance rates, it drops commercial insur-ance rates considerably.”
Paul Ramsey, an insurance agent for JGS Advisors Insurance Group in Frisco, said because the ISO rat-ings in Frisco are as high as possible to have, insurance premiums will be significantly lower as a result.
“Frisco is 1. Dallas is 2,” Ramsey said. “That’s still a really really good rating, but it’s not a 1. Therefore, insurance rates in Dallas are going to be higher than in Frisco.”
Piland said the ISO rating takes into account the overall fire department, the water storage and distribu-tion system, and the communication system.
“It’s not just the fire department that got the 1,” Piland said. “The other departments had to also meet the cri-teria for that.”
Frisco Fire Chief Mark Piland
about everything from fire safety and severe weather haz-ards, to the importance of wearing a seat belt and a bicycle helmet. A theater presentation shows a family room as it would appear after a fire to emphasize damage done by fire, smoke and heat. A video and real firefighter lead visitors through an emergency situation, from the possible causes, to the 9-1-1 call, to extinguishment and investigation.
“It’s like no other in the country,” Piland said, adding
What goes into an iso rating?Emergency communications systems
A review of the emergency communications systems accounts for 10 points of the total classification. the review focuses on the community’s facilities and support for handling and dispatching alarms for structure fires.
Fire department
A review of the fire department accounts for 50 points of the total classification. iso focuses on a community’s fire suppression capabilities. iso reviews such items as engine companies, ladder or service companies, deployment of fire companies, equipment carried on apparatus, pumping capacity, reserve apparatus, company personnel and training.
Water supply
A review of the water supply system accounts for 40 points of the total classification. iso evaluates the community’s water supply system to determine the adequacy for fire suppression purposes. We also consider hydrant size, type, and installation, as well as the frequency and completeness of hydrant inspection and flow-testing programs.
Community risk reduction
the iso evaluates a community’s risk reduction efforts and credits them in the Community risk reduction section, which allows for extra credit of up to 5.5 points for a potential total of 105.5. that takes into account fire prevention code adoption and enforcement, public fire safety education and fire investigation.
Source: Insurance Services Office
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budgEt frIsco’s fIrE statIons—now and In thE futurE
the Fire department has a $23,995,581 budget for fiscal year 2014 for an increase of 8.45 percent over fiscal year 2013.
the map below shows existing fire stations and ambulance services in the city of Frisco, as well as potential locations for future stations.
the districts shown are the proposed fire service districts when station 8 is built and in service. they have not yet been finalized. station 8 will be located at the intersection of independence Parkway and rolater road. Construction is expected to begin in december, with a completion date of late summer or fall 2014.
the potential fire stations shown are not scheduled to be built. the locations may change and not all may be built, depending on Frisco’s future growth pattern.
that the challenge is to keep it current.“Today with kids, if you can’t come in and shoot a laser
beam at something or have some type of interaction, they are bored,” he said.
They are adding a system where children who go through safety town can answer questions about what they’ve learned before they leave.
Safety Town is financed by the city and sponsors.
City of Frisco general fund expenditures by department for fiscal year 2014
