Howdy Frisco -
Well, this isn't the Saturday newsletter I thought I'd be writing.
Emily and I spent yesterday evening frantically pulling out every blanket we own and checking if our pipes are actually insulated (spoiler: we're not entirely sure).
The girls think the ice on the windows is magical. I think it's terrifying.
If you're reading this, you're probably holed up at home like we are, so let me catch you up on what's happening in Frisco while we all wait out this winter storm.
🏗️ Main Street's Finally Getting Its Finishing Touches
After what feels like forever (but was really since July 2024), the Main Street reconstruction is almost done.
The road reopened in December, which you've definitely noticed if you commute through downtown like I do, but crews are wrapping up the final details.
What's left:
Activating the pedestrian lights and streetlights
Installing landscaping and pedestrian-friendly touches
Removing overhead utilities
Adding decorative rails in the medians
Placing raised planters between Third and Fifth
The big news: Fourth Street parking garage opens in June, with the Fourth Street Plaza wrapping up around the same time.
That plaza is going to be a serious upgrade for the Rail District, with pedestrian walkways connecting Elm and Main.
As someone with two toddlers who lose their minds over any open space to run, I'm already picturing weekend mornings there once the weather stops trying to kill us.
The whole project cost $76.3 million, which sounds insane until you drive through there and see how much better it looks.
This is the downtown Frisco our kids will grow up with, and honestly, it's shaping up nicely.
🏡 100 Acres Near PGA Parkway Just Sold for Housing
Speaking of things our kids will grow up with, the Ratcliffe family just sold about 100 acres at PGA Parkway and Hillcrest Road to Sobha Realty, a luxury developer based in the UAE.
The land is going to become more housing, which tracks since Frisco's northern corridor is absolutely exploding.
Here's why this matters:
The land sits right near Jackson Elementary (Frisco ISD)
It's within 10 miles of UNT Frisco, the future Universal Kids Resort, PGA Frisco, H-E-B, and Baylor Scott & White
Frisco desperately needs more housing to keep up with demand
I drive past this area somewhat regularly, and it's wild to watch North Frisco transform in real time.
Davidson Bogel Real Estate represented Sobha in the deal, and they're calling it "a meaningful addition to the ongoing demand for housing in Frisco," which is corporate speak for "people won't stop moving here."
As someone who moved here in 2023, I get it. The schools, the amenities, the growth... it's why we're here.
But man, every time I see another tract of land sold for development, I wonder what traffic is going to look like when my 4-year-old is old enough to drive.
Terrifying thought for another day.
🎵 Frisco ISD Kids Crushing It at All-State Music
On a much more uplifting note, 59 Frisco ISD high schoolers just earned spots in TMEA All-State ensembles, which is apparently a record for the district.
If you're not familiar, this is the highest honor a high school musician in Texas can get, and the competition is brutal.
The numbers:
Over 70,000 students across Texas started the audition process
Over 1,000 Frisco ISD students auditioned at the regional level
700+ advanced past regionals
59 made it all the way to All-State
These kids will perform at the TMEA Clinic and Convention in February, which is a huge deal.
Also performing: Lawler Symphony Orchestra, which was named the 2026 TMEA Middle School Honor Full Orchestra.
My daughters are currently at the "banging pots and pans" stage of musical development, but stories like this make me excited about what Frisco ISD offers.
The arts programs here are legit, and it's cool to see our students competing at such a high level statewide.
📅 Frisco Weekend Events
A quick note: Most events have been cancelled or postponed because Mother Nature decided to turn Frisco into an ice rink. So your weekend plans might look more like mine: reading a book with the kids, binge-watching something on Netflix (we just started Beast Games and it's solid season 2), and pretending we know what we're doing as parents during a winter storm.
Today, Saturday, Jan 24
🥊 PFC 50: Greg Hardy vs Phil Latu | Comerica Center, 5:00pm | Veteran fighter Greg Hardy returns to fight top contender Phil Latu. Tickets required.
Sunday, Jan 25
🏈 NFL AFC/NFC Championship Watch Party | 6770 Winning Dr, 11:00am | Championship Sunday watch party with fellow fans.
🎵 Vinyl Sundays | Three Empires Brewing, 6990 Main St Suite 200, 2:00pm-7:00pm | Bring your vinyl, spin tracks, grab beer and pizza in a family and dog-friendly spot.
🎨 Meet the Artists at Sweetwaters Frisco | Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea at Creekside, 3180 Preston Rd, 3:00pm-5:00pm | Meet artists from the "Industry & Technology" exhibit on display through February 1.
