About Us

DOWNTOWN: THEN & NOW

Despite Plano’s tremendous growth, Downtown Plano has remained largely unchanged. A large amount of existing Downtown buildings remain standing since the re-build from the fire of 1896. Many of the businesses stayed consistent throughout the early 1900s, with many of the shops just moving across the street, but remaining in the area. During the 1980s, Downtown changed from a traditional business center to a specialty retail district composed of antique stores and gift and clothing boutiques. During the 90’s, the city began focusing its future to the Historic Downtown area by building its headquarters of city hall, the municipal courthouse, and the Downtown Fire station. In 2002, the DART station at 15th Street began commencing service to Downtown Dallas. In 2007, the existing merchants association of Downtown Plano was reorganized into a not for profit organization named, The Historic Downtown Plano Association with the mission of preserving Downtown Plano’s historic character and embracing its future. Today, Historic Downtown Plano has become a destination to Eat, Play, Shop, and Live. Downtown Plano is a vibrant community of urban living, performing arts, galleries, event venues, plus unique shops and restaurants that are independently owned and operated; all set against a backdrop of historic buildings, the Plano Station Dart Rail, and Haggard Park.