The Ipad 3G is out today, and I was one of those lucky ones who stood in line today and got one. Nothing like being able to blog from anywhere!

Silk Road, updates here....

The following link gives a nice aerial view of the "presidential suite" for lease; although this image is prior to completion of the home.

Live like a King in the "Presidential Suite" at Adriatica, McKinney!

You can now lease Mr. Blackard's private residense and live in one of the nicest homes in the Adriatica development. The price even looks reasonable.

Okay, the pizzeria that is rumored to be coming to Adriatica was voted the best pizza by D Magazine in 2008. Anyone want to guess? If so, use the comment link below.

Another new restaurant coming to Adriatica?

I have learned from a trustworthy source that a new Pizzeria will soon be moving into Adriatica! Check back later for further details. It appears that the interest in Adriatica, McKinney is really starting to pick up!

Silk Road Thai Cuisine at Adriatica, McKinney

If you made it by the Farmers Market today at Adriatica, you may have seen the banners and signs at the former Samson's Restaurant. The signage says that the grand opening is 4/29.  As more details are available I will post them. More information here. 

Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Adriatica
Weekly Thursday and Sunday markets 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The Adriatica market is located at 6851 Virginia Pkway, (the corner of Virginia Pkway. and Adriatic Pkway.), McKinney, TX 75071
Click here for a map

Entertainment Schedule:

Brandon Blackard on Accoustic Guitar, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays, 1:00 - 5:00 on Sundays
April 18:  Market Ribbon Cutting, Stagecoach Rides, Music and more!!

New McDonalds being built

If you live in McKinney and regularly pass the intersection of 121 and Custer; you may have wondered what is being built in the same area as Starbucks. Maybe you haven't. The slab is down and work has commenced on a new McDonalds. This actually is located in Frisco since it is West of Custer Road. You can view the permit information here.

"Vintage" Samson's Photo

It appears that work has once again commenced on the Bella Donna Chapel in Adriatica.  It looks as though the stain glass windows are being installed. This will be such a great place for weddings when it is complete. 

Check back for updates soon.

Construction Update in Adriatica and the new Palace Restaurant!

Per Dan Hoff's Stonebridge Ranch update:

Over the past several months, previous agreements for financing had been impacted by the overal 'financial situation' in the U.S./World.  Within the past three weeks, financing has been secured to allow construction to begin once more.  Construction is expected to begin within 60 days.  Please note that local banks (Independent Bank and Synergy Bank) are helping to make continued development of Adriatica a reality.

·      I understand the first phase of the next major construction will include:
o   Completion of the Wedding Chapel (Bella Donna).
o   Construction of the Galleon Dubrovnik (in the harbor).
o   Completion of the ampitheater (stage out into the harbor).
o   Permanent facilities for the Farmers Market* to be located along the emergency spillway for Stonebridge Lake.
o   A 200,000 Sq Ft (4-story) Medical Building** located on the land just north of the Bell Tower, bordered by two streets and the requested fire lane (see below).
* These facilities may also be used for other functions such as auto shows, charitable events, concessions for other outdoor events, etc.  (Lots of FREE events).
** Initially for emergency medical facilities and (soon to follow) for assisted living, indoor pool, spa, exercise area, rehab area, etc.

·      Construction dollars remain tight.  I understand both the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC: http://www.mckinneyedc.com/about_us.php) and McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC: http://www.mckinneycdc.org/mcdc/content.nsf/content-display/About?opendocument) will be invited to assist with some of the infrastructure costs.  These items will be called out below.  If you feel strongly about this type of assistance, please let members of each corporation know.  It would not hurt to also let members of the City Council know your feelings (http://www3.mckinneytexas.org/www/citycouncil.aspx?id=62.

·      The Farmers' Market in Adriatica is currently located in temporary space.  They are 'setting up shop' in the area between the North Central Womens' Health Partners (which I understand will be occupied within a couple of weeks) and Virginia Parkway.  Please see the Neighborhood Update of January 23.  The Adriatica Farmers Market (http://www.chestnutsquare.org/programs/farmers_market.asp) is scheduled to be open from 1:00PM to 5:00PM, Thursdays and Sundays weekly.

·      The MCDC will be requested to support a permanent location for the Farmers' Market in Adriatica.  This requested support will be to provide the pad (concrete slab) upon which will be constructed pull-through (nice looking!) stalls large enough to provide some protection from the elements for the farmers and their vehicles.  Please note that the MCDC support will be only for the slab and Adriatica will construct the rest, including public bathroom facilities.  These facilities will be utilized by many citizens who are shopping in the area, attending the various free outdoor events (fireworks, balloon launchings, outdoor concerts, etc., etc.) as well by those utilizing the recently constructed hike/bike trail (across the dam) which passes nearby.

·      The MEDC will be requested to support this development by building a fire lane along side the Farmers' Market and the Med Center as well as to relocate a sewer line.  The sewer relocation and fire lane will allow expansion of the Med Center as well as the construction of the 200,000 sqft building (see above) which will house state-of-the art emergency medical facilities.  In later phases, this building will house senior living quarters, assisted living quarters, spa, exercise facilities, etc.

·      The two items above will greatly enhance our standard of living, provide facilities for our residents and provide needed tax revenue for the City of McKinney, McKinney Independent School District, Collin County and Collin County Community College District!  You may support this construction with your voice - to MEDC, MCDC and Council!

·      With completion of the Harbor District, the parking garage will have been surrounded with buildings and no longer visible.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Palace (formerly Samson's Restaurant)

·      I have been assured that The Palace will be opened in the near future.  While I do not yet have the draft menu, I understand well-known names will be operating this facility.  Seating capacity will be approximately 200

Smiles for Habitat!

I was at Market Street today and ran across the flyer fro the 2010 Smiles for Habitat in Adriatica. This will be the 3rd annual outdoor festival and benefit concert in Adriatica! Entertainment with feature Gavin DeGraw and others.

Check back for updates soon.

Petra Mexican Bistro

If your a fan of Mexican food, then you probably have been to the best Mexican restauant in McKinney; Petras. If you are on Facebook, you can become a fan and they have several great coupons for free food. You can view their page here. 

You can learn more here.

Carey Cox Memorial Park

Although the landscaping is not complete yet; the Carey Cox Park in Stonebridge Ranch is nearly complete and people are using it. We had the chance to go today and I think it will be one of the nicest parks in the neighborhood. There is a small rock climbing area, and two play areas as well as a swingset. If you get a chance, you might stop by and check it out; it doesnt look big when you drive by on Stonebridge Drive, but once you get it it really has lots of open space. You can view details of the park here...

Click here for details...

McKINNEY, Texas (March 26, 2010) – The McKinney Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department will hold its annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza on Saturday, April 3. Activities start at 11 a.m. at Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex, 1986 Park View Ave. Special features include an appearance by Radio Disney, and the event culminates with an Easter egg hunt for three age groups.

“Families can enjoy a great event with games, entertainment, and of course an Easter egg hunt for the children,” said Recreation Superintendent Charlie Bryant. “This is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy one of McKinney’s beautiful parks on a spring day.”

The event is free to children ages 10 and under and will feature activities from 11 a.m. to noon, with the Easter egg grabs for more than 25,000 eggs filled with candy starting at 12:30 p.m. There will be pony rides, a petting zoo and prizes, and the Easter Bunny will even make an appearance. For more information, visit www.mckinneytexas.org, or call 972-542-7497.