Celina, Texas, just completed Phase 1 of a major $93.5 million development project.
The Celina Downtown Center was designed to accommodate the population explosion of what has been called the fastest-growing city in the United States. Located 40 mi. north of Dallas, Celina's population has expanded to 40,000 a full decade earlier than forecasters anticipated.
This rapid growth necessitated an upgrade to the amenities in the city center.
The Downtown Center project is based on the Celina Downtown Master Plan, adopted by its City Council in 2019 after years of interest in revitalizing the area. The plan reimagined the downtown core of Celina with an improved central square, new development, preserved historic structures and walkable corridors.
The project entails the construction of a 115,000-sq.-ft. facility and a parking garage to improve access and convenience for residents and visitors. The scope also involves infrastructure upgrades.
Swinerton is serving as the general contractor for the project.
"Swinerton is honored to partner with the city of Celina to bring this transformative project to life," said Tyler Whittaker, Dallas division manager and vice president of Swinerton. "The Downtown Center and parking garage will be pivotal in supporting Celina's continued growth and evolution."
The project's design team of KED, Kimley-Horn and DBR worked collaboratively with Swinerton on all aspects of the development. Design costs totaled $8 million. Funding is primarily sourced from certificates of obligation bonds.
The first phase, which was completed in September, comprised a 25,000-sq.-ft. parking garage to accommodate 400 cars. It is on schedule to open in October.
Major stages of the project included the installation of spandrel walls and overhead conduit, the removal of reshore components and the placement of concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls.
The interior work comprised framing and drywall installation in the first-floor electrical rooms and ductwork installation throughout the first floor.
Final touches included the brick installation on the west elevation of the structure, the installation of handrails, permanent power being turned on and elevator installation.
The second phase has now begun. This portion involves a 115,000-sq.ft. Downtown Center, which will include a 26,200-sq.-ft. library and rooftop gathering area. The surrounding alley will be developed into a green space for community use.
Downtown Center also will serve as home to the city's municipal workforce for the near term; there are plans to construct a new City Hall in the next decade. The Center is expected to open in the winter of 2026.
Both the parking garage and the Downtown Center are designed as cast-in-place concrete structures, fully clad in masonry to conform to the architectural style of the area.
The garage features a masonry exterior that blends with the structure. The garage's elevator lobby aligns directly with the atrium of the soon-to-be-built Downtown Center and will serve as a bridge between the parking garage and the center.
Downtown Center will feature a mass timber atrium stair component, enhancing the project's architectural character.
Crews have commenced early-stage work on the Downtown Center complex. The initial portions of the Downtown Center work have primarily involved excavation and shoring.
Construction teams have begun forming and pouring walls for the facility and have undertaken ramp repairs. Waterproofing work in the elevator pits is ongoing, and a subsoil drainage system is proceeding on schedule.
Concurrent with this work, demolition on the south side of North Arizona Drive is progressing, and construction of the North Colorado Street approach is well under way, launching the next phase of downtown development.
"The new parking garage and Downtown Center are critical components of our long-term vision for Downtown Celina," Mayor Ryan Tubbs said. "Together, these facilities will meet the needs of our rapidly growing community and create a thriving activity hub where residents and visitors can connect, engage, and contribute to the city's future."
"Our downtown area is continually evolving to meet the needs of our growing community," City Manager Robert Ranc said. "This project is a testament to our commitment to thoughtful, strategic development that enhances the character of Celina while creating new opportunities and visitors to connect and engage in the heart of the City."
Anthony Satarino, the executive director of the Celina Economic Development Corp., said the project was a community investment, more than just a building.
"This project will anchor downtown as a vibrant destination for business, entertainment and civic life, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs while attracting new visitors and investment," he said. "The economic impact extends far beyond the immediate area, strengthening our tax base, supporting job growth and reinforcing Celina's identity as one of the fastest-growing and most-dynamic communities in North Texas." CEG
(All photos courtesy of the city of Celina, Texas.)
