The city of McKinney has been busy preparing for a monumental shift as its operations move into a brand-new city hall at 401 E. Virginia St., just a short half-mile from the existing site.
While employees settle into the new space, here’s what residents can expect to see.
The new building seamlessly blends modern beauty with the rich heritage of McKinney, incorporating a design inspired by the charm of the historic downtown. Just glance out the window, and you'll spot the iconic silos with artwork by Guido van Helten.
Why McKinney Needed A New City Hall
Currently, city hall operates out of a repurposed bank building from the 1950s, alongside a development services building from the 1960s. These facilities lack the space needed to accommodate McKinney’s growing population and expanding city staff. As a result, the city leases additional office space across nine buildings, incurring an annual rent expense of $650,000.
In 2019, voters approved a $50 million bond proposition to fund the development of a Municipal Community Complex, which will include the new McKinney City Hall. This new facility, purpose-built to support McKinney’s rapidly growing population, will bring together city departments under one roof, replacing the scattered network of nine leased buildings with a centralized hub of efficiency and innovation.
What To Expect
Located at the former three-story ice house built in 1920, the new city hall boasts expanded conference rooms, a versatile event space and a significantly larger city council chamber, nearly doubling citizen seating capacity from 85 to over 150.
“This new city hall is more than a building. It’s a reflection of our community’s vision and values and stands as a symbol of progress, growth and the city’s commitment to serving its residents,” said Mayor George Fuller. “Even further, it centralizes and improves our services and serves as a catalyst for the revitalization of East McKinney.”
A Growing City
As Local Profile previously reported, in January 2024, the McKinney Planning Department recently released its population estimate, revealing nearly 215,000 residents in the city — marking a 1.6% increase since January 2023. The estimate places McKinney's population at 214,810, with a median household income of $113,286 and a workplace population of 66,851.
“You cannot underestimate the impact this modern, well-equipped space will have on employee recruitment, retention, engagement and professionalism. Hiring and retaining the best workforce allows us to provide quality city services,” said City Manager Paul Grimes. “This new city hall was built to accommodate the city’s anticipated growth, ensuring McKinney remains a vibrant, thriving community for generations to come.”
Explore City Hall
Residents will soon have the chance to experience the new facility up close, discovering how it improves city services and embodies McKinney’s dedication to its community. A grand opening celebration and guided tours are planned, with event details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
