Downtown McKinney, Texas, est. 1848
Historic Downtown McKinney from the air
Open a business downtown · Where every business tells a story

A historic downtown
with modern
opportunity

Downtown McKinney blends rich history with modern energy, creating a unique environment where local businesses can flourish. One of Texas's most well-preserved historic districts — walkable, vibrant, and highly visible.

200+ Independent businesses
4.3M Annual visits to the district
$5.9M Awarded in grants & incentives
28+ Event weekends a year
Why here

What makes Downtown McKinney unique?

Downtown McKinney offers an authentic experience unlike suburban retail centers. With its magnetic charm and steady foot traffic, it's become a go-to destination for residents, tourists, and entrepreneurs seeking a location that stands out and delivers.

200+ Independent businesses. One of the highest concentrations of small businesses in the state of Texas.
01 A thriving mix. Independent retailers, culinary hotspots, chef-driven restaurants, and unique boutiques.
02 The city's cultural hub. Live music, arts, and vibrant cultural events year-round.
1869 Well-preserved historic buildings dating back to 1869 — and still doing business.
Shoppers on the historic square
Since 1869 The oldest storefronts on the square are still open for business.
Retail landscape

Prime business location at a glance

Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, McKinney offers a warm community atmosphere — and a trade area that keeps growing with it. Thirty miles up U.S. 75 from Dallas, and a world away from a strip center.

  • 120,000+ sq. ft. of restaurant and retail space
  • 200+ ground-level small businesses spanning retail, dining, and entertainment
  • Year-round foot traffic from residents, professionals, and visitors
  • Easy highway access from U.S. 75, U.S. 380, and S.H. 5
A growing, prosperous customer base
560K+ Estimated retail trade area population
$176,571 Average household income
37.6 Median age in trade area
$4.3B 2023 retail sales
$6.7B 2024 est. retail demand
$7.5B 2029 est. potential retail demand
Visitor snapshot

Year-round foot traffic, reliable customers

Downtown McKinney is an active shopping, dining, and event destination with strong and consistent foot traffic from residents, visitors, and professionals.

Visitor insights and data provided by Placer.ai
14,500 Average daily visitors
101,500+ Unique weekly visitors
4.3M Visits to the Historic Downtown Cultural District
Peak hours
Lunch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Afternoon 3 – 5 p.m.
Evening 6 – 9 p.m.
Who's on the square
Office workers Daytime visitors Casual shoppers Families Tourists Dining & nightlife crowd, boosted by events

Downtown McKinney is more than a historic district; it's a dynamic economic engine and a cherished gathering place. The city is deeply invested in its success, offering a range of resources and funding tools to support thoughtful development. We're proud to partner with business owners and entrepreneurs who share our vision of a vibrant, welcoming downtown that continues to grow and thrive.

Paul GrimesMcKinney City Manager
Downtown events

Event-driven business boosters

Downtown McKinney hosts over 28 weekends of events annually, with major festivals drawing tens of thousands of people to your front door.

The full calendar →
More annual events
Bridal Show Krewe of Barkus Asian Festival Classics on the Square Car Show Dia de los Muertos
Shopping, dining & beverage
Rise and Shop Girls Night Out Beer & Margarita Walks by SBG Margarita Stroll Valentine's Day Wine Walk Wine Walks by Lonestar Winery Coffee Crawl
Entertainment & experiences
Scavenger Hunts Parade of Lights Lonestar Circus Santa's Helpers
Funding opportunities

Incentives, grants & free support

Access real financial support to launch, grow, or enhance your presence. We've committed to helping businesses thrive, with over $5.9 million awarded in grants and incentives to downtown businesses.

City investment in downtown businesses · 2020–2025
Project Grants · support for large-scale improvements $4.18M
Retail Grants · storefronts, retail build-outs, and visibility $1.23M
Promotional Grants · marketing, events, and exposure $499,710
Up to $25,000 TIRZ property improvement reimbursements Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 · per project, $100,000 annual fund cap
  • Environmental remediation and historic façade restoration
  • Streetscape: paving, drainage, lighting, sidewalks
  • Fire suppression, accessibility, roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing
  • Incentives for mixed-income and workforce housing
Up to $50,000 Retail Infrastructure Grants McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) · 25% match
  • Business expansions and startup costs
  • Façade improvements, signage, and outdoor patios
  • Sewer, water, gas, electric, drainage, landscaping, walkways, parking
Up to $500,000 Expansion & Recruitment Grants McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Innovation Fund · high-growth, technology, and innovation-driven businesses
  • Growth Grants: up to $200,000 for early-stage startups
  • Expansion Grants: up to $500,000 for companies headquartered in McKinney
  • Recruitment Grants: up to $500,000 for relocating headquarters
Up to 45% Tax credits for restoring historic properties Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credits · income-producing properties listed in, or eligible for, the National Register
  • 25% State Tax Credit on Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses
  • 20% Federal Tax Credit on QREs
Free Design services Texas Main Street · expert design guidance to bring your vision to life
  • Custom renderings and architectural drawings
  • Color, materials, signage, and lighting recommendations
  • Historic preservation consultations for façades and storefronts
  • Code compliance, ADA, and infrastructure recommendations
Eligible? Details and requirements for every program DowntownMcKinney.com/Join →
Stakeholder stories

Real business owners. Real results.

Six owners on why they opened here — and why they stayed.

Storefronts on the square 10 years · 3 spaces · one 125-year-old building

“I opened McKinney Knittery in 2015 in a little space in a boutique mall in Downtown McKinney. I had no experience, just a desire to curate a yarn and fabric shop. The shop just celebrated 10 years in business.”

“We have outgrown 3 spaces and are currently in a 125-year-old building we renovated. The City connected me with the Texas Historical Commission for historically accurate renderings, and we received a grant to help with the cost. As a first-time business owner, I always felt part of a team. I can't imagine having my business anywhere but Historic Downtown McKinney.”

Ginger HayesMcKinney Knittery & Downtown Dry Goods
TUPPS Brewery on the east side of downtown The McKinney Grain Company, restored

“In 2021, we embarked on an ambitious journey with the city to restore and revitalize the historic McKinney Grain Company on the east side of the iconic downtown.”

“Nearly two years later, we proudly unveiled a state-of-the-art production facility, an entertainment venue, and a one-of-a-kind taproom. Visitors from across the country have come to experience our remarkable space. None of this would have been possible without the city's unwavering support. TUPPS is proud to call McKinney home!”

Keith LewisTUPPS Brewery
R

“I chose to open Rick's in Downtown McKinney because of the strong sense of community I felt every time I walked the historic square. I felt it in 2007, when we opened, and I still feel it today.”

Rick WellsRick's Chophouse & Harvest at the Masonic
N

“Anyone who experiences Downtown McKinney will be captivated by its quaint, small-town charm, making it easy to forget you're only 40 minutes from the DFW metroplex. The city team has assisted us in marketing and driving new customers to our business.”

Chef Noah HesterHamm's Meat + Market
O

“Downtown McKinney's charm is truly one of a kind. It's not just where we live — it's where The Guava Tree was meant to be. We couldn't imagine our home, or our business, anywhere else.”

Onel PerezThe Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina
K

“Downtown McKinney, with its supportive locals, thriving tourism, and vibrant small business scene, has been the perfect place for my business to grow. There's a deep-rooted culture here of showing up for the businesses that shape our city.”

Karina VelezHabitat Coffee + Plants
Connect with us

Your business advantage starts here

Connect with us to start your journey toward opening or expanding your business in Downtown McKinney. Three teams, one square — start with whichever fits.

Retail development & information McKinney Main Street
Andrew Jones
Cultural District DirectorGraham Meyers
Downtown Development Manager
Grants & marketing McKinney Community Development Corporation
Linda Jones
Grant Program & Marketing Manager
Expansion, relocation & economic incentives McKinney Economic Development Corporation
Paula Andrade Date
MEDC Project Manager
Woodblock print of the Downtown McKinney skyline