Celina approves potential $3.05M incentives for Trackside Junction

Celina City Council voted 5-2 on July 14, 2026, to approve an economic development agreement for Trackside Junction, a proposed mixed-use project at 111 W. Pecan St. The development would replace a city-owned surface parking lot in downtown Celina with two buildings containing retail, restaurant, office, event and residential space.

The agreement with Nack Development could provide up to $3.05 million in combined incentives. The project is associated with approximately $15 million in private investment, according to the City of Celina and Celina Economic Development Corporation.

What Trackside Junction would include

Plans call for a four-story building of about 40,000 square feet and a three-story building of about 15,000 square feet. The first building would include retail and restaurant space on the ground floor, with coworking office and event space above. The second building would include additional retail and restaurant space plus five residential units.

The proposal also includes parking on the project property, a two-car garage for each residential unit and an additional public parking lot across the street at 202 N. Louisiana Drive. Nack Development would build 18 parking spaces on the project site, while the city would lease property for the Louisiana Drive parking lot.

Parking was a concern for the two council members who voted against the agreement. Community Impact reported that council members Shea Scott and Shane Lambert supported the broader development but wanted more discussion about the Louisiana Drive parking component.

How the potential incentive package works

The $3.05 million figure is not an unconditional cash payment. The package combines several forms of public support: the city would sell the 111 W. Pecan St. property, valued at about $1 million, to the developer for $1; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 11 would provide a $1.7 million grant; and the Celina Economic Development Corporation would provide a $350,000 grant.

The city’s announcement describes TIRZ No. 11 as a way to reinvest a portion of future property-tax value created by new development into downtown improvements. Trackside Junction would be the first significant use of the zone’s funds to directly support a specific development, according to the announcement.

Deadlines and conditions residents should watch

The agreement includes performance requirements tied to the incentives. Nack Development is expected to invest at least $15 million, break ground by the first quarter of 2027 and complete both buildings by the second quarter of 2028. Those are targeted milestones, not guarantees that construction will occur on that schedule.

The proposal also calls for a flashing crosswalk across Louisiana Drive at Pecan Street, subject to approval from the Texas Department of Transportation. If the developer does not meet specified milestones, ownership of the property could revert to the city. The grants are also tied to performance indicators, so the project’s progress—not just the council vote—will determine how the public support is ultimately delivered.

For residents, downtown businesses and commuters, the next questions are whether the project reaches construction, how the parking plan is finalized and whether the developer meets the investment and timing requirements. The July 14 vote advances Trackside Junction, but the project remains proposed rather than completed.

Sources

• Community Impact: Celina council approves incentive package for downtown mixed-use development
• City of Celina and Celina EDC Trackside Junction announcement