Allen city officials and developers are moving forward on two high‑profile projects that will shape daily life for residents: a city‑wide streets and alleys rehabilitation effort and the construction of the High 5 Exchange entertainment venue.
The 2026 Streets and Alleys Rehabilitation Project, funded with $4.87 million from the city, is already under way. According to Allen Communications Manager Kristi Soto, crews are resurfacing Stanford Drive south of Ridgemont Drive, Harrison Drive west of Jupiter Road, and Bel Air Drive north of Westwood Court. The work follows a 2022 pavement condition assessment that identified deteriorated surfaces across the city. Soto said the construction is expected to be completed in March 2027.
In addition to the ongoing repairs, the city has outlined an upcoming Bethany Drive Bridge Repair Project. City documents indicate the bridge’s western end has settled pavement that could pose safety concerns if left untreated, and the project will also replace the adjacent sidewalk. No timeline or cost has been released for this bridge work.
Separately, Allen welcomed the groundbreaking of the High 5 Exchange at The Farm on August 31. The entertainment complex, announced by President and Founder Scott Emley, is planned to open along SH 121 in late 2027. Emley described the venue as a “Chick‑fil‑A of entertainment,” emphasizing a service‑focused approach. The facility will feature 16 full‑size bowling lanes, eight duckpin lanes, a laser‑tag arena, escape rooms, augmented‑reality and virtual‑reality experiences, an arcade floor, and a 36‑hole outdoor miniature‑golf course. A full bar with craft cocktails and private‑event spaces are also slated for inclusion.
Emley expects the High 5 Exchange to draw “hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.” Plano‑based real‑estate firm SLX Capital, a recent partner on the project, highlighted the collaborative effort with city leaders. “We know there’s been a tremendous amount of hard work by a lot of the people here over the last few years getting us to this point,” SLX Capital Partner Matthew Bodzy said at the ceremony.
Both projects reflect Allen’s commitment to improving infrastructure and expanding family‑friendly amenities. Residents can anticipate smoother streets and new leisure options within the next few years.
What’s next: The street‑rehab work aims for completion by March 2027, while the High 5 Exchange targets a late‑2027 opening. City officials have not yet released a start date for the Bethany Drive Bridge Repair, but it remains on the upcoming projects list.
Sources: communityimpact.com, communityimpact.com, communityimpact.com
