Celina’s mayor, Ryan Tubbs, announced that the city has approved a $7.5 million private‑investment plan to breathe new life into two underused downtown sites. The economic development agreement with Celina Real Estate, LLC will transform the corner of Ohio and Walnut streets and the historic Mayer Building on Pecan Street, creating new restaurant, retail and office space for residents and visitors.
New Commercial Building on Ohio Street
The 102 N. Ohio St. property will be rebuilt as a two‑story commercial building of roughly 12,400 sq ft. Of that, about 7,200 sq ft will be dedicated to retail and restaurant use, while the remaining 5,200 sq ft will house office tenants. The design calls for a historic‑style façade that echoes the former gas station that once stood on the lot, reinforcing Celina’s sense of place.
Historic Mayer Building to Host a Restaurant
The Mayer Building at 313 W. Pecan St., a longtime downtown landmark, will receive a $1.5 million renovation. The project will create at least 5,000 sq ft of restaurant space within the existing structure, returning a previously idle building to active commercial use.
Economic Incentives Tied to Private Investment
Both projects qualify for up to $2.3 million in Chapter 380 incentives, which are paid only after verified construction milestones are met. The Ohio Street development can receive an incentive equal to 25 % of its verified capital outlay, capped at $1.5 million. The Mayer Building project is eligible for an $800,000 incentive once the required investment threshold is confirmed. Funding will flow through Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 11 (TIRZ #11).
Timeline and Community Impact
Construction on the Mayer Building must begin by Jan. 1 2028 and be completed by June 1 2029. Work on the Ohio Street site must start by Oct. 1 2028 with a finish date of March 1 2030. Mayor Tubbs emphasized that “downtown is the heart and soul of Celina,” and that the partnership “creates new opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors while strengthening downtown for generations to come.”
Anthony Satarino, president of the Celina Economic Development Corporation, called the plan “exactly the type of strategic reinvestment that helps Downtown Celina remain economically active, welcoming and distinctive.” He added that the added dining, retail and office options will give people more reasons to spend time in the downtown square, generating economic activity that supports the broader business community.
Why This Matters for Celina Families
The revitalization aligns with the city’s commitment to preserving a vibrant, family‑friendly downtown where parents can shop, dine and work close to home. By converting underused properties into productive spaces, the city safeguards the character that makes Celina special while fostering job growth and tax revenue for essential services.
Local officials and business leaders see the project as a model of public‑private partnership that respects taxpayers, leverages private capital, and delivers tangible benefits without expanding the tax burden. The use of Chapter 380 incentives ensures that public funds are released only after the developer demonstrates real progress, protecting the community’s investment.
Celina’s downtown renewal is a clear example of how thoughtful development can honor a town’s heritage, support traditional families, and promote economic liberty for entrepreneurs and workers alike.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
