A Game-Changer for Downtown Celina: The New Parking Garage
- Ron Lyons
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
By Ron Lyons, Celina Real Estate Professional & Founder of The Best of Celina
The Downtown Celina Parking Garage Is Coming!
If you’ve spent any time on the downtown square in Celina, Texas, you already know one of our community’s biggest challenges: parking. On weekends, special events, or even busy weeknights, the square fills quickly. Many of us have circled the block more times than we’d like to admit, hoping for that one spot to open up. As a Realtor who has lived and worked in Celina for decades, I can tell you firsthand: parking has been a limiting factor in downtown’s growth.
Now, change is on the horizon. The City of Celina has officially broken ground on a new four-story parking garage, the first phase of the ambitious Downtown Center project. This isn’t just another construction project—it’s a turning point for how our city manages growth and supports the heart of our community.
What’s Being Built
The garage will rise near Pecan Street and Arizona Drive, just steps from the historic square. When complete, it will feature:
Four levels of parking with nearly 400 spaces (about 25,202 sq ft)
Oversized stalls on the first floor for larger trucks—because Celina drivers don’t all roll in compact cars
Conduits for future EV chargers (chargers to be installed later)
An off-site library book drop for convenience
Masonry exterior designed to complement the historic charm of the square
An elevator lobby lined up with the future Downtown Center atrium
This garage isn’t just functional—it’s intentionally designed to blend with downtown’s aesthetic and prepare for future needs.
Who’s Building It
The City of Celina selected Swinerton as the construction manager-at-risk. Their track record includes large, community-focused projects across Texas, and they’ve already mobilized crews downtown.
Recent progress updates show structural steel in place, mechanical/electrical/plumbing trades working, elevator installation underway, and brickwork being added to the east side. The City has consistently reported that the project remains on schedule.
The Price Tag and How It’s Funded
Here’s where it gets especially interesting:
The guaranteed maximum price for the garage is $19.3 million, approved in September 2024.
The garage is part of the larger Downtown Center program, which carries a total budget of $94 million.
Funding sources include:
$73M in bonds
$3M in non-bond city funds
$4M in park funds
$1.5M in art funds
$12.5M in 2025 bond funds
According to City Manager Robert Ranc, the city is financing through Certificates of Obligation (CO) bonds. In his words: “We funded it through Certificate of Obligation bonds, and $94 million is the budget.”
Why It Matters for Downtown Growth
From my perspective as both a Celina business owner and real estate professional, parking has long been a pain point. I’ve spoken with potential investors and entrepreneurs who love the idea of opening a shop or restaurant downtown—but hesitate because customers might not find a place to park.
This garage could change that.
Accessibility: With nearly 400 new spaces, visitors will have a much easier time spending an afternoon or evening downtown.
Event relief: From Cajun Fest to Homecoming parades, downtown events bring thousands of people. Parking often pushes guests far beyond walkable distances. This project will ease that burden.
Business growth: More reliable parking means more people willing to stay and shop, dine, and enjoy the square.
The Downtown Center Connection
The parking garage is just the first step in a much larger plan. The 115,245 sq ft Downtown Center will eventually house:
A new, larger Celina Public Library
City offices
Rooftop community space with skyline views
A garden-like reimagined alley to connect spaces
The garage ensures that by the time the Downtown Center opens, the infrastructure is ready to support it.
What City Leaders Are Saying
A few highlights from recent meetings and announcements:
Mayor Ryan Tubbs: “The new parking garage and Downtown Center are critical components of our long-term vision for downtown Celina… These facilities will meet the needs of our rapidly growing community and create a thriving activity hub.”
Mayor Tubbs (on finishes): “This is a 50–100-year building… I hate to have such a big beautiful building and then cheap out on the finishes.”
Assistant City Manager Kim Brawner: Emphasized features like oversized truck stalls, EV readiness, and the library drop-off during the council meeting.
Timeline
Groundbreaking: October 15, 2024
Target opening: October 2025
As of the most recent updates, construction is progressing on schedule.
What This Means for Celina Real Estate
As someone who helps people buy, sell, and invest in Celina real estate, I can’t overstate how important this project is. Strong downtown infrastructure drives value across the city. When the core thrives, the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses, and property values follow.
This parking garage—while not glamorous in itself—represents Celina’s commitment to sustainable growth. It tells prospective residents, business owners, and investors: We’re building for the future.
For those of us who have watched Celina grow from a small town to one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, this is more than concrete and steel. It’s a statement about who we are and where we’re going.
Final Thoughts
The new downtown parking garage is a vital piece of Celina’s puzzle. It tackles a real challenge—parking—that has frustrated residents and limited growth. By tying it directly into the Downtown Center, the city is ensuring that Celina’s downtown square continues to thrive as both a destination and the heartbeat of our community.
As always, I’ll keep sharing updates through The Best of Celina and my real estate blog. Because in Celina, every new development isn’t just about buildings—it’s about the future we’re creating together.
— Ron LyonsCelina Real Estate Professional | Founder, The Best of Celina
214-783-5440