The city of McKinney is officially riding the wave into a new era of economic growth and family-focused entertainment. On June 3, the McKinney City Council approved $4 million in funding for infrastructure improvements to support the highly anticipated Cannon Beach development, a $200 million, mixed-use resort and surf destination set to break ground this year.
Upon completion, Cannon Beach is expected to give a boost to McKinney’s tourism scene and tap into the growing interest in lagoon-style developments across North Texas. The project adds to a broader trend in the region, where surf lagoons and resort-style features are becoming more common, especially in fast-growing suburbs looking to attract families and visitors.
What McKinney Is Committing To
With construction expected to begin in 2025, the McKinney City Council committed the $4 million from its 2024-25 budget to prepare the land. The money will fund key infrastructure upgrades at the project site, located at the high-traffic intersection of S.H. 121 and Stacy Road.
This funding is part of a broader partnership involving the city, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation and the McKinney Community Development Corporation. Together, they’re finalizing conceptual terms and planning to review additional agreements.
The Goal: A Destination-Defining Development
First announced in December 2024, Cannon Beach will transform a 35-acre site at the northeast corner of S.H. 121 and Stacy Road. The project is anchored by a four-acre surf lagoon and a resort-style hotel, surrounded by several restaurants, retail shops and family-friendly attractions.
At the heart of the development will be a hotel with a rooftop pool, private cabanas and event spaces for weddings and special occasions. The surf lagoon will offer wave heights ranging from 3 to 10.5 feet, along with a 17-foot cliff diving pool and a continuous wave machine. A public beach along the lagoon’s edge will be accessible to visitors.
“This project is truly transformative, answering our community’s call for more family-focused activities while positioning McKinney as a premier destination for one-of-a-kind recreational experiences,” Mayor George Fuller previously said. “Cannon Beach perfectly reflects our city’s unique spirit, seamlessly combining innovative attractions with purposeful urban planning to drive economic growth.”
Why This Matters For McKinney
Cannon Beach is expected to be a major economic engine for the city. “In addition to the tourism component of this project, Cannon Beach plans to deliver 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office space, positioning itself as a hub for top talent and innovation, from global corporations to ambitious startups,” Fuller said.
The project’s first phase is slated to open in 2026 and is projected to create over 700 local jobs. Over the next two decades, city leaders anticipate more than $2 billion in economic impact and an annual draw of roughly 300,000 visitors.
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