Bridge Street Town Centre Breaks Ground in McKinney

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. October 14, 2008

FEBRUARY 29, 2008. O&S Holdings, LLC, and the McKinney Economic Development Corporation break ground on Phase I of Bridge Street Town Centre at 10 a.m. on Feb. 28 at the northeast corner of US 75 and SH 121. Phase I of the development consists of the five-story, 221-room Westin McKinney; the 43,000-square-foot McKinney Convention Center; and the Collin College (formerly Collin Community College) Higher Education Center.

"We've spent a good deal of time envisioning a development as unique as McKinney and this groundbreaking is the first step toward turning that vision into a reality," said Mayor Pro Tem Thad Helsley. "Partnering with Starwood Hotels, Collin College and O&S Holdings has enabled us to create a first-class development that will greet people as they enter McKinney from Central Expressway and the 121 tollway project. I think this hotel conference center is going to second-to-none in Collin County."

The Westin will be McKinney's first-full service hotel and will include a 6,000 square-foot Heavenly Spa(R) by Westin, concierge service, indoor and outdoor pools and the full range of the Westin brand's refreshing signature amenities. The soothing Westin Sensory Welcome will blend sensory elements such as white tea scent, music, botanicals and mood lighting to create a memorable first impression upon entering the hotel and set the tone for a relaxing stay.

"The Westin McKinney will create a restful, refreshing and memorable experience for visitors to McKinney as part of this exciting new lifestyle center," said Sue Brush, Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts. "Every aspect of the sensory-rich environment at Westin is designed to ease the stress associated with travel, while helping guests feel at their best."

The hotel's guest rooms will ensure a good night's sleep with the luxurious Westin Heavenly Bed(R), while the Heavenly Bath(R) will thoroughly restore mind and body, pampering guests with a selection of indulgent spa amenities. Rooms will also be equipped with updated technology, flat-screen televisions and well-designed, spacious work areas. In the evening, Unwind - A Westin Evening Ritual will transform the hotel lobby into a gathering spot, where visitors will be invited to sip a cocktail, sample regional specialties or partake in activities such as wine tastings and massage clinics.

The Westin McKinney will be located on Gateway Boulevard, which will be accessible from the east frontage road of U.S. 75. Gateway Boulevard will also include a bridge over a small lake in front of the Westin Hotel. Evoking feelings of peace and tranquility, the site will include numerous water features, including waterfalls and water fountains.

"We're happy to be breaking ground on what is going to be a really wonderful project at this site," said O&S Holdings Vice President of Acquisitions Chris Shane. "The Westin McKinney will be one of the nicest hotels in the region, the conference center facility will be world-class and the college facility really makes this project unlike any others."

"This is a significant development for the City of McKinney as we believe a business-class hotel and conference center will play key roles to our continued economic development," said MEDC President and CEO David Pitstick. "There will be a lot of synergy between the three initial properties at this site. Collin College's involvement was essential and really this development sets it apart."

The inclusion of Collin College's Higher Education Center differentiates Bridge Street from other area developments. The college will partner with universities to offer junior- and senior-level college courses, as well as graduate degree programs at the new Collin Higher Education Center. The new campus will house selected administrative departments now located at the Courtyard Center in southwest Plano.

"The concept will encourage students to complete an associate degree at Collin College and complete university bachelor's or master's degrees without leaving Collin County," said Collin College President Dr. Cary Israel.

Israel said the campus is targeted for opening in fall of 2009 with the first baccalaureate and graduate classes in spring 2010. The facility will be approximately 125,000 square feet with 50,000 square feet dedicated to the Higher Education Center.