Prosper Trail Mix - August 18, 2025

Steakhouse + somersaults — Prosper’s got range. J. Alexander’s is finishing up its $4.1M steakhouse at Hwy 380 & Preston, promising date-night filets by month’s end. Meanwhile, The Little Gym is flipping a Coit Rd. storefront into a kid-powered gymnastics zone, set to open October 1. Parents get martinis, kids get monkey bars — balance achieved.

Fine dining in an old downtown favorite – 1902 is nearly ready. A swanky new restaurant called 1902 Prosper is moving into the former Prosper Wine House on Broadway Street. Helmed by a chef with serious chops, it promises wood-fired steaks, house-made pasta and a cozy speakeasy upstairs. Extensive renovations are wrapping up, and owners say they’re aiming to open by the end of summer.

Town Council calls a $192.3 million bond election with no tax increase. At an August 12 meeting, Prosper’s council voted to put a $192.3 million bond package on the November  4 ballot, increasing the amount from $183.8 million. The largest chunk — $92.8 million — goes toward street improvements, while $34.2 million funds a new library, $29 million builds a police headquarters, $24 million improves parks and recreation, $10 million constructs a public works and parks service center, and $2.3 million upgrades downtown. Because of rising property values, officials say the bond will not increase the town’s property‑tax rate. Translation: shinier town, same bill.

Two major housing proposals run into zoning headwinds. On August 12 the Planning & Zoning Commission denied a rezoning request for the 373.5‑acre Prosper Oaks development that would add 800 homes; commissioners objected to 55‑foot‑wide lots and density on the west tract and recommended further study. The same week, the commission unanimously opposed amendments to Gates of Prosper’s Phase 3 that would allow 600 multi‑family units and 150 single‑family homes on 55‑foot lots. While commissioners praised the developer’s vision for a lifestyle center, they said lot sizes and traffic impacts were not addressed. Both proposals now move to the August  26 Town Council meeting for final consideration - expect more fireworks than a July 4th HOA show.. 

Chamber board meeting kicks off the week. The Prosper Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meets Aug. 18 from 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Prosper EDC offices (121 W. Broadway). Members and guests are invited to hear updates on the chamber’s work and connect with fellow business leaders. If you’re curious about what the chamber actually does, drop in — registration is free.

This week’s power lunch: customer service secrets from Prosper’s coffee, chicken, and car gurus. On Aug. 19 (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.), the Ladies in Leadership luncheon at Longo Toyota (2100 W. University Dr.) features a panel discussion with owners of 1418 Coffee, Chick‑fil‑A at Windsong Ranch and Christian Brothers Automotive. Tickets include lunch; it’s $20 for chamber members and $30 for non‑members. Expect tips on building a service‑first culture plus ample networking time. 

Bingo on Broadway raises funds for grandparents raising grandchildren. Prosper’s rooftop bar Black Hawk Brewery hosts a monthly bingo night August 19 from 6:30–9 p.m. to benefit Grand Love Texas. For $36 you get six bingo cards or upgrade to nine cards for $50, with proceeds funding school trips, after‑school programs and groceries for grandfamilies. Beer tastes better when its for charity. 

Walmart is plotting to airdrop your milk at 70 mph — Prosper might become a test zone for grocery drones. Town officials have been chatting with drone delivery company Zipline about launching Walmart orders via airmail. At a recent work session, they heard how drones could whisk your milk and eggs from the Gates of Prosper Walmart to your doorstep at 70 mph – no traffic jams, no tipping the driver. Staff is drafting rules to allow a test run, likely limited to Walmart for now. It’s early stages, but in a year or two you might see little buzzing couriers overhead (no word on if they play the Jetsons theme song in flight).

Prosper’s new holiday tradition might be bulk buying: Costco opens in Celina December 1. The warehouse giant is building at Ownsby Pkwy and Preston. That’s a short hop for Prosper folks craving 5-gallon ketchup or a year’s supply of paper towels. It’s part of a larger mixed-use project (even a Lowe’s next door), so mark your calendar for a one-stop holiday stock-up.

National Night Out is back in October — so start recruiting your block’s best grill master now. Prosper is gearing up for National Night Out 2025, which will take place in early October. It’s all about neighbors meeting neighbors: think cookouts, cul-de-sac gatherings, and kids climbing all over police and fire trucks (with first responders happily on hand). The town is already encouraging neighborhoods to organize events, so now’s a good time to rally your HOA or group chat and plan something. Nothing says community like folding chairs in a driveway, a platter of cookies, and that one guy manning the grill for everyone.