Frisco Council approves Universal hotel facade plan; developer to work with neighbors on mural visibility

Frisco City Council on June 17 approved a facade plan for the Midtown East hotel associated with the Universal resort project, voting 6-0 to accept revised mural designs and other facade elements. The hotel is located at the northeast corner of Dallas Parkway and Panther Creek Parkway within Planned Development 280.

The applicant had previously redacted mural art while protecting intellectual property; representatives told council they have now released the designs. A presenter said the murals were made "very artistic" and that the color palette had been "slightly toned down" after feedback from neighbors and council. "It's meant to be, again, a fun place that blends in with the feel and the texture of the resort itself," the presenter said.

Staff said the facade submittal complies with the signed SUP and approved ordinance and that the back two facades that face the park will remain as previously approved. Representatives said they will work with nearby residents and a member of the development team to adjust front‑facing panels as needed to address visibility and neighborhood concerns. City staff also described a site‑view study staff and the applicant completed to evaluate what residents would see from nearby properties and committed to screening rooftop elements to reduce visual impact.

Council asked about construction timing; the applicant said work was on schedule and that crews might be increased to meet the city's deadlines. After brief questions from council, a motion to approve the facade plan was made by Councilmember Bill Woodard, seconded by Tammy Miner Shagan, and passed 6-0.