Abilene is expected to see several new developments in 2026, bringing changes to downtown spaces, new dining and retail options and expanded flight access.

Downtown updates

One of the major downtown projects is the Cypress Street Pedestrian Plaza, located between North First and North Second streets. The plaza will include green space, shaded pavilions and a water feature, and is expected to host events such as markets, live music and community gatherings.

New businesses are also opening nearby, including Scenic Route Cafe, an art-focused café that will offer both food and creative activities, adding to the area’s mix of local businesses and attractions.

Dining and retail additions

Several dining and retail locations are also planned across the city. The Angry Cactus West Texas Bar & Grill is expected to open a new location in the SoDA District. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has filed permits to build a new location near Ridgemont Drive, with construction scheduled to begin in May 2026 and finish by December.

Additional retail development includes Bass Pro Shops, which is projected to open along Interstate 20 in early 2027 to serve shoppers.

Other developments

New public and educational spaces are also in development. The Spark Science Center, an extension of The Grace Museum, will feature interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics for visitors.

Abilene Heritage Square is scheduled to open in May 2026 and will include a public library, event space and a coffee shop. The Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden will also expand, with a second phase set to open in June during the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival.

Transportation and infrastructure are also expanding. Flight options at Abilene Regional Airport are expected to grow, with new nonstop routes to Denver, Houston and Phoenix planned in addition to existing service to Dallas for travelers.

Stargate, a roughly $500 billion AI data center project currently under construction outside Abilene, is part of a national AI infrastructure effort backed by OpenAI and Oracle and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In a press release, city officials said projects like these, along with continued retail and infrastructure expansion, are part of broader efforts to support population growth and economic development in Abilene.