On February 12, 2024, the Plano City Council approved redevelopment plans for the Shops at Willow Bend, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated transformation from Dallas-based developer Centennial.
According to Centennial, to match the new identity for the future of the project, the updated plans will incorporate the renaming and reimagining of the destination as 'The Bend.'
Centennial plans to demolish 530,000 square feet of the mall to make way for 965 apartments, an 18-story hotel and a seven-story office building. As Local Profile previously reported, in September 2023, renderings were released during an open house and received positive feedback at the time.
The remaining 400,000 square feet of the mall, called The District, will remain in addition to three “anchor stores,” restaurant areas and parking structures. Dillard’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, The Crayola Experience and the North Texas Performing Arts will continue to be included in the redevelopment plans.
“We bought this project because it has the potential to be one of the most dynamic, exceptional community-based retail, restaurant, entertainment shopping destinations in Dallas-Fort Worth and the best in Plano,” Centennial CEO and founder Steve Levin said during the council meeting. “I absolutely believe that.”
The 6-2 council vote took place approximately a month after Plano Planning and Zoning approved the rezoning of the mall. In opposition were councilmembers Anthony Ricciardelli and Shelby Williams, citing apprehension about the planned apartments — a concern mirrored by numerous residents at the city council meeting. Levin explained that they are “open to and in favor of” exploring additional residential variations.
Several residents and business owners also spoke in support of the redevelopment, which Lebin said would bring traffic to the area seven days a week.
"I have 35 employees at Knife as do the other three restaurants in the district. It’s been tough,” said George Stergios, owner of Knife Steakhouse. “And without this development being developed as proposed, there’s no way we can stay and no way we can continue.”
Construction for the project could begin as soon as next year.