The Shops at Willow Bend redevelopment will continue moving forward as Plano Planning and Zoning set a date for to discuss the rezoning of the property.
On Jan. 16, 2024, the planning and zoning commission will hear the case to rezone the property, which was previously tabled during the Dec. 4 meeting in order for the developer to further receive community feedback from residents living near the area. The new developers, Dallas-based Centennial, will also need to gain approval of a concept plan and an open space plan from the city.
As Local Profile previously reported, in September, renderings were released during an open house. However, the city of Plano must review the zoning changes required to add a hotel, apartments and more on the property.
Centennial purchased the mall in May 2022 with investors from Cawley Partners and Waterfall Asset Management. The company intends to decrease the retail area of the mall, introduce residential homes and construct a hotel. The mall has faced challenges in retaining business, and the reduction in retail space aims to create a higher demand.
“We’re still looking at a dominant mixed-use destination, and we’re pleased with the feedback from area residents who want to see the mall survive,” Whitney Livingston, president of Centennial, previously said. “But everyone also understands that we need to add different uses from what’s there now.”
Dillard’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, The Crayola Experience and the North Texas Performing Arts Center, will continue to be included in the redevelopment plans. Centennial is also in “active negotiations” with more than one dine-in movie theater operator to take over Willow Bend’s abandoned theater.
“The Shops at Willow Bend already has a strong mix of existing retail tenants and restaurants ... which lay a strong foundation and position the center well for future growth,” Livingston said.
