The Plano council will review a significant renovation proposal for the “inactive” Shops at Willow Bend

Members of the Plano City Council are set to review a proposed zoning change aimed at facilitating a significant transformation of The Shops at Willow Bend.

Located at the southwest corner of the Dallas North Tollway and Park Lane, the shopping mall has faced challenges in recent years.

The proposed zoning modification would permit the demolition of over 500,000 square feet of the existing mall structure. In its place, an open-air shopping center is planned, featuring a streetscape reminiscent of Legacy West, located a few exits north on the tollway. Additionally, the redevelopment project includes plans for 965 apartments, an 18-story hotel, and office space.

Centennial, the mall’s new owner based in Dallas, reports that The Shops at Willow Bend has seen the departure of 28 national retailers since 2020.

Last month, the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously endorsed the proposed zoning change.

Commissioner Bennett Ratliff views the change as an opportunity for the “redevelopment of a key area to replace a failing mall.”

Commissioner Bill Lisle expressed optimism, stating that the initiative “takes a dead mall and gives it a chance of being a relevant, contributing, vibrant destination in the City of Plano for years to come.”