Plano City Council Considers Major Renovation of 'Dead' Stores in Willow Bend – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Plano City Council members will consider a proposed zoning change that would allow for a major renovation of The Shops at Willow Bend.

The shopping center, on the southwest corner of the Dallas North Tollway and Park Lane, has been struggling for years.

The proposed zoning change would allow for the demolition of more than half of the mall's existing structure — more than 500,000 square feet — and the development of an open-air shopping center, with a streetscape similar to Legacy West, a few exits north on the turnpike, 965 apartments, an 18-story hotel and office space.

According to the mall's new owner, Dallas-based Centennial, The Shops at Willow Bend has lost 28 national retailers since 2020.

Last month, Plano's Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended the proposed zoning change.

According to Commissioner Bennett Ratliff, the change would allow for the “redevelopment of a key area to replace a failing shopping center.”

Commissioner Bill Lisle went even further.

“It takes a dead mall and gives it the opportunity to become a relevant, contributing, vibrant destination in the city of Plano for years to come,” Lisle noted.