The last traditional enclosed mall built in Texas is headed for demolition, making way for a new open-air, mixed-use district.

The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, a 1.4 million-square-foot mall that opened in 2001, will be redeveloped into The Bend—a project centered on green space, retail, restaurants, residential units, office space, and a hotel. The Shops at Willow Bend is largely remembered as the last traditional mall built in Texas, according to The Dallas Morning News.

As part of the transition, businesses are being asked to move out. Most recently, The Movie Institute, a nonprofit film and media studio, has been given an Aug. 31 deadline to vacate Suite B214, as reported by Local Profile. The announcement follows $12,000 in recently completed upgrades at the business. 

In response to Chron’s request for comment Monday, Dallas-based developer Centennial Real Estate would not comment on individual lease agreements out of respect for tenant confidentiality. However, the company said demolition would begin onsite within the next 12 months. 

Centennial, in conjunction with Cawley Partners and Waterfall Asset Management, acquired The Shops at Willow Bend in 2022. At the time, the company said it had a “unique vision” for the Plano property, which was “perfectly positioned for growth.”

“This mixed-use village will bring an undeniably cosmopolitan, artistic aesthetic and an abundance of unique experiences,” Centennial wrote on its website. “A magical mix of indoor and outdoor spaces harmoniously intertwined, this unique culture and lifestyle neighborhood will be THE destination for Plano and beyond.” 

Following the demolition phase, Centennial told Chron the approach on-site would be phased, beginning with site preparation. The residential and retail components of The Bend are expected to be the first to break ground.

Some portions of The Shops at Willow Bend will remain operational throughout the demolition: the restaurant district, Crate & Barrel, Equinox and the parking garages. 

“Ownership of the full 90-acre site allows for flexibility as plans continue to evolve,” Centennial told Chron in a statement. “The project remains a mixed-use redevelopment including retail, residential, food and beverage, hotel, and office components, consistent with prior plans.”