After eight years as a colorful family destination inside The Shops at Willow Bend, the Crayola Experience in Plano has officially closed, marking another turning point for a mall already undergoing significant change.<\/p>\n
The attraction, operated under license by Brite Management\/BrightColors LLC, ceased operations following a turbulent final stretch that reflected broader uncertainty surrounding the property\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
A Sudden Closure<\/p>\n
The shutdown followed a temporary closure<\/a> that began in early February, when the mall\u2019s landlord posted a notice citing delinquent rent and changed the attraction\u2019s locks on Feb. 7. Roughly a month later, the venue briefly reopened for several days<\/a> before closing again, this time permanently.<\/p>\n \u201cCrayola understands the closure is disappointing and frustrating to those in the Plano area who have enjoyed visiting Crayola Experience for the past eight years and those who have planned future events and visits,\u201d a spokesperson for Crayola told Local Profile.<\/p>\n The company said it plans to work directly with guests affected by the closure, including those with scheduled parties, annual passes, tickets or gift cards. Customers seeking assistance are encouraged to visit www.crayolaexperience.com\/plano<\/a>.<\/p>\n Despite the Plano location\u2019s closure, the brand emphasized its continued investment in experiential entertainment.<\/p>\n \u201cWe remain committed to our location-based entertainment growth strategy. Crayola Experience is key to that strategy and an important representation of the Crayola brand as a family destination for interactive play that brings color and creativity to life,\u201d said Rick Stringer, EVP, consumer experience.<\/p>\n A Mall In Transition<\/p>\n The closure comes amid a long period of transition<\/a> for The Shops at Willow Bend. When the mall opened in 2001, it carried the distinction of being the last traditional enclosed mall built in Texas. However, its debut coincided with economic uncertainty following the Sept. 11 attacks, which slowed consumer spending almost immediately.<\/p>\n In recent years, several major anchors have exited or announced departures, including Dillard\u2019s<\/a>, Macy\u2019s and Neiman Marcus<\/a>, accelerating discussions about the property\u2019s long-term future.<\/p>\n The Bend: A New Vision<\/p>\n Mall owner Centennial has proposed a sweeping redevelopment intended to reimagine the site as a mixed-use district known as The Bend<\/a>.<\/p>\n Plans call for demolishing large portions of the existing enclosed mall and replacing them with an open-air environment centered on walkable streets and public gathering spaces. The proposal includes new retail and restaurant concepts, entertainment venues, residential apartments, a hotel, a seven-story office building and expanded green space.<\/p>\n Arena Speculation Adds Another Layer<\/p>\n At the same time redevelopment plans are taking shape, The Shops at Willow Bend has also emerged as a possible location for something even larger: a new arena for the Dallas Stars<\/a>.<\/p>\n The NHL franchise\u2019s lease at American Airlines Center runs through 2031, and the team has been exploring long-term options for a new venue that could provide additional revenue opportunities.<\/p>\n In late February, Dallas City Council member Chad West told WFAA<\/a> that the city of Plano submitted a letter of intent<\/a> to the team regarding a potential arena project. Plano officials have since clarified that no formal offer has been made.<\/p>\n City leaders have confirmed, however, that discussions with the Dallas Stars have been ongoing for roughly a year about the possibility of an arena and entertainment district at the Willow Bend site. For now, any potential deal remains speculative.<\/p>\n As redevelopment discussions continue \u2014 alongside ongoing talks involving the Dallas Stars organization \u2014 the closure of Crayola Experience represents another visible sign that Willow Bend\u2019s next chapter is already underway.<\/p>\n