\u201cPlano is known to be attractive to national and international corporations, and we are home to numerous iconic brands,\u201d Plano Director of Media Relations Amanda McNew told Local Profile. \u201cDue to the strong interest in Plano and competition within the region, we do not publicly comment on speculation or economic development projects until they are brought to council for formal adoption.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the Stars first took the ice at American Airlines Center in 2001, they shared the arena with the Dallas Mavericks, a partnership that has lasted more than two decades. But as both teams\u2019 leases approach expiration, the Stars are looking ahead to a future home of their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Dallas Stars are continually evaluating all options for the home of our franchise in North Texas,\u201d a Stars spokesperson previously told<\/a> Local Profile.\u00a0<\/p>\n From Luxury Shopping To Empty Storefronts<\/p>\n The 1.4-million-square-foot Shops at Willow Bend opened in 2001 as Texas\u2019 last enclosed mall and a long-awaited destination for Collin County shoppers. With high-end anchors like Neiman Marcus, Foley\u2019s, Dillard\u2019s and Lord & Taylor, the $200 million project was positioned as a new retail hub. But its timing couldn\u2019t have been worse, opening just weeks before the September 11 attacks, which led to a nationwide economic downturn.<\/p>\n Despite multiple ownership changes and millions spent on redevelopment, Willow Bend never found its footing<\/a>. A 2014 purchase by Starwood Retail Partners brought plans for a $100 million makeover and new restaurants like Knife Steakhouse<\/a> and Mexican Bar Co. But by 2020, the company defaulted on loan payments and halted further upgrades. The property eventually transferred to lenders, and by 2022, occupancy fell below 70%, about the same level as when it opened.<\/p>\n Reinventing Willow Bend<\/p>\n Centennial Real Estate acquired the property<\/a> in 2022 and secured city approval for a sweeping redevelopment plan called The Bend<\/a>. The proposal calls for demolishing over 500,000 square feet of existing retail space to make way for a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring apartments, offices, green space and new retail.<\/p>\n Originally, core anchors like Dillard\u2019s, Macy\u2019s and Neiman Marcus were slated to remain, but Macy\u2019s announced its closure in 2024, with Neiman Marcus set to follow<\/a>. The latest version of The Bend still includes nearly 1,000 apartments but reconfigures the layout to encourage walkability, and now, perhaps, to make room for a new hockey arena.<\/p>\n Timing the Move<\/p>\n The Dallas Morning News reports that the Stars are seeking at least 75 acres for their new complex, including the arena and surrounding development. If they choose Plano, a decision could come within six to eight months, allowing construction to begin by 2028 or 2029 \u2014 just in time for the 2031\u201332 NHL season.<\/p>\n Whether or not the deal moves forward, the potential partnership between the Dallas Stars and Plano could signal a major turning point for both the team and the long-troubled mall. What once stood as a symbol of Collin County\u2019s retail ambitions may soon find new life, this time with cheering hockey fans replacing the mall\u2019s traditional pastime of leisurely strolls and window shopping.<\/p>\n![\"screen-shot-2025-02-04-at-13158-pm\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-02-04-at-13158-pm.png;w=960.png\"\/)
\nPhoto: Centennial
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