One Billion Dollar Plan to Bring an Old Texas Mall Back From the Dead

 The Plano City Council’s voted to grant final approval to bring Collin Creek Mall back from the dead. Retail stores and customers have been abandoning the mall for years now, but a one billion dollar plan has finally been approved for Centurion American Development Group to redevelop the space into a mixed-use project with housing, entertainment and offices.

I grew up going to Collin Creek Mall. I remember throwing coins into the fountains, riding the train around in circles, and leaning against the flimsy white banisters on the second floor by the food court like a daredevil. But it was riding the glass elevator that let you look out at everyone as you were riding up or down that was probably my favorite part.

I remember the place when each entrance had a picture of a different animal to help you remember where you had parked instead of the boring numbers it has now. Whenever I read a story that includes a mall, this is what I envision. The mall is a symbol of my childhood, but I will not be sad to see it go.

It’s time for a change and Plano has got a pretty exciting plan in store for the 100-acre project. The redevelopment is set to include a Crystal Lagoon water feature, stores and entertainment venues, and a luxury hotel.

The lagoon will be 1.5 acres and restaurant patios will back up to it. It’s being built instead of uncovering an existing creek that runs through tunnels under the mall, according to Centurion CEO Mehrdad Moayedi. There will also be 2,300 apartments, houses and senior living units, as well as nine acres of parks and 1.6 miles of hiking trails.

The anchor stores of the mall will be demolished and the renovated mall building will house boutiques and businesses geared around the new residential component, including a grocery store.

Talk of a redo of the 37-year-old mall began in 2005. But now in 2019, Collin Creek will finally be partially demolished, with construction starting later this summer. This will make way for the first phase of the project, which includes retail, residential and hotel construction. And, eventually, an entirely new look to South Plano.