A LOCAL LANDMARK
The Forman House, which has been used as The Wooden Spoon Scandinavian Shop & Cultural Center for decades, is now for sale.
Built in 1867 and restored in 1992, the Forman House is Plano’s second-oldest surviving home and a Heritage Landmark.
The Greek Revival-style home sits on more than half an acre and includes a two-story home with a retail business on the first and second floors, two meeting rooms, full kitchen, private residence and a coach house that is currently being leased as a separate business. The home is on the market for $1,375,000.
In the meantime, The Wooden Spoon is still open for business.
IN THE ISD
PVA: Applications closed April 30 for Plano ISD’s new Plano Virtual Academy education program. The PILOT program will allow selected students to take either half or all of their classes virtually under Plano ISD teachers. Those who qualify and are selected via lottery system will be notified on May 15.
Bus bills: Plano ISD could be forced to shell out millions to ensure all school buses are equipped with three-point seat belts by September 2029 to comply with Senate Bill 546. According to reporting by our partners at KERA, 216 out of 314 school buses currently comply. Replacing the buses would cost about $16 million. Retrofitting the current ones could cost $6.6 million.
LET’S CELEBRATE
Plano Public Library recently won an award for its Work Experience Program. In the past five years, over 30 individuals with disabilities have graduated from the job-training program.
“The program has transformed staff perspectives and led to increased staff confidence, empathy, and initiative to identify ways to make library spaces and services more accessible,” said Assistant Director Cecily Ponce de Leon.
WILLOW BEND WOES
The Shops at Willow Bend is set to be torn down in the next year, leaving tenants to leave or seek temporary space. The restaurant district, parking garages, Crate & Barrel and Equinox Gym will remain operational as retail and residential components are completed first.
An update
So far, Dillard’s, Macy’s, the Crayola Experience, Neiman Marcus and North Texas Performing Arts Center have closed or announced their closure.
While dates and which stores will remain are TBD, talk of the Dallas Stars’ move to the development will surely shape discussions in the near future.
What we do know
The Bend will include retail, restaurants, entertainment venues, apartments, a hotel and a seven-story office building.
“Our goal remains to transform The Shops at Willow Bend into a vibrant, walkable destination that thoughtfully integrates retail, dining, entertainment, residential, hospitality and office use into a well-curated and compelling environment for the greater Plano community,” Executive Vice President of Mixed-Use Development at Centennial, Michael Platt, said in February.
NEW EATS
- Bojangles opened in April at 9617 Coit Road
- Pizza Twist opened in April at 7224 Independence Parkway
- Molly Tea opening is TBD at 3302 N. Central Expressway
- Tongue in Cheek opened in April at 7801 Alma Drive
