On Friday, July 26, Plano’s Collin Creek Mall got a send-off befitting Collin County’s first shopping mall.
Several thousand people returned to see their former stomping grounds, which opened in 1981 and will close for good July 31, one last time, some even wearing the same clothes popular in the 80s.
Visitors dined on free food, danced to local 80s tribute band The M80s, took photos in front of a vintage Delorean (modified to resemble the time machine in “Back to the Future”) and enjoyed a 1980s-themed costume contest.
A New Era Begins for Collin Creek Mall
One of the evening’s highlights was a short presentation by Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere and Mehrdad Moayedi, the president and CEO of Centurion American, the Farmers Branch-based developer who will redevelop the soon-to-be former mall site into Collin Creek, a mixed-use development featuring residential, restaurants and retail.
Collin Creek will feature over 500 townhomes, 3,000 apartments, 450,000 square feet of restaurants and retail shops, and 9.5 acres of parks and green space, with all parking being located underground.
Understandably, Mayor LaRosiliere is ready to get the project moving.
“This is an exciting day,” LaRosiliere said. “For years and years and years, we were looking for a partner. We were looking for someone that had a vision, the passion, the desire, the commitment and the sense of collaboration to bring something special [to this site]. Today is not the closing of Collin Creek Mall, it’s the beginning of Plano 4.0. It’s the era of renovation, rejuvenation and innovation.”
One of Centurion American’s most recent projects was redeveloping The Statler hotel in Downtown Dallas into apartments, retail space and hotel rooms.
And earlier this year, Centurion American finished The River Walk at Central Park in Flower Mound. Among its other current projects is a mixed-use development adjacent to the Mesquite Rodeo.
“When Plano first started, this was really the place to be as far as malls go,” Moayedi said. “People like it, they want to see it come back. We’re hoping that we can revive that area and bring it back. We’re excited.”
Mr. Moayedi admitted he was touched by how many people turned out to say goodbye to the mall.
“I’m humbled by the people that are here. We’re here to serve you and build something that you guys will come back and enjoy,” he said. “Seeing this many people here means a lot to me and my company.”
Moayedi also credited Mayor LaRosiliere for being the driving force behind the entire project.
“It’s his vision. I’m proud to be a part of it,” Moayedi said. “This is your community. We’re just the builders of it. Thank you for being here.”
When Planoites Can Expect to Start Seeing Changes
In the next 30-45 days, demolition of spaces formerly occupied by Amazing Jakes, Dillard’s, Macy’s and Sears is expected to begin along with adjacent parking lots being ripped up. The JCPenney onsite will remain open throughout construction, and will move to a new space in the redevelopment.
Phase one of the project, which includes about 300 townhomes, a parking garage and restaurants, is expected to take about 2.5 years.
Moyaedi said Collin Creek will be home to eight restaurants with the majority of those being brands his company owns like Fine China, local Tex-Mex favorite Primo’s and Tillman’s Roadhouse.
The entire project, which will also feature office space and a four-star hotel, likely a Hilton property, is expected to be completed within five years.
Mayor LaRosiliere calls the project a “redefinition of our downtown” and feels Collin Creek will give Plano one of America’s best downtowns.
“We have a safe city, great schools, great amenities, fantastic people. The desire to come to Plano is there,” LaRosiliere said. “This regeneration and rejuvenation process lets people know we’re here to redo things and make this part of our city young and really vibrant.”
Will the JC Penney stay
Yes, JCPenney will remain open throughout the transition from its current spot in the mall to its new building.
So there tut aking away Amazing Jakes ?
Amazing Jakes is already closed.
Looks like Jake wasn’t that amazing after all…
Sucks you didnt let us kids who spent 1000’s of hrs here in our youth have a pop up DJ here for 1 hr like we wanted to do it our way today. What was the harm? Exactly. Old Plano would have let us with no worries. This is what happens when we let outsiders spoil an innocent good time because it wasn’t their idea. Way to be a fascist. Not to mention the DJ was a graduate of Plano East, spun at Gadzooks and other stores in this mall, and is now the DJ for the Dallas Cowboys ( 10+years ). Who would it have hurt? Instead you took a part of our youth you will never understand. Thanks for showing us that you’re not from here and can’t relate to true Southern hospitality.
Is it possible to still walk through the mall today (July 31st)? I wanted to make one last trip. I remember when there wasn’t a mall, just the two screen theatre, roughly behind where Big Lots is today.
A late friend of mine grew up in the Pitman Creek neighborhood, and would tell me about how he and his younger brother would play in the creek, back in the early ’70s.
Unfortunately, the photos remind me too much of trying to pack people in plain boxes lacking personality, style, design or warmth. Too sad.