Plano Approves $3B Stars Arena District at Willow Bend

The Willow Bend District, a mixed-use redevelopment anchored by a future Dallas Stars arena, has been approved at 6121 W. Park Blvd. in Plano. The project redevelops The Shops at Willow Bend, a 1.4 million-square-foot mall developed by Taubman Centers in 2001. Plans call for up to 965 residential units, 800,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space, and a high-rise hotel. Levin Holdings is developing with Cawley Partners and Centennial Real Estate, the mall's owner-operator. HNTB is lead design firm for the arena.

Plano City Council unanimously approved a non-binding Letter of Intent with the Stars, an incentive agreement with the development team, and a tax increment reinvestment zone on June 8, 2026. The city will contribute $700 million toward the roughly $1 billion arena, own the building, and enter a 30-year lease with the Stars. Plano ISD agreed to contribute up to $250 million. Total district cost is estimated at $3 billion.

The 18,000-seat arena will serve as the Stars' future home ice. A 15,000-square-foot ballroom will convert to a 3,000-person music venue. The residential component includes 320 single-family homes and 660 apartments, plus public gathering and event space. A venue tax election is tentatively set for November 3, 2026, pending State Comptroller sign-off.

Demolition is expected in early 2027, with construction starting January 1, 2027. The arena is planned to open in 2031, with full completion by December 31, 2031. HNTB's selection was announced August 10, 2026.