Collin Creek: A Billion-Dollar Rebirth of a North Texas Landmark

Mehrdad Moayedi at Collin Creek development kickoff — Mehrdad Moayedi, President and CEO of Centurion American Development Group, addresses guests at the formal kickoff to construction on the transformative $1 billion Collin Creek development.

The landscape of North Texas is continuously evolving, marked by ambitious projects that redefine urban living and commerce. Among these, the revitalization of the former Collin Creek Mall stands out as a testament to visionary development and strategic planning. This monumental $1 billion mixed-use project, led by Mehrdad Moayedi and Centurion American Development Group, is set to transform a cherished but outdated shopping venue into a vibrant, modern destination, offering a dynamic “live, work, play” environment for the Plano community and beyond.

Mehrdad Moayedi, a name synonymous with large-scale revitalization in the region, has earned the appreciation of many for his commitment to breathing new life into once-fading retail spaces. His track record includes the successful revival of North Hills Mall in North Richland Hills in 2020, a project close to his childhood home in Bedford. Now, Moayedi’s expertise and Centurion American’s dedication are focused on Collin Creek, a project that promises to be even grander in scale and impact.

A Visionary Leader Reshaping North Texas

On a significant Friday, the formal commencement of the commercial phase for the Collin Creek mixed-use development was celebrated with great fanfare. This milestone event saw Centurion American and the City of Plano formally launching the construction that will fundamentally reshape the area. Moayedi’s deep respect for the site’s history was evident in his remarks. “When Plano first started, this was the place to be as far as malls go,” Moayedi stated, reflecting on Collin Creek’s past prominence. “It has a lot of history. And people like it, and they want to see it come back, and I feel like this will bring it back in a way that deserves it.” His words encapsulate the ambition to honor the past while forging an innovative future.

The original Collin Creek Mall, built in 1981, held a significant place in the community. It predated other major retail hubs like Stonebriar Centre and Legacy West, serving as a primary shopping destination for generations of Plano residents. Its anchor stores, including J.C. Penney, Amazing Jake’s, Sears, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, alongside a bustling food court and a diverse array of shops, were once central to the region’s retail landscape. The mall’s gradual decline, common to many regional malls across the country, paved the way for this extraordinary transformation.

The $1 Billion Transformation: A New Era for Collin Creek

The kickoff event, complete with fireworks and official proclamations, signaled not just the start of construction but the dawn of a new era for Collin Creek. This ambitious redevelopment is designed to create a multifaceted destination that caters to diverse needs, from retail and dining to residential living and entertainment. The project embodies a contemporary approach to urban development, fostering community and connectivity within a beautifully designed environment.

Visualizing the Future: Collin Creek’s Grand Design

Construction site at Collin Creek — Early stages of construction at the Collin Creek redevelopment site.

Rendering of Collin Creek's future retail — An artistic rendering showcasing the modern retail and pedestrian areas.

Community gathering at Collin Creek — Envisioning vibrant public spaces for community interaction.

Aerial view of the planned development — An aerial perspective of the comprehensive mixed-use layout.

Architectural design of residential units — Detailed architectural plans for the residential components.

Lush landscaping and green spaces — Emphasis on integrating green spaces and natural elements.

Future dining and entertainment venues — Renderings of the diverse dining and entertainment options.

Master plan overview of Collin Creek — The expansive master plan outlining the project’s scope.

The new Collin Creek identity — Conceptual designs reflecting the modern aesthetic of Collin Creek.

The Commercial Heartbeat: Retail, Dining, and Entertainment

At its core, the commercial portion of Collin Creek is envisioned as a premier destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. It will encompass approximately 400,000 square feet of meticulously designed retail space, both within the revitalized shopping center and along its exterior perimeter. This extensive retail footprint is expected to attract a mix of popular brands and unique boutiques, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences. Complementing the retail will be a curated collection of signature restaurant concepts, ranging from upscale dining establishments to casual eateries and cafes, creating a vibrant culinary scene. Furthermore, the development will feature innovative entertainment destinations, offering engaging experiences for families and individuals alike, making Collin Creek a magnet for visitors from across North Texas.

Vibrant Residential Offerings: Modern Urban Living

Beyond its commercial appeal, Collin Creek is committed to fostering a thriving residential community. The residential construction phase will introduce 500 stylish two- and three-story townhomes, strategically located on the west side of the former mall site. These homes will be built by reputable developers such as Ashton Woods Homes, Gehan Homes, and Mattamy Homes, ensuring quality craftsmanship and modern amenities. Living at Collin Creek will offer residents the convenience of urban amenities coupled with the comfort of contemporary housing, all within a walkable, interconnected environment. The integration of residential spaces into the mixed-use fabric promotes a sense of community and provides easy access to retail, dining, and entertainment options, truly embodying the “live, work, play” philosophy.

Plano’s Strategic Triumph and Community Impact

Plano Mayor John Muns lauded the project, emphasizing its significance for the city. “Collin Creek will provide one of the premier mixed-use redevelopments in North Texas, right at the Southern gateway to our city,” Mayor Muns stated. He highlighted the historic nature of the city’s agreement with Centurion American, underscoring Plano’s proactive approach. “While many former regional malls across America sit idle and vacant with little or no hope of redevelopment, the city of Plano worked with the developer to fully fund the transformation of the Collin Creek Mall. Few cities have accomplished this feat.” This partnership represents a remarkable achievement in urban planning, demonstrating how municipalities and private developers can collaborate to revitalize key assets and stimulate economic growth.

The redevelopment of Collin Creek is more than just a real estate project; it’s an investment in Plano’s future. It is projected to create numerous jobs, attract new businesses, and generate substantial tax revenue, boosting the local economy. Moreover, by transforming an underutilized space into a dynamic hub, it enhances the quality of life for residents, providing new opportunities for leisure, community engagement, and modern living. Moayedi expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s potential, stating, “We’re thrilled to have broken ground on this exciting live, work, and play development. We’re looking forward to bringing to life an unmatched experience for residents and visitors alike in this prime location of Plano.”

Project Timeline and Future Outlook

The transformation of Collin Creek is an intricate process, with various phases of construction meticulously planned. The detailed timeline provides a clear roadmap of the progress and anticipated milestones:

Explore a visual preview of the exciting future awaiting Collin Creek.

Key Development Milestones:

Dillard’s Demolition: Completed, clearing space for new development.
Ongoing Infrastructure Work: Site grading, comprehensive engineering, and essential utilities work, along with project design, are currently in progress to lay the foundational framework.
JC Penney Demolition: Scheduled for completion in October 2021, marking another significant step in site preparation.
Parking Garage Construction: Set to commence in Q4 2021, providing crucial infrastructure for future visitors and residents.
Single-Family Residential Lot Construction: Work along Alma has already begun, preparing the ground for the vibrant residential community.
Urban Core Paseo Demolition: Anticipated to start in Q2 2022, paving the way for the central pedestrian and public spaces.
Plano’s Culvert Reconstruction: The City of Plano is actively undertaking culvert reconstruction, a vital improvement to the area’s infrastructure.
Urban Core Paseo Construction: Expected to begin in Q3 2022, bringing the central community hub to life.
Urban Core Restaurant and Multi-Family Buildings: Construction for these key commercial and residential components will start in Q4 2022.
Residential Lot Delivery: The residential lots are planned for delivery to builders in Q3 2022, enabling the swift construction of new homes.

The transformation of Collin Creek Mall into a thriving mixed-use development represents a paradigm shift in urban planning for North Texas. It reflects a growing trend of re-imagining outdated commercial spaces to meet the demands of modern communities. With its strategic location, comprehensive design, and robust partnership between Centurion American Development Group and the City of Plano, Collin Creek is poised to become a landmark destination for generations to come, embodying progress, community, and economic vitality.