Willow Bend Redevelopment Advisory Committee Meeting | Meeting 09/24/2026

The City of Plano's Willow Bend Redevelopment Advisory Committee met on September 24, 2026, to discuss the redevelopment plans for the Willow Bend site, including the integration of a new arena anchored by the Dallas Stars hockey team. Centennial, the lead developer, presented evolving site plans that have adapted to market changes such as department store closures, emphasizing a mixed-use, walkable development with residential, office, retail, hospitality, and entertainment components. Key procurement-related topics included parking strategies, infrastructure integration, and security enhancements during the redevelopment and construction phases. The city also detailed the financial plan for the project, highlighting a $700 million city commitment toward the arena, funded through a combination of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) revenues, venue taxes subject to voter approval, and a state-authorized project finance zone. Financial advisors and bond counsel explained the bond issuance structure, emphasizing that bonds would be secured by TIRZ and venue tax revenues without impacting general city taxes. The meeting included discussions on traffic management, security, environmental concerns, and the anticipated timeline to finalize plans by the end of 2026 to meet a 2031 arena opening. Several motions and approvals related to the financing mechanisms and community engagement were noted, with ongoing coordination among the city, developer, and Dallas Stars team to finalize agreements and ensure compliance with state laws.