PLANO, Texas — It was originally a mall built in the 1980s known as the Plano Market Square Mall, which sat on the eastern side of the city and east of Central Expressway.
The mall has now transitioned into something that has the potential to be an economic engine for decades to come.
"This is one of the first examples of one of those large retail centers being redeveloped into a mixed-use center," said Doug McDonald, Plano's Director of Economic Development.
The location was bought and has been redeveloped by Triten Real Estate Partners. It has 180,000 square feet of office space and 17,000 square feet of retail and restaurants.
"I can kinda see the vibe of a mall being here," said Isis Bradley, who is the Community Manager for Assembly Park. "I'm all for community. I love doing stuff for people, getting people to come out," she said.
McDonald tells WFAA that the flooring, the skylights, and the ceiling, are mostly original to the mall. The project has successfully secured two prominent tenants: CMTA, an engineering firm relocating from Richardson, and NSM Insurance Group, moving from Dallas.
In addition to these office leases, Assembly Park has constructed office space to accommodate future tenants, further enhancing the site's appeal.
"It's kinda the new age of what walkability and mixed-use is," said McDonald.
Triten Real Estate tells WFAA that more than half of the residential space has been leased and McDonald tells WFAA that three restaurants have signed on to join the development. Their commitment to the newly renovated space may reflect a growing confidence in the area's potential.
The city of Plano has a few malls in transition now. Shops at Willow Bend was just approved for zoning for redevelopment, Collin Creek Mall is being rebuilt into a mega multi-use space, and Assembly Park is nearly a finished product.