Plano City Updates, Mall Changes and Storm Alerts Lead Midweek Headlines
Plano, TX – March 11, 2026 – City leaders advance key projects as mall tenants shift and storms sweep through North Texas across the city this week.
Plano is seeing a mix of civic action, retail shakeups and spring weather alerts as the week unfolds.
Arts Group to Leave Willow Bend
North Texas Performing Arts is preparing to move out of The Shops at Willow Bend after being told by the landlord to make plans to vacate. The long-running arts organization has operated theater and rehearsal space inside the mall, helping fill vacant storefronts in recent years.
At the same time, the Crayola Experience has again closed temporarily at the shopping center. The mall has been the subject of continued redevelopment speculation, including talk of a possible arena project. For now, the departures add to a period of transition at the once-bustling retail hub.
City Council Advances Key Projects
At its March 9 meeting, Plano City Council approved updates to the Regional Composting Program agreement with the North Texas Municipal Water District. The revised contract extends operations through 2030 and adjusts cost-sharing among partner cities. The program diverts yard trimmings from landfills and turns them into mulch and compost products.
Council members also approved the purchase of the Harrington Homestead property on Alma Drive. The site is slated to become part of the future Connect Plano project, which aims to bring multiple nonprofit organizations together under one roof. Plans call for preserving the historic home as part of the development.
Severe Weather Watch for Plano
Plano was included in a Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued Tuesday night by the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. The watch extended into early Wednesday morning, with forecasters warning of strong winds and possible heavy rainfall across parts of North Texas.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts as spring storm season ramps up.
Sources
https://www.reddit.com/r/plano/comments/1rq93ey/plano_arts_group_exiting_willow_bend_crayola/
https://www.reddit.com/r/plano/comments/1rq9x4o/march_9_2026_city_council_recap/
https://weathershogun.com/weather/usa/tx/euless/5448/march/2026-03-11
