The Shops at Willow Bend will undergo a massive redevelopment project that will incorporate mixed-use concepts. The Shops at Willow Bend will undergo a massive redevelopment project that will incorporate mixed-use concepts.[/caption] A $100 million redevelopment project at The Shops at Willow Bend might be complete in the next two years, said Edward Coury, Starwood Retail Partners senior vice president for leasing. Chicago-based Starwood Retail Partners bought mall in Oct. 2014. The redevelopment project includes building a hotel tower, an office tower along, a welcome gate and changes to the mall's interior. The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano will feature a terrace for visitors. The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano will feature a terrace for visitors.[/caption] A 125,000-square-foot building nearby, which is currently vacant, will also be redesigned to house high-quality restaurants and retailers. Coury said the mall needs quality restaurants and entertainment that appeal to Plano residents. “We are actively leasing the shopping center as well as soliciting the hotel and office interest,” he said. Adding rooftop decks, patios and galleries is another way of making the area a vibrant place in Plano, Coury said. A grand opening will be held in 2017, but stores may start opening in 2016. Coury said the demolishing of the Saks Fifth Avenue Building is set to begin early 2016 and will be redeveloped into the location for a welcome gate, which Coury said will make the Shops at Willow Bend stand out for those driving on the Dallas North Tollway. “The center never has had a strong entrance,” he said. The office tower will be attached to the property via a lobby and allow direct access to the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. The redevelopment plan follows a mixed-use model that appeals to corporate offices and community members, Coury said. In addition to current retail brands like Neiman Marcus, Coury said, sister brands and smaller departmental stores will also be added to the mall. Home decorations and furnishing retail stores do well and The Shops at Willow Bend might see more of those in the coming years. Starwood Retail Partners have about 30 shopping centers spread across 14 states in the U.S.