Plymouth Park Shopping Center, once a thriving retail destination in Irving, Texas, has seen significant changes since its closure. Opened in 1955, the center was among the largest shopping malls in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, boasting 750,000 square feet of retail space. Over the decades, it became a centerpiece for community activity and shopping convenience.
In September 2020, JR’s Demolition and Excavation demolished the historic shopping center. This marked the end of an era for the site, which had fallen into disrepair and experienced declining foot traffic over recent years.
Redevelopment Plans and Current Status
Initial plans for the site indicated a mixed-use redevelopment spearheaded by CaliTex, LLC. The proposal included new retail spaces and residential apartments, aiming to revitalize the area with modern amenities and infrastructure.
However, as of January 2025, the site remains vacant with no visible signs of redevelopment. Despite the ambitious plans announced earlier, no construction activity has been observed, and there are no confirmed updates from official sources. Local residents have noted the absence of progress, leaving the future of the site uncertain.
The Evolution of Plymouth Park
The location of Plymouth Park Shopping Center has undergone several transformations over its long history. From a bustling shopping hub in the 20th century to an empty lot awaiting new life, the area reflects broader trends in urban redevelopment and the challenges of repurposing aging retail spaces. While the initial redevelopment plans promised a fresh start for the site, delays or changes in strategy appear to have stalled progress.
Recent Stores
Plymouth Park was home to many classic businesses like Leonard’s department store which later became Dillards and eventually Fazio’s. The building was later shut down and demolished by 2018.
Part of the Plymouth Park Shopping Center is still home to a Irving Post office and a Restaurant called Wonderful World of Cooking Cafe facing east.
October 2019
Plymouth Park History
1945
This aerial photograph by the United States Army Air Force for the Department of Agriculture was taken in in 1945. The red arrow shows the same site before the construction of Irving Blvd. West Grauwyler is labeled number 9 and number 10 is W Pioneer Drive.
1958
13 years later this 1958 aerial photograph shows Plymouth Park after the construction of Irving blvd. On the top left corner you can see undeveloped land north of Texas State Highway 183 where the Irving Mall is now located.
1971
On August 4, 1971 the Irving Mall opened and Plymouth Park Shopping Center began to decline.
2000’s
Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by F. E. Mufute
Moved to Irving in 1955 at the age of 6.
Phase 1 in 1955 had J C Penny, Tom
Thumb, M E Moses, Skillerns, whites Auto and Wyatt’s Supermarket as the anchors. Tom Thumb moved out after two or three years and Wyatt’s was purchased by Kroger’s a number of years later. Phase 2 in 1959 had Kresge, a predecessor of Kmart, Margos Lamode and E M Kahn as anchors. Southwest Bank & Trust maintained a storefront next to M E Moses until it moved into its permanent structure on Irving Blvd. Around 1957 or 58, Wyatt’s Cafeteria moved in between Whites and Wyatt’s Supermarket. Four things O will never forget about Plymouth Park Shopponh Center: (1) the fireworks during the 4th of July, (2) the huge Christmas trees, the chocolate malts at Skillerns and meeting Icky Twerp ( a local TV celebrity). Finally, my favorite sore was Playtimgs ) a wonderful toy store run by my neighbor Mrs. Clifton. Although everything is demolished. The memories was stay with me for the rest of my life.