Collin Creek Mall is being demolished and investors are making way for a new mixed-use facility.
With fences all the way around, I have to find some higher ground to get the camera over them to see what is behind. Heavy machinery and piles of scrap lay around on the east side where the demolition is underway.
Photographed: Plano, TX 2019.09.26
It looks like they may have attempted to save some of the Mosaic that was on Macy’s.
Maybe this is what is meant by an “Open Air” Mall.
Collin Creek Mall is a few miles from our house and was built in 1981. After 38 years of serving Plano, the decision was made by investors to demolish and build a new state of the art multi-purpose venue.
Of course this make photographers happy with all kinds of opportunities. The mall was open to the public for several days prior to closing for good back in July, so of course, I had to go in a few times. I will share in the next few posts.
There were a few people in the middle of the mall cleaning and preparing for a closing festival.
When was the last time you were in a mall and only saw one person?
And look who else! Zebadiah, Adriana and Adalynn had to see this for themselves too.
Photographed: Collin Creek Mall, Plano, TX 2019.07.26
Our son, Fred, started bicycle riding for charity events somewhere around 2001 or 2002 which prompted me to do the same.
This ride was my first ride in 2004, the Recycle Rally in McKinney, Texas. It was drizzling rain and pretty cold the whole day. I was not even close to cycling shape, as you can see by the grimace on my face, but I finished 21 miles on a HEAVY bike. This is the finish line. There is a creek bottom to the left of the picture that drops about 50 feet down and back up.
Photographed by Fred: McKinney, Texas 2004.11.21
Now, several years later, I have a really lightweight carbon fiber road bike. My wife an I ride a tandem every so often. One of my brother-in-laws also rides now and then as well. Many times we make it a Family event when we can.
This year Fred and I are riding in Plano/Lucas. The event is the Emmitt Smith Grand Fondo befitting the Emmitt and Pat smith charities. There will be several local Celebrities riding as well.
I chose to do the 41 mile while he is riding 22 miles.
Doing these rides has taken us to several places in Texas we wouldn’t have gone otherwise. Juanita had camera duties this time. The picture below is taken in Corpus Christi, Texas for the inaugural Conquer the Coast ride in 2005.
Most days at lunch, I take a walk around the neighborhood. Partially for exercise and partially for photos. Sometimes I find a photo here and there that I have not seen before, even though my path is generally the same.
The sun was hitting this prickly pear just right to make in look intimidating. I remember as a kid getting stuck with these things. Not fun!
Living in the city has it’s advantages, except for traffic, and skylines among a few other things.
I have to be selective when I take pictures of a nice sunrise or sunset to avoid all the other stuff around. It takes about an hour to drive somewhere else to see the horizon.
My Wife’s Catholic Daughter group had a State Convention May 2nd through May 5th in McAllen Texas. Neither one of us had been there in a while. I have been appointed (Actually I volunteer) as the Court #2100 Photographer so naturally I went as well.
The first stop was the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – National Shrine. It is a beautiful Church and has a great history. We have been there a few times but it has been a while ago.
While we were in South Texas, I wanted to go to see the La Lomita Chapel before something happens like a “border wall”. This is a beautiful old church built in 1865 and is still standing today. Unfortunately for me, the day was a little overcast but that makes for some nice filtered light.
I went in search of the Border Wall and didn’t see much. I did see some structures in which a nice Border Patrol Agent suggested “I did not need to be there” so I promptly left. Hidalgo is right on the border of Mexico. It was really busy there with a lot of cars, trucks and people walking to and from the port. I really wanted to take some more pictures but I decided to leave well enough alone.
I also got to go to Bentsen State Park which is part of the World Birding Center. Of course this is not the time of the year to see many birds as most have already migrated north. I did see more White Winged Dove that I have ever seen in my life. They were everywhere. I also saw some very noisy birds named Chachalaca.
Zebadiah and Adriana got to go as well taking their first plane ride. Of course they didn’t get to see much while in my camera bag but they did get to see some things.
I am not sure I would specifically make a trip back down there but if something comes up, I would go again. I would be cool to go in the fall to see all the migratory birds and butterflies.
Photos by Pody 