Hobby Lobby took over a familiar spot in Hurst in 2020, moving into the old Toys “R” Us building that shut down after the chain’s 2017 bankruptcy. The once-bright toy store slowly transformed, with signs coming down in 2019 and construction stretching into early 2020.
Sitting at Pipeline and Melbourne Roads, the store is now a centerpiece of the strip mall where families once lined up for the latest games and toys. The photos below capture the full changeover — from the final Toys “R” Us days to the new Hobby Lobby that opened its doors.
June 2019 – Old Toys “R” Us: Just months after closing, the familiar bright-blue Toys “R” Us facade still stood untouched. The empty parking lot hinted at the end of an era for families who once shopped here.
October 2019 – Early Demolition: Crews began stripping the old store. Glass and walls came down, leaving a hollow shell that marked the start of its transformation from toy wonderland into a new retail space.
January 2020 – Hobby Lobby: Rising Steel framing signaled the new era. Construction pushed forward through the winter as the building’s skeleton took shape for Hobby Lobby’s arrival at the Pipeline and Melbourne intersection.
April 2020 – Storefront Nearly Finished: By spring, the fresh brickwork and bright orange Hobby Lobby letters were up. Fencing and construction bins lingered, but the transformation was nearly complete.
April 2020 – New Look Locked: In The facade was fully sealed and polished. The once-blue toy store had officially become a home for crafts, decor, and seasonal goods under Hobby Lobby’s brand…