Introduction to Galleria at Sunset
Galleria at Sunset opened its doors on February 28, 1996, in Henderson, Nevada, becoming the city’s first indoor shopping mall. Located at 1300 West Sunset Road, the mall occupies a massive 1,080,000 square feet, making it one of the largest retail spaces in the Las Vegas Valley.
Designed with a southwestern theme, the mall originally featured skylights and distinct architectural details that set it apart from other shopping destinations in the area.
Today, managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group, the Galleria at Sunset has seen changes over the years, but it remains an anchor in the community.
When it first opened, the mall boasted four major tenants: JCPenney, Dillard’s, Robinsons-May, and Mervyn’s. Over time, some of these stores changed hands, such as Kohl’s replacing Mervyn’s in 2009 and Macy’s taking over Robinsons-May.
Located in a rapidly growing region, the mall quickly became a shopping and leisure hub for residents within a 10-mile radius.
With over 115 stores today, visitors can explore everything from high-end fashion to everyday essentials. This variety, combined with a range of dining options, makes it one of the popular things to do in Henderson, Nevada.
Development History and Early Challenges
The concept of Galleria at Sunset began to take shape in 1986 when local developer Leslie Dunn identified a vacant lot in Henderson for a future shopping center. Originally called the Ranch Mall, the project faced delays due to economic uncertainties in the early 1990s.
The initial plan was to start construction in 1990, with a targeted opening in 1992. However, the recession slowed things down, pushing the start date to 1995.
By January 1995, after years of delays, construction finally began on what would later become the Galleria at Sunset. Forest City Enterprises, in partnership with Ranch Property Development, spearheaded the project.
James Heller, the project’s architect, envisioned a vibrant space that would eventually help transform the surrounding area into a commercial hotspot.
The nearby Sunset Station hotel-casino, for instance, benefited from the mall’s growing traffic and would go on to offer “shop-and-stay” packages to visitors.
When the mall officially opened its doors on February 28, 1996, it marked a major milestone for Henderson. Built at a cost of $150 million, Galleria at Sunset became the first enclosed shopping center in the city.
The opening day attracted between 12,000 to 15,000 people, with special Disney-themed events and performances to celebrate the launch of its Disney Store.
At the time, approximately 300,000 people lived within a 10-mile radius of the mall, and developers focused on targeting female shoppers between the ages of 25 and 54.
Expansion and Renovations Over the Years
In 2002, the Galleria at Sunset underwent a $20 million expansion, adding 13 new retailers, including Galyan’s, which opened its first store in Nevada as a new anchor tenant.
When Mervyn’s closed in 2009, Kohl’s took over the space, and later that year, Henderson Libraries opened a branch inside the mall.
In 2013, Galleria at Sunset underwent its first major renovation since its opening. The $7 million project updated both the interior and exterior, modernizing the mall’s appearance to keep up with changing consumer preferences.
With a 2013 renovation that introduced a two-floor H&M, responding to high customer demand. Other major retailers like Coach, Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever 21, Buckle, and Victoria’s Secret have also made their mark in the mall, further enhancing its appeal.
Shoppers appreciated the refreshed space, but the work didn’t stop there. Between 2014 and 2015, the mall embarked on a $25 million expansion that added new restaurants and an outdoor plaza.
Other updates included removing indoor palm trees and fountains and making room for more open spaces for events and gatherings. The expansion also gave the mall a new entrance, improving accessibility for visitors.
Dining and Entertainment Offerings
While shopping has always been central to the Galleria at Sunset experience, the mall’s dining and entertainment options have expanded significantly over the past decade.
In its early years, the food court was home to well-known chains like Cinnabon and Dairy Queen, offering casual, quick dining for hungry shoppers.
But starting in 2014, a major expansion added new restaurants that enhanced the mall’s appeal as a place to dine, not just shop.
The expansion in 2015 introduced Bravo! Cucina Italiana, a popular Italian restaurant that attracted both shoppers and outside visitors.
It joined existing sit-down spots like Chevys Fresh Mex and Red Robin, providing a range of choices for those looking to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
World of Beer opened in 2016, bringing a more laid-back, pub-like atmosphere to the mix. These restaurants gave the mall a broader, more varied dining scene, allowing visitors to spend more time on-site.
Entertainment options have also evolved. While early plans for an attached movie theater never materialized, Galleria at Sunset focused on creating spaces for events and community activities.
The removal of fountains and palm trees in the 2015 renovation freed up more room for gatherings, making the mall a hub for local events. From shopping to dining to special events, the mall has become a versatile space that offers more than just retail therapy.
The Great American Foodie Fest at Galleria at Sunset
The Great American Foodie Fest is a highly anticipated annual event in Henderson, NV, taking place at the Galleria at Sunset. This year, the fest is scheduled from September 27 to 29, 2024.
It offers food lovers a chance to indulge in a variety of culinary experiences. The event is packed with gourmet food trucks, street food vendors, and special tasting experiences, making it one of the biggest food festivals in the Las Vegas Valley.
The festival offers an extensive range of food choices, with new vendors added weekly in the lead-up to the event.
Attendees can enjoy access to the best street foods and gourmet treats, and activities are available throughout the event. While carnival rides are available, they require separate tickets or a $40 all-day wristband for unlimited rides.
This event is family-friendly, welcoming children with free admission (under 48 inches) and offering activities for all ages. With a strong focus on food and fun, the Great American Foodie Fest at Galleria at Sunset is an ideal spot for a weekend filled with delicious discoveries.
