The Genesis of Barton Creek Square
In June 1977, Melvin Simon & Associates announced plans for Barton Creek Square. They chose a 104-acre site along Texas State Highway Loop 360. The initial plan aimed for over 1 million square feet of retail space and parking for nearly 6,000 cars, making it the largest mall in Austin.
Construction began with land clearing and grading in late October 1977. However, the extension of Texas State Highway Loop 1 (MoPac) caused delays. This extension was essential as it would intersect with Highway 360, right next to the mall site. These delays also affected negotiations with potential tenants, pushing back construction timelines.
Gordon Sibeck, the designer of Windsor Park Mall in San Antonio, completed the designs in 1978. As construction continued, concerns grew about water quality in nearby Barton Creek.
The developers had to balance progress with environmental responsibility. This included constant monitoring and immediate corrective actions to prevent harm to the surrounding ecosystem.
In 1980, the City of Austin’s Environmental Board conducted daily surveillance of the site. They found violations of city standards, leading to the approval of erosion control measures.
Despite the challenges, the development moved forward. These early years laid the foundation for what would become a central shopping destination in Austin.
The careful planning and adjustments addressed both construction needs and environmental concerns, setting the stage for Barton Creek Square’s future success.
For those looking for things to do in Austin, Texas, visiting Barton Creek Square offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Grand Opening and Initial Success
Barton Creek Square opened in phases in August 1981. The first stores, Sears and JCPenney, opened on August 1. The mall officially opened on August 19, 1981, with 77 stores. On its opening day, around 85,000 to 90,000 people visited the mall.
The mall was originally anchored by JCPenney, Sears, Foley’s, Montgomery Ward, Joskes, and Scarbrough’s department store. By November 1981, it became the first in Texas to feature Braille and bold print signage throughout.
The mall’s early years were marked by high foot traffic and steady business growth. With its diverse range of stores and services, Barton Creek Square quickly became a central shopping hub in Austin.
The early success set the stage for future expansions and renovations, keeping the mall relevant and popular among shoppers.
The Expansion and Renovation Era
In 2003, a major renovation brought Nordstrom to the mall, replacing Montgomery Ward. This addition refreshed the mall and attracted more visitors.
Another renovation occurred in 2013. This time, the focus was on modernizing the food court. New dining options and a redesigned layout improved the shopping experience, keeping the mall competitive in a growing retail market.
In 2015, Sears Holdings spun off 235 properties, including the Sears at Barton Creek Square, into Seritage Growth Properties. Despite these changes, the mall maintained a strong tenant mix. The closure of Sears in October 2018 marked another shift.
By 2019, Simon Property Group, the mall’s owner, embarked on another renovation. They added new paint schemes, flooring, LED lighting, and glass handrails. Exterior additions like canopies, fire pits, and turf areas enhanced the mall’s appeal.
The renovation also included a co-working space near Nordstrom, featuring workstations with TVs and charging stations.
Adapting to the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed new challenges for Barton Creek Square. On March 17, 2020, the mall limited its hours to 11 am to 7 pm. The next day, Simon Property Group announced the temporary closure of all its US malls until March 29.
On May 1, 2020, the mall reopened with safety measures in place. These included social distancing guidelines, increased cleaning protocols, and mask requirements. Despite these challenges, the mall continued to serve the community, adapting to new retail trends and customer needs.
During this period, some stores closed while others adapted by offering curbside pickup and enhanced online shopping options. The pandemic accelerated changes in retail, and Barton Creek Square responded by innovating and prioritizing customer safety.
Recent Developments and News (2023-2024)
In March 2024, Warby Parker, a retailer known for glasses and sunglasses, opened its fourth Austin location at Barton Creek Square.
In 2024, the mall is welcoming six new businesses (Journeys Kidz, Snatched Shapewear, Perfume Gallery, Casper, Fan Outfitters, and Chubby Cattle).
This expansion reflects the mall’s continuous growth and adaptation to market trends. The new businesses include a mix of retail and dining options, ensuring that visitors have diverse choices.
However, the mall also faced challenges. On a Saturday afternoon in December 2023, a shooting incident occurred at Barton Creek Square, resulting from a fight during a private party.
The Austin Police Department reported that one person was injured, but no suspects were immediately taken into custody. This incident underscores the importance of security measures in maintaining a safe shopping environment.
Despite these challenges, the mall’s management and community remain focused on providing a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for all visitors. The recent store openings and ongoing renovations highlight the mall’s resilience and commitment to growth.