The Rise and Fall of Big Town Mall, Mesquite, TX

Retail Launch of Big Town Mall

Big Town Mall opened its doors in 1959 in Mesquite, Texas, marking a milestone as the first enclosed, air-conditioned shopping mall in the Southwest. Located at 800 Big Town Shopping Center, near U.S. 80 and Loop 12, the mall set a new standard for retail spaces in the region.

The mall’s anchor stores, JCPenney, Sanger Brothers, and Montgomery Ward, played a crucial role in drawing shoppers from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Sanger Brothers, which rebranded to Sanger-Harris in 1961, occupied a three-story, 104,000 sq ft space. JCPenney, another key player, operated in a 38,000 sq ft single-story area. Montgomery Ward, one of the largest tenants, held a two-story, 164,000 sq ft spot.

The commercial success of Big Town Mall in its early years established it as a central hub for shopping and activities in Mesquite. It quickly became a go-to spot for things to do in Mesquite, Texas, reflecting the growing retail culture in the region.

The Golden Years of Retail and Entertainment

The 1960s and 1970s were the prime years for Big Town Mall. Retail was booming, and the mall thrived with its mix of shops and entertainment options.

Woolworth’s became a popular destination within the mall, offering everything from household goods to a bustling food court where shoppers could grab a quick bite. Woolworth’s presence added to the mall’s appeal, making it a frequent stop for families and individuals alike.

Bowlanes, the bowling alley, was another key attraction. It drew people not just for shopping but for recreation, adding to the mall’s lively atmosphere. The General Cinema provided the latest movies, offering a local option for entertainment that complemented the shopping experience.

These attractions made Big Town Mall more than just a place to buy things; it was a place where people spent time with family and friends.

Throughout these years, the mall kept up with the retail trends of the time. Sanger-Harris rebranded from Sanger Brothers in 1961 and continued to be a major draw. The store’s three stories were filled with everything from clothing to home goods, keeping customers coming back.

JCPenney and Montgomery Ward also maintained strong presences, offering a wide range of products that catered to the growing suburban population around Mesquite.

This period marked the height of the mall’s success. Big Town Mall was the go-to spot for shopping, entertainment, and leisure in the area. The combination of anchor stores, specialty shops, and entertainment venues made it a central part of life in Mesquite, drawing in visitors from across the region.

The Challenge of New Competition

The 1980s brought new challenges for Big Town Mall. The retail landscape was changing, and competition was increasing.

Town East Mall opened in 1971, just a short drive away, and it quickly became the new retail hotspot. With its modern design and a broader selection of stores, Town East Mall attracted many of the shoppers who once frequented Big Town.

By the late 1980s, the impact of this competition was clear. In 1989, Foley’s, which had taken over the Sanger-Harris space two years earlier, closed its doors.

This closure marked the beginning of a downward trend for Big Town Mall. The loss of a major anchor store led to a decline in foot traffic, and other retailers began to follow suit.

In the 1990s, more stores left the mall. Woolworth’s closed in 1993, ending an era for Big Town. Without its anchor stores, the mall struggled to retain smaller retailers. Many of the inline tenants, who had been part of the mall since its early days, began to shut down or relocate to more prosperous shopping centers.

Montgomery Ward, the last remaining anchor, finally closed in March 2001. The company had gone bankrupt, and with its departure, Big Town Mall lost its previous major draw.

The closure of Montgomery Ward signaled the end of the mall as a retail destination. What had once been a thriving hub of commerce and activity was now largely vacant, marking the decline of a once-prominent shopping center.

Temporary Revival and Final Years

After Montgomery Ward closed in 2001, Big Town Mall struggled to find a new purpose. With most of its major retailers gone, the mall’s future looked bleak. However, in 2005, the mall saw a temporary use that brought it back to life, albeit briefly.

During Hurricane Katrina, Big Town Mall served as a staging area for evacuees arriving in Dallas. The mall’s large parking lot became a critical point where authorities screened and assisted those displaced by the storm. This moment provided a brief resurgence in activity, but it didn’t change the mall’s overall trajectory.

By 2006, it was clear that the property would need to be repurposed. The decision to demolish the mall came quickly, and by May of that year, demolition crews began taking down the structure.

By September 2006, Big Town Mall was no longer there, and the site had been cleared for future development. The area where so many had shopped, bowled, and watched movies was now just an empty lot waiting for its next chapter.

After the demolition, the only building left standing was the Exhibition Hall, which had been part of the original complex.

In 2013, this hall underwent a remodel to serve as a venue for shows and conventions, preserving a small piece of the mall’s history. But for the rest of the site, new plans were in the works, signaling the end of Big Town Mall as it had been known.

Demolition and New Development

The demolition of Big Town Mall in 2006 marked the end of an era, but it also opened the door to new possibilities. By 2016, FedEx purchased the site with plans to build a large distribution hub.

This move represented a shift in the land’s use from retail to logistics, reflecting broader economic changes. The construction of the FedEx hub brought new jobs to Mesquite, giving the area a fresh purpose after years of decline.

Once again, the FedEx facility transformed the former mall site into a bustling center of activity. This new development brought life back to a place that had been quiet for years.

The site’s transformation reminds us that even as one chapter ends, another begins. While Big Town Mall is no longer there, the land continues to be a part of Mesquite’s growth and evolution.

Cultural Impact and Film Appearance

Big Town Mall made its mark on pop culture, too. The mall appeared in the 1986 film True Stories, directed by David Byrne.

In the movie, the exterior of Big Town Mall served as the backdrop for a quirky fashion show scene, though the interior shots were filmed at NorthPark Center in Dallas. This appearance gave the mall a small but memorable place in film history.

For many people in Mesquite and the surrounding areas, Big Town Mall wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a part of their lives.

Whether it was watching a movie at the General Cinema, grabbing a meal at Woolworth’s food court, or simply walking through the corridors, the mall created memories that lasted long after its doors closed for good.

As time passed, Big Town Mall faded into history, but its impact on the community and its brief moment on the big screen ensured that it wouldn’t be forgotten entirely. It stands as a reminder of a different era in retail, one where malls were more than just places to shop—they were the center of social life for many.