A Brief History of Irving Mall
Irving Mall, located in Irving, Texas, opened its doors on August 4, 1971. Developed by Melvin Simon and Associates, the mall has seen numerous changes over its 50-year history.
Initially, the mall featured anchor tenants Titche-Goettinger, JCPenney, and Sears. However, JCPenney closed in 2001, and Sears followed suit in 2019.
In 1984, the mall underwent a renovation that added the west wing, two new anchors, Dillard’s and Mervyn’s, and a food court. The General Cinema opened with the mall in 1971 and expanded to seven screens that same year.
Throughout the years, several other changes have occurred:
- In 1999, General Cinema moved to a former Wilson’s Catalog Showroom location.
- Barnes & Noble opened in the former General Cinema 1-3 in 1999 but closed in 2012.
- AMC took over the former General Cinema in 2002 and renovated it in 2013.
- In 2014, Irving Mall became part of the Washington Prime Group portfolio through a spin-off transaction.
- In 2015, Sears Holdings divested 235 properties, including the Sears location at Irving Mall, into a separate entity known as Seritage Growth Properties.
- On October 15, 2018, it was revealed that Sears would shut down as part of a nationwide plan to close 142 stores.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1971 | Irving Mall opens with Titche-Goettinger, JCPenney, and Sears as anchor tenants. |
| 1984 | The renovation adds the west wing, Dillard’s, Mervyn’s, and a food court. |
| 1999 | General Cinema moves; Barnes & Noble opens. |
| 2002 | AMC takes over the former General Cinema. |
| 2012 | Barnes & Noble closes. |
| 2014 | Mall spun off into Washington Prime Group. |
| 2018 | Sears announces closure. |
Current Anchors and Tenants
As of November 2020, Irving Mall had over 80 stores and four anchor tenants. However, Washington Prime Group, which owns and manages the mall, filed for bankruptcy protection on June 2021.
The current anchor tenants are:
- Dillard’s Clearance Center (opened in 1984)
- Burlington (opened in 2006 in former JCPenney)
- Macy’s (opened in 2006 in former Foley’s)
- La Vida Fashion and Home Decor (location now closed)
Other notable tenants include:
- Shoppers World (located in the former Barnes & Noble)
- Las Lomas Irving halls of banquets (opened on the first floor of former Mervyn’s)
The Evolution of the Food Court
The food court has always been integral to the mall experience, and Irving Mall is no exception. As the mall evolved, so did its food court, providing shoppers various dining options to satisfy their cravings.
In the early days, the food court featured primarily local eateries, but with the 1984 renovation, it expanded to accommodate a broader range of options. Today, it boasts diverse restaurants, including popular chains like Subway, as its only international brand and unique local establishments.
As the mall adapts to the changing retail landscape, the food court remains a popular destination for shoppers looking to recharge and refuel during shopping excursions.
Community Impact and Future of Irving Mall
Throughout its history, Irving Mall has played a significant role in the local community. As a shopping hub, it has provided job opportunities, supported local businesses, and served as a gathering place for friends and families.
Despite the challenges faced by malls across the country, Irving Mall has shown resilience in adapting to the changing retail landscape. Its diverse tenant mix and convenient location continue to draw shoppers and maintain its status as a key destination in Irving.
Looking ahead, the mall will need to innovate and evolve to stay relevant in the face of online shopping and shifting consumer preferences. Some possibilities for the future may include creating more experiential retail spaces, hosting community events, and integrating technology to enhance the shopping experience.
As Irving Mall continues to adapt, it will remain an essential part of the community fabric, providing a place for locals to shop, dine, and connect.
Shootings at Irving Mall
Unfortunately, the mall has experienced three shootings in its history:
- In 1990, Tom Broom killed Eddie Edwards in the parking lot, who was chasing his girlfriend and shooting her with a .38-caliber revolver. Broom stopped Edwards by shooting him twice in the head with a Ruger .44-caliber Magnum pistol.
- In 1993, a gang fight led to one person shooting two people and killing an innocent bystander, Kevin Reuss Bacon. The two other victims were in critical condition.
- On September 4, 2022, two people fired shots during an argument. The gunfire struck no one.
Transportation to Irving Mall
DART Route 231 passes by the mall on Belt Line Road, making it easily accessible for visitors.
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