Inception and Early Years (1961–1980s)
PlazAmericas, originally named Sharpstown Center, opened its doors on September 14, 1961, as the first fully air-conditioned shopping mall in Houston, Texas. Located at the intersection of Interstate 69 and Bellaire Boulevard, it emerged in the Sharpstown Industrial Park Section 12.
Developer Frank Sharp spearheaded the project and boldly decided to proceed with the opening despite Hurricane Carla’s recent impact on the city. That decision brought attention and optimism, even with only 8,000 shoppers attending the first day.
At its inception, Sharpstown Center housed 43 stores, including major anchors like Foley’s, Montgomery Ward, and Battelstein’s. Foley’s and Battelstein’s marked their first suburban expansions into the area.
The mall also featured unique touches, such as the “Clock of Texas” diorama, which captivated visitors with animated depictions of the state’s history. Sharp further enhanced the location by donating a 300-foot-wide strip of land to build the Southwest Freeway, ensuring easy access for shoppers.
Over the following decades, the mall flourished alongside Houston’s rapid growth. By 1970, it had expanded to 57 stores and remained fully leased, thanks to its strategic location and appeal to suburban families.
Around this time, Sharpstown welcomed nearby developments, including Houston Baptist University, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, and the studios of KPRC-TV, boosting the area’s economic vitality.
In the late 1970s, the mall doubled in size with a second level and added a food court. The renovation, completed in 1980, allowed Sharpstown to compete with newer rivals like The Galleria and Westwood Mall.
Retailers like JCPenney joined the roster, further solidifying its position as a go-to spot for shopping. For residents exploring things to do in Houston, TX, Sharpstown became a central destination during its prime.
Challenges and Decline (Late 1980s–2000s)
The late 1980s marked the start of Sharpstown Mall’s struggles. While it was still a bustling destination earlier in the decade, changes in the surrounding area began to take a toll.
Many nearby apartments, once home to young professionals, transitioned to low-income housing, which contributed to increased crime rates.
This shift discouraged shoppers and retailers alike. By the early 1990s, sales at some stores, such as Y’alls Texas Store, dropped by as much as 30% annually, leading to closures.
The competition intensified during these years. In 1996, First Colony Mall opened in Sugar Land, drawing shoppers from the Fort Bend County area that Sharpstown had once relied on.
Other developments, like the revamped Meyerland Plaza and the arrival of big-box retailers such as Walmart and Target, further eroded the mall’s customer base. Meanwhile, online shopping began to gain traction, presenting a new challenge for brick-and-mortar retail.
Sharpstown faced additional setbacks when major tenants left. JCPenney closed its location in 1998, followed by Montgomery Ward in 2001 as part of its nationwide liquidation. These closures left Foley’s as the mall’s sole original anchor store, which later rebranded as Macy’s in 2006.
Attempts to attract shoppers, like the addition of a Cineplex Odeon theater in 1993, slowed the decline but didn’t reverse it. By the early 2000s, the mall entered foreclosure, and ownership passed to Travelers Insurance.
By 2007, occupancy rates hovered around 75%, with most tenants being smaller, local businesses. Despite efforts to market itself as “Houston’s Premiere Urban Mall,” challenges remained. Macy’s announced its closure in late 2007, and by 2008, the mall was operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Rebranding as PlazAmericas (2009–2018)
In 2009, the mall underwent a major rebranding effort. RAIT Financial Trust, the new owner, invested $10 million to transform Sharpstown Mall into PlazAmericas, aiming to appeal to Houston’s growing Hispanic community.
At the time, this demographic made up over half of the population within three miles of the mall. The rebranding included more than a name change—it was a complete overhaul of the mall’s concept and offerings.
The renovations introduced an 83,000-square-foot “mercado,” which became a vibrant marketplace for smaller businesses. This addition included a variety of vendors selling food, clothing, and household goods.
Family-friendly spaces, like a children’s play area and a large family lounge, were also added. Live entertainment stages became regular features, hosting events that reflected the community’s culture.
New tenants joined the mix. Burlington Coat Factory moved into the former Montgomery Ward space and a variety of local shops opened throughout the mall.
By 2010, the mall’s occupancy improved, with over 200 businesses operating within its walls. This revitalization created 500 jobs, giving the area an economic boost.
By the mid-2010s, PlazAmericas became a popular destination for shopping, dining, and cultural events. However, challenges persisted.
Despite the efforts to revive it, some spaces remained vacant, including the former Macy’s site, which closed in 2008. Even with its refreshed identity, the mall continued to face competition from newer shopping centers and the rise of online retail.
Recent Developments and Current Status (2018–2024)
In December 2018, Baker Katz LLC, a Houston-based real estate firm, purchased the main portion of PlazAmericas, excluding the anchor spaces.
The new ownership brought renewed focus to enhancing the mall’s appeal and increasing occupancy. By 2021, occupancy on the first floor reached 98%, with the second floor at 75%.
Burlington continues to operate as one of the mall’s anchor stores, occupying the former Montgomery Ward space. Latino City Jewelry Market, located in the former JCPenney building, also draws in a steady flow of customers.
The Houston Trade Center is a 368,000-square-foot facility offering both wholesale and retail showroom spaces. The center’s strategic location within PlazAmericas enhances its accessibility and appeal to a diverse clientele.
A variety of smaller vendors operate within the mall, offering a mix of groceries, clothing, jewelry, and specialty goods. The addition of diverse retail and dining options has attracted shoppers from across Houston.
PlazAmericas has also positioned itself as a community hub, hosting events like dance classes, live music performances, and cultural celebrations.
These activities have helped draw foot traffic while creating a welcoming atmosphere for families. The mall now averages approximately 3 million visitors annually, compared to just 1.6 million five years prior.
In recent years, PlazAmericas in Houston, TX, has experienced notable incidents. In February 2022, a tragic event occurred when San Jacinto Precinct 1 Deputy Constable Neil Adams was fatally shot while working an extra job at the mall. The suspect was also killed during the incident.
In February 2023, law enforcement arrested three individuals during a parking lot takeover involving approximately 200 cars near PlazAmericas. One of the arrests was for child endangerment after a 13-year-old was found in the suspect’s vehicle.
Despite these challenges, PlazAmericas has continued its efforts to serve the community. As of September 2024, the mall celebrated its 63rd anniversary, highlighting a successful rebranding 15 years before its appeal to the Latino population, which now makes up 65% of the Sharpstown community.
