Full Member. I also went to Strake Jesuit so I knew Bellaire before it became Chinatown West. Since opening its doors in 1985, the Galleria has become a focal point of Houstons downtown. The mall was expanded in 1971 with the addition of a two-level JCPenney store. Thanks for pointing me back to this site! [16] After the conclusion of its liquidation sale on March 15, 2008, employees were moved to other Macy's stores. The arrival of railroad lines in the late nineteenth century, as well as Houstons development as a port city, aided the citys rapid growth. [8] Also during this time, a third anchor in JCPenney was added as well as a food court in the former Battelstein's department store. I used to go there every week for asthma treatment. Louis Welch, with wife Ida, is shown as residing in Garden Oaks, no street address given; he is President of Pettigrew Welch. September 15, 2014 However, others may view Sharpstown as being less desirable because it has a high crime rate and is not as well-maintained as other parts of the city. The seven-member TIRZ No. Resources like these are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Worked at the mall for many years, from the food court to sunglasses then jewelry it was the best time and great friends, said Tawanna Bateman. Read the Court's full decision on FindLaw. The unconventional main entrance had There is a retractable-roof mall in Dubai. One house is on the north side of W. Belfort between Willowbend and Chimney Rock. Service was cool. Houston police responded and confronted the suspect in the food court. Come on tell me? I lived in the sharpstown area for a while when I was younger though. When Sharp built the mall, he also created the Sharpstown neighborhood, which is named after him. that much of the commercial properties and apartments could be bulldozed and redeveloped. There was that big clock thing in the middle that was a time capsule. I always made it a point to climb the side of the building when I got there. We knew there was a whole foods in the area but didn't explore until last weekend. First Colony clipped it the hardest. I always remember looking out and seeing those twin buildings on Fondren and 59 with the flag on top. 3. My Dad still lives there and our little pocket doesn't seem to have changed much at all. (You can imagine what we kids used to call it). theater, man that place was big. These are the best vegan friendly restaurants near Houston, TX: People also liked: restaurants with outdoor seating, restaurants for lunch. Saw some movies at the Gaylen (sp?) April 29, 2016 By 2001, the mall was seized in a foreclosure, and Travelers Insurance took ownership of the mall, whose JCPenney anchor space remained vacant when it was announced that Montgomery Ward would close all its locations, including the Sharpstown store, as part of its liquidation process. In the early 1960s, Sharp purchased 1,100 acres of land southwest of Houston with the intention of developing it into a master-planned community. The former bank building would later become home to the Jewelry Exchange Center, with three "motor bank" drive-throughs in the middle of the front parking lot as the only present-day reminder of the former bank. The unidentified man gained control of Adams' gun and shot the officer, Finner said. (Bellaire runs east-west; Fondren, north-south). The noodles were perfectly cooked, mandu(steamed dumplings) were juicy.more, SeafoodCajun/CreoleChicken Wings$$Braeburn, You can get seafood anywhere in Houston. Who cares about Sharpstown in the 60's, when we've got TV Johnny, Paul Wall, and TV Jewelry at Sharpstown, now? WebPlazAmericas Mall 201 Sharpstown CtrHoustonTX77036 (713) 777-1111 Claim this business (713) 777-1111 Website More Directions Advertisement Photos See More Hours You may want to check out the Southwest Freeway section of the Houston Freeways book. As a publicity stunt, Sharp donated homes on Rowan street to the original 7 astronauts when NASA was located in Houston. By that I mean other areas will have to get too expensive, thus driving entry-level creative class buyers into Sharpstown to get the size, condition or style home they want. Bought my first CD from Foleys! Over the last two years, he's covered a wide range of topics, from politics and immigration to culture and the arts. Shelby Stewart. What is the first shopping mall in the world? My dad still lives in the area and there isn't anything really bad happening in his immediate area. Generous parrillada platters, crave-worthy, spicy salsas, and a quick-and-easy drive-thru have made the restaurant a dependable favorite in southwest Houston for years. The shopping center has struggled since the late 1960s, when new malls began to open. I grew up close byit has always astounded me that an area this close to town has escaped redevelopmentit would seem that with all of the low rent apartments, etc. Jones Fried Chicken wasserving spicychicken-and-rice long before the Halal Guys arrived in Houston. We were the class that gave Principle Jackson a quarter with each hand shake. I remember before. The area includes the Jewelry Exchange Center, a ten-story building. The area is too convenient to 59 to remain in decline forever. Cities occasionally need to make certain improvements to their infrastructures to help economic. I am also impressed with the knowledge and fond memories of Sharpstown that others also share. The SFH around the golf course and across Bellaire as well as next to Braeburn are truly beautiful and property values are rising dramatically. [5] Online shopping began and started to take away from mall shoppers as well. Ok, the interior might be awesome but what aboutmore, The corn cheese, kimchi fried rice (w spam) and soju blends (esp orange creamsicle and gummy bear) were all awesome. Its opening in September 1956 made it the first regional mall in the Houston area, and many people consider it to be the first air conditioned mall in the country. The service from both our server and the bartender were also really good. The mall is owned by Simon Property Group. Wow - thanks for all those photos. Don't know how and why Sharptown High School was located all the way up on Bissonnet. I remember watching a move called The Brother's O'Toole (with John Aston) in the family station wagon. The address for Sharpstown Mall is 7500 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036. Who Is The Owner For Sharpstown Mall? Baker Katz, a Houston-based retail firm, purchased PlazAmericas Mall, a 850,000-square- foot shopping center in Houston. These shifts in the higher end retail environment have left Sharpstown, and similar centers, behind. What was Sharpstown mall like before it was torn down? Davy Crockett addition, west of Lamar Hi, south of River Oaks, 153 homes on 37a, $10,000 price range. I knew a lot of guys from Sharpstown High School that worked there as well. "They will improve access to the whole area, and set the tone for the area as a gateway," Schiller said. At the time of its opening, the mall consisted of 43 stores on one level including the first suburban branch of the Houston-based Foley's department store chain, as well as the first suburban locations of Houston Trunk Factory, Battelstein's and Florsheim Shoes. So many great memories. It was rice fields and ranch land when Sharp bought it and subdivided it, and it was built to do what suburbs have always done: give middle income people an affordable place to live. The Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority announced Tuesday that a contractor will be selected from two bidders - Jerdon Construction of Stafford and Reytec Construction Resources Inc. of Houston - to complete intersection improvements at Bellaire Boulevard at Fondren Road. Man those were great times. You know a meal is going to be good when it begins with what look like homemade jugs of tej, sweet, slightly fizzy Ethiopian honey wine. Since I lived across from the school, I recall watching all the kids with beards, long hair, hippies I tell ya! The exterior was like brown rocks. How and when were the first mall constructed? At least one of those was used for PE when I went there. The intersection improvements are the first piece in a $33 million renovation of Bellaire Boulevard from U.S. 59 to Beltway 8 and Fondren from U.S. 59 to Westpark. Trust me, the food is life-changing. I had no idea Sharpstown was such an important development to Houston. They have perfect noodles, and perfect brot, trust me! If the staff is reading this, the only change I'd make is to upgrade the bathroom. They didn't complete the project before school started so I guess that's why they had to move in all the extra temporaries. Sharpstown Mall opened in 1961 as the first air-conditioned shopping mall in Houston. He profitted and we laughed! Lately, Lucio has focused his reporting primarily on public safety and criminal justice Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. I unfortunately had to sell our property after owning it when new in 1966. In other words, not far from his later River Oaks digs. It includes some history of the origins of Sharpstown. Sharpstown High was the coolest because it had a smoking area, or at least that was the rumor. Samir Dharia moved to Houston from New York in 1985. I used to drool over the R/C cars they had for $120 (a lot of money in 1985 & and fortune for a kid). You had to have had a permission slip from your parents in order to smoke there (not that anyone checked). On the east side of 59, there was a doctor's office on DeMoss. Also, the Southwest Freeway outside the loop video has some information about Sharpstown. I remember that Sinclair station too, did you notice the price in the color picture was 24 cents/gallon? It was the place to be mall-wise. They were easier to get in and get out of. [citation needed] While the Galleria was unique in its strong focus on upscale retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Westwood was a more direct competitor to Sharpstown with anchor stores Joske's and Sears, which complemented Sharpstown's aforementioned anchors, and a closer location to rapidly growing Fort Bend County, home to a growing base of upper-middle class suburban shoppers. Lastlyfor curiousitywhat part of town are you building custom homes? But it never got that far. Greater Sharpstown has evolved over the years into three distinct corridors: Chinatown, Little India and the area now anchored by the PlazAmericas Mall (formerly Sharpstown Mall). Sharpstown was an up and coming A neighborhood staple since the area was anchored by the still-new Sharpstown Mall, this friendly taqueria has even retained the same colorful dcor over the decades. Remember Peppermint Park? Any help is appreciated! What are your best memories of Greenspoint Mall? I guess that photos of Sharpstown are rare. [citation needed] The mall was also re-branded as Sharpstown Mall, and would be referred to as such until reverting to the original name in 1993. Those costs will be financed through the (Sharpstown) Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. Trust me. (it was not on p.1 in the Chron.). He sold the land for Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes for a low price since he wanted those schools. Go my first Honda from Gillman Honda when they were in the small showroom in the corner. People bought in Sharpstown because they couldn't afford Meyerland or Timbergrove. But it won't come until people are priced out of Oak Forest, Westbury, Lindale & the like. However, by the mid-1990s, the mall began to decline due to competition from newer malls such as The Galleria. Don't know their names. Houston's independent source of My hope for the future of Sharpstown is that it does not get infiltrated by developers that try to alter the 1950s type of home layout there in the residential areas. Went to the Astro Arena for graduation. This appears to be looking NE at the corner of Roos and Redding. This was also known as the Gaylynn Terrace. Lindale Park still offers an inner-loop location & quaint architecture in that range. (Elsik class of 85). Don't know which theater was at W. Bellfort & Fondren. Those were Pulte homes if I remember correctly. I really cringe when I hear people talking about how "bad" the Sharpstown area is. WebBasically the Sharpstown mall used to be the most popular mall in Houston, regularly doing significantly more in sales than the Galleria. In 1988, the mall underwent a $65 million renovation which added a food court and a new entrance. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Draloc, Inc. A very eclectic mix. prominent middle to upper middle class? They were new. Class of '83 ROCKS! A $5 million renovation was completed in 2007, which added new tile and carpeting, updated lighting and signage, and a new childrens play area. Addis Ababa also offers a traditional Ethiopian coffee service, which can be booked in advance. IN BUSINESS. I have a photo of the Clock of Texas. These developments included countless new apartment complexes home to young professionals in Houston's energy industry, residential developments as far south as Missouri City, the construction of Houston Baptist University, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, numerous car dealerships, and a new studio complex for the city's NBC television affiliate, KPRC-TV and its sister radio station KPRC-AM. Unfortunately they didn't have any photos or other information. Bill Calderon, executive director of the Authority and TIRZ No. In the 1970s, the mall was expanded to include a fourth anchor, JCPenney. Sharpstown Mall is a regional shopping mall located in southwest Houston, Texas, United States. Galleria was too upscale. A city may undertake such a project through the creation of a Public Improvement, The Public Improvement District Assessment Act allows any city to levy and collect special. It can not be much longer before there are some massive bulldozes going on and redevelopment to start happening. My friends worked at His Place, Chick-fil-a, Foleys and the Oak Tree. It was developed by Sharpstown Center, Inc., a subsidiary of Sharpstown Realty Company, headed by financier Frank Sharp. We were making a definite memory! Glenbrook is closer to downtown, but on the "wrong side of town" for most people. Also - I saw that water tower photo for sale on eBay, but I didn't buy it. This is awesome and I might know some of yall. [21] Signs indicating the renaming appeared by January 29, 2010. Good Time Charlie's was the place to be. Drove a '66 Ford Fairlane with an "ooooga" horn on it. The new windows look almost like the old (that 60's geometric style) but they look thicker and are able to be opened. If you'd like to sign up now, fill out the form below and we will add you as soon as we finish the transition. Our server was also really nice and was willing to help us withmore, My friend and me got the super long wait at Kyuramen then we decided to try this korean place, i got kbbq the day before so i skipped HoneyPig. Ok, the interior might be awesome but what about the food? From start to finish, this restaurant exceeded all of mymore, Doesn't look like much when you past it, but if you go inside, you'll be amazed with the interior. [12] In addition to the loss of businesses and customers to the Sugar Land area, further compounded by many big box retailers opening new locations in and around said area,[4] such aforementioned big box stores as well as discounters including Walmart and Target have grown on the loyalties of customers who used to frequent shopping malls. Remember when the food court was called Goodtime Charlies? During this time, Sharpstown Mall also had to compete with West Oaks Mall for customers out of Fort Bend County. Sharpstown Country Club Estates is a set of two These are the best restaurants with outdoor seating near Houston, TX: People also liked: restaurants for lunch, vegan friendly restaurants. The remains of the bank are three drive-throughs in the middle of the front parking lot that are still standing to this day. That stuff about the Conquistador opening the door to build hi-rise residential. His Oak Forest Construction Co. is listed on Rosslyn. I have a few memories of the Sharpstown mall from the mid 80s when I was like 8 years old. Wow, when was the party? In 2006, the mall was renamed Sharpstown Mall. It is also difficult, for existing businesses to prosper in areas that have poor public infrastructures. In 1999, the mall was sold to Simon Property Group. Then you have Westbury. As a publicity stunt, Sharp donated homes on Rowan Burlington Coat Factory would move from an adjacent shopping center to fill the former Montgomery Ward space. 2. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. The bid calls for the installation of four new left turn lanes; custom transit shelters, streetlights and traffic signals; landscaping in the medians and at the intersection's corners; and storm water drainage improvements. 7118 Bellaire Blvd. The Best 10 Restaurants near Sharpstown, Houston, TX, Jang Choong Dong Korean Restaurant Bellaire. The then owner of the mall, Urban Mall Houston, was over $53 million in debt.[19]. HOUSTON Do you remember the last time you went to your nearby shopping mall? PlazAmericas, formerly known as Sharpstown Mall and earlier Sharpstown Center, is a shopping mall located in the Sharpstown development in Greater Sharpstown, Houston, Texas. When Sharpstown Center opened, it was located on the edge of Houston's southwest suburbs. (And I think later an Amco). Nick Patel, owner/manager of Collision Plus Inc. at 7628 Bellaire Blvd., located roughly 500 feet from the intersection, said since his family opened the business in 1992, they've seen a good number of accidents, rollovers and illegal turns. The mall opened as Sharpstown Center, on September 14, 1961, mere days after Hurricane Carla affected Houston, with future United States Senator Ted Kennedy appearing during the opening ceremony as the main speaker. My dad's friend, Mr. San Miguel was the owner or manager there. In 1998, JCPenney would close its store at Sharpstown, having lost much of its clientele to its First Colony store, with much of its remaining business going to its Meyerland Plaza store. It is the largest mall in Texas and the seventh largest mall in the United States with 3 million square feet (280,000 m2) of gross leasable area and 400 stores. I am sorry I haven't been around much and ended up missing this thread! I've been so busy with my new job (project managing luxury home construction and loving it) that I haven't been able to visit much. Just drove past it the other day. These listings cover the last area, from longtime favorites to new spots tucked inside the mall itself. Edited by My assumption for Sharpstown High School being placed where it was is that it could not be further out West (it would be nearly in Alief) and besides, few homes were built past what is now Corporate Drive. When I lived there beginning in 1969, Sharpstown had 3 sections referred to as Sharpstown 1 (Bintliff east area, Sutton Elem., Jane Long Jr. High), Sharpstown2 (Sandpiper to SW Freeway), and Sharpstown 3(West side of SW Freeway, Mary Bates area, Pat Neff Elem., Sharptown Jr. High. So here is my million dollar questionwhat is scaring off the developersdon't tell me the gangs, etcbecause I remember Midtown before it was "Midtown" and it was probably worse. Every-time lunch or dinner it does not disappoint. Houston is now a top business, biomedical, and entertainment center in the United States. Amenities: (713) 777-5391 Visit Website Map & Directions 7500 Bellaire Blvd Ste 201Houston, TX 77036 Write As 2000 dawned, a New York investment group named Sharpstown Center Associates owned the mall. Royden Oaks - SW corner of River Oaks between Westheimer and San Felipe, 46a tract, construction to start in 1947. I told her what we had done to Mr. Jackson when we graduated. Sharpstown Industrial Park Section 12 Block 24 (, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Mall Makeovers: Struggling malls revamping to boost business, Sharpstown Shopping Center: 50 years later, The fall of a mall / Sharpstown Center seized in foreclosure, "SHARPSTOWN CENTER EXPANSION - Adding the Second Level", Sales at Houston malls rise/Local retailers cite improving economy, shuttle flights, http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7085993, http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dws/txcn/houston/stories/khou090803_tnt_gulfton-ghetto-gang-crime.a50aff2e.html, J.C. Penney to shutter SW store / Site at Sharpstown 1 of 75 to be closed, REINVENTING SHARPSTOWN / HIP-HOP STYLES BRING MALL BACK IN FASHION / Sharpstown Center has lost major tenants over the years, but its hoping specialty stores and a lot of bling outshine what it calls an unfair reputation as a dangerous place to shop, Radio Station KPTY Party 104.9 FM "Houston's Hip-Hop Station" Grand Opening, Houston losing part of its retail history, Macy's to close its doors at Sharpstown Mall, Finger Furniture follows Macy's in exiting Sharpstown Mall, Sharpstown Center, in Chapter 11, for sale / `Major players' are said to be interested, Changes underway for once-popular local mall, Sharpstown Mall sells to investment group, "Sharpstown's PlazAmericas Has New Owner", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=PlazAmericas&oldid=1106903888, Articles with dead external links from August 2022, Articles needing cleanup from August 2022, Articles with bare URLs for citations from August 2022, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from August 2022, All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify, Articles needing additional references from January 2010, All articles needing additional references, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2010, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, "Latino City Jewelry Market" (177,229 square feet, first opened as, This page was last edited on 27 August 2022, at 02:37.