Isn’t it amazing how a shopping mall can hold so many memories? Today we are standing in front of Almeda Mall. This Houston mall opened its doors on October 10, 1968. The Rouse Company developed it. Ray Bailey Architects designed it.
Almeda Mall boasts 782,353 square feet of retail space. This provides ample room for shopping and exploration. Almeda Mall quickly became a premier shopping destination. It served the area southeast of Houston.
Before the mall itself existed, Foley’s department store arrived in 1966. It stood alone. It was on the open prairie. It was along the Gulf Freeway. This early arrival set the stage for the mall’s development.
In its early days, Almeda Mall was a retail marvel. It featured lush tropical gardens. These gardens created a unique shopping environment. The mall also hosted special events and displays. These offerings made it a community hub. One notable tradition was a 25-foot tall Christmas tree. It was made of hundreds of poinsettia plants.
Almeda Mall originally included J.C. Penney. It also featured Battlestein’s and Palais Royal. There were 70 other stores. These stores offered a wide variety of goods. Shoppers could find the latest fashions, home furnishings, and gourmet foods. You could even buy a grand piano.
Competition from newer malls like Baybrook Mall impacted Almeda. The opening of Pearland Town Center also contributed. Almeda Mall underwent a million-dollar renovation around 2017. This project aimed to refresh its look. The old brown brick flooring and walls were replaced.
In 2006, Glimcher Realty Trust put Almeda Mall up for sale. At that time, the mall was 95% occupied. JCPenney closed in 2006. It relocated to Pasadena, TX. Burlington Coat Factory took its place. Foley’s became Macy’s. This happened after its acquisition by The May Department Stores Company in 2005.
Palais Royal closed in 2019. The store 365 replaced it. This store was initially located in the mall’s South wing. It was near Burlington. On January 9, 2025, Macy’s announced its closing. This was part of a plan to close stores nationwide. The store closed in March 2025.
Almeda Mall has adapted over the years. It remains relevant despite increased competition. Redevelopment efforts have brought new tenants. DD’s Discounts and Ojos Locos Restaurant joined the mall. There were also upgrades to entrances, landscaping, and parking.
Almeda Mall continues to serve a diverse shopper base. Its location on Interstate 45 makes it accessible. This mall has a rich history. It reflects the changing retail landscape of Houston. It is a testament to community and adaptation.