Haven’t you heard about a mall that transformed to reflect the culture of its community? That’s Macroplaza Mall in Pasadena Texas. It is a regional shopping center with a rich and evolving history.
Originally named Pasadena Town Square Mall it opened its doors in March 1982. Developed by Federated Department Stores Realty it was connected to an existing Foley’s Department store. Joske’s and Palais Royal were also original anchor stores. Macroplaza Mall was uniquely located. It was one of the few Houston area malls not built near a highway.
In its early years Macroplaza Mall saw changes in ownership. A little over a year after opening Federated Department Stores Realty sold the mall to JMB Realty Corporation. In 2002 a local developer purchased it from American General. Foley’s became Macy’s in 2006 the same year Dillard’s closed.
The mall underwent several renovations and name changes. It was initially Pasadena Town Square Mall then Plaza Paseo Mall. In mid-2018 it was renamed Macroplaza Mall. This name was chosen to highlight its focus on the area’s Mexican American community. It was meant to evoke a gathering place like the Macroplaza in Monterrey Mexico.
The late 1990s brought Sears as a fourth anchor in 1997. This was an effort to attract more shoppers. However the mall faced challenges in the 21st century. Anchor stores began to close. Dillard’s closed in 2006 followed by Macy’s in 2017. Palais Royal closed in 2020 when its parent company filed for bankruptcy. Sears closed in 2021.
In 2015 Guardian Equity purchased Macroplaza Mall with plans to remodel it. Despite these efforts the mall struggled. Today Macroplaza Mall is considered a dead mall by some. Yet it has plans for renovation to transform the aging mall into a Spanish Colonial styled mercado. The focus will be on local vendors and restaurants. There are even plans to add a farmers market and movie theater.
Macroplaza Mall has a history of department store anchors. Foley’s opened in 1962 and became Macy’s in 2006. Joske’s opened in 1982 and became Dillard’s in 1987. Palais Royal also opened in 1982. Sears opened in 1997. Each of these closures marked a significant change.
Even though Macroplaza Mall has faced difficulties it continues to adapt. The owners are planning a renovation that will focus on local vendors. The transformation of the mall into a Spanish Colonial styled mercado is exciting. Macroplaza Mall has a long and varied past and a future that is yet to be written.