Town East Mall

“Mesquite’s crown jewel,” a young boy whispered, clutching his mother’s hand as they approached the gleaming entrance of Town East Mall. He wasn’t wrong. Town East Mall has been a landmark in Mesquite, Texas since its grand opening in 1971. Developed by the Homart Development Company, it was one of the first large malls in the Dallas area. The mall quickly became a community hub. Even Hollywood took notice. In 1978, director Ron Howard chose Town East Mall as a filming location for his movie “Cotton Candy.” Imagine young Ron Howard directing scenes amidst the shoppers and the iconic 168-foot steel pylon at the mall’s center. Time marched on, and so did Town East Mall. In 2004, the mall received a $20 million renovation, giving it a fresh, modern feel. The upgrade included stylish Italian flooring, sleek handrails, modernized elevators, and updated lighting. Even the exterior received a makeover with new cedar and stone. The three sides of the mall were also given distinct names: Lakeside, Parkside, and CitySide. Today, Town East Mall still holds a special place in Mesquite. Its anchor stores, including Macy’s (originally Sanger-Harris, then Foley’s), Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods (which opened in 2018), draw shoppers from near and far. Despite challenges like the closure of Sears in 2021, Town East Mall continues to thrive. It remains a testament to its history and its enduring importance to the community.