Extreme Mall Makeover: West Oaks Mall’s $24 Million Redevelopment Gives Regional Mall a Grand Facelift

HOUSTON -- West Oaks Mall marks a major milestone in its redevelopment with the construction of a new signature grand entrance and pedestrian plaza consisting of a 14-screen Edwards Theatre and several restaurants, expected to be completed next fall. The construction sets in motion the phased renovation of the mall with significant upgrades and updates to the interior and exterior space.

In addition, Palais Royal, the national fashion retailer owned by Houston-based Stage Stores, Inc. opened in November joining anchor tenants Macy’s, Dillard’s and Sears department stores, among 90 current retailers and eateries. The mall remains open during the entire redevelopment conducted over the next three years.

Owned and operated by Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP), the $24 million redevelopment of West Oaks confirms its position in the Houston retail scene as a strong regional mall serving west and southwest Houston. The area’s projected growth rate of 13.3 percent exceeds the national benchmark rate of 4.2 percent. The West Houston Association reports the population of the area at 1.48 million last year, almost double the population in 1990.

Located on 78 acres at the corner of Westheimer Road and Highway 6 – one of the busiest intersections in Houston – with a daily traffic count of approximately 200,000 vehicles, West Oaks Mall is 1.07 million sq. ft. and was opened in 1984.

“We are confident that this significant redevelopment and revitalization of West Oaks Mall will deliver a new and enjoyable shopping experience and entertainment destination for area residents,” said Gary Karl, senior vice president of asset management for PRCP. “There are so many new additions to look forward to including an interactive pedestrian plaza that will become the mall’s signature area.”

The pedestrian plaza area will be located at the mall’s west wing and will be surrounded by several new restaurants with outdoor café seating. A new Edwards Theatre 14-screen movie multiplex will be the entertainment anchor visible from both Westheimer Road and Highway 6. Construction of the Theatre and the plaza areas will be completed by Fall 2012.

New local merchants, national retailers and eateries will also be joining the lineup of almost 100 stores inside the mall to enhance the overall comprehensive shopping experience.

“West Oaks Mall has always been a landmark in west Houston and its redevelopment is an encouraging and positive investment in the area,” said Jeannie Bollinger, president and CEO of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. “The average household income of the area is $80,000 so we know our residents appreciate a major shopping destination like West Oaks.”

The interior of the mall will receive significant improvements with new upgrades in décor, lighting, furniture and other amenities.

Tony Daniel, West Oaks Mall’s general manager, said that the addition of the theatre, restaurants and new merchandisers will fill a void in the market and reinforce the mall as an attractive community destination.

“West Oaks Mall has always been a place for the community to enjoy and that has not changed,” said Daniel. “During the construction and remodeling, and of course after it is finished, we invite local schools and organizations to think of us as a venue for the many events they host that make this community a great place to live.”

Updates on the redevelopment process will soon be available on West Oak Mall’s website (www.shopwestoaksmall.com) and the mall’s social media channels on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/WestOaksMall) and Twitter (@WestOaksMall).