A revival in southwest Houston
Sharpstown mall gets a new name and a new life
In a move to cater to a large and predominately Hispanic community in southwest Houston, The Sharpstown Center will undergo a $10 million revitalization and re-branding effort, including a name change to PlazAmericas.
Since opening in 1961, the property has undergone periods of prosperity (it was once Houston's premier destination shopping mall) and decline, including a bankruptcy in 2007.
New plans include a huge mercado, or market place, with stages for live entertainment, a children's play area and a large family lounge.
Past efforts to revitalize the mall have been complicated because the center's anchor stores have different owners. The new plans come with a new management company that hopes to revive the languishing property by appealing to the area's changing demographics.