aesthetic improvements
Galleria owner plans first multi-million dollar upgrades in 7 years
The Galleria is getting an upgrade.
Houston’s iconic Galleria, the largest shopping mall in Texas, will be getting a multi-million-dollar aesthetic renovation thanks to Simon Property Group, the development's owner that operates malls around the world.
“The Galleria is an iconic Houston institution and an international destination that has drawn the world’s most discerning shoppers for decades,” said Mark Silvestri, President of Development at Simon. “Simon is investing in The Galleria once again to ensure the center continues to raise the bar and set the industry standard for premier centers across the world. These modern improvements and fresh facades will further elevate the experience for our discerning patrons and complement the world’s most sought-after brands that call The Galleria home.”
A major portion of the changes will literally be a facelift. In keeping with the Galleria’s luxurious reputation, the northward and eastward facing valet entrances from Nordstrom all along Westheimer will be getting a tasteful upgrade. These include modernized entrances, recessed LED lighting, and ceiling enhancements. The new look is sure to add some extra pizzaz along the city’s foremost shopping street.
Other enhancements will contribute to the Galleria’s status as the place to buy designer couture, accessories, and other expensive trinkets. Gucci is currently expanding to a two-story space, and both FENDI and Saint Laurent have doubled their footprints in the last five years. Some of the new boutiques that will be making their way onto the floor soon are Etro and Frette. They join other premium storefronts for brands like Dolce & Gabbana. AMIRI, Maria Tash, Prada, Dior, and Alo Yoga,
The renovations are set to begin this summer and be finished by early 2025. This is the first major update to the Galleria since 2017.
“The Galleria continues to be one of the best shopping centers in the United States. Simon is reinvesting in this classic, beloved property to further cement The Galleria as a global leader in the luxury retail space,” said Velda Turan, senior vice president of luxury leasing at Simon. “We are literally and figuratively lifting luxury to the next level and expanding this offering to level two to meet the strong demand from these brands.”
First opened in 1970, the Galleria is one of Houston’s top tourist attractions. It sees 30 million visitors annually. In addition to the shopping, it hosts a massive indoor skating rink and a number of first-class restaurants such as The Oceanaire and Houston’s only Nobu and Musaafer restaurants.
