Since it’s opening in 2009, the mixed used development CityCentre has continued to define itself as West Houston’s premier destination for dining and entertainment. But despite containing a wide range of dining options and a nationally recognized hotel, CityCentre has been lacking in the retail department. But all of that is about to change.

One of CityCentre’s first tenants, along with Hotel Sorella and Lifetime Fitness, was the hip women’s clothing and lifestyle boutique Anthropologie, owned by the Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters Inc.

Apparently Anthropologie has been extremely successful in CityCentre, as Urban Outfitters Inc. is now planning to bring two more of its branded stores to the development: the flagship Urban Outfitters, a men’s and women’s clothing store that also features books and housewares, as well as Free People, a spot offering hip and affordable women’s clothing and accessories.

Construction on the 1,794-square-foot Free People space, located directly across the plaza from Ruggles Green, is well under way. The store is scheduled to open later this month.

Urban Outfitters will occupy a massive 11,106 square foot space directly across the street from Free People, “underneath RA Sushi, in addition to two full floors immediately adjacent to the west, plus the bottom floor to the space west of that, situated under Houston Motor Club’s soon-to-open permanent location,” according to a CityCentre press release. The Urban Outfitters opening is slated for the Fall.

Like a number of the restaurants in CityCentre, Free People will be making its Houston debut with this location. This will be Houston’s fourth Urban Outfitters, joining the already existing locations in The Galleria, Rice Village and The Woodlands.

“We view Urban Outfitters, Inc. as premiere retailers both in the U.S. and globally," Jonathan Brinsden, executive vice president and chief operating officer of CityCentre, said. "Thus, we are extremely pleased with their endorsement in opening new locations of Urban Outfitters and Free People stores in CityCentre, near their already successful Anthropologie location. Their brands very much represent the modern and sophisticated but casual character of the district.”

With CityCentre located less than five minutes away from my house, I can’t wait for the opening of Urban Outfitters. The creative team is taking the brand in a fantastic direction, collaborating with both the American heritage brand Filson and the iconic Ivy-League clothier J. Press. The CityCentre Urban Outfitters and Free People are much-welcomed additions to the sometimes-limited West Houston shopping options, and here's hoping that many other retailers will follow.