For generations of North Houstonians, Greenspoint Mall was more than just a place to shop. It was a community hub, a weekend destination, and the backdrop for countless memories. So, when news of the Greenspoint Mall closing became official, it sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity across the city. People kept wondering “what happened to Greenspoint Mall?” and “is Greenspoint Mall still open?”, the story of its rise and fall is clearly one that still resonates. Once a shining star of Houston retail, its journey from a bustling shopping mecca to a shuttered landmark is a story of economic shifts, changing reputations, and the evolution of shopping itself. This article answers those questions, detailing the mall’s celebrated history, the factors that led to its decline, its official closing date, and what the future holds for this iconic piece of Greenspoint Mall Houston history.
The Golden Era: A North Houston Hub
When Greenspoint Mall opened its doors in August 1976, it immediately became a symbol of Houston’s booming growth. Anchored by retail giants like Sears and the Houston-based Foley’s, it was, for a time, the largest shopping center in the region. In fact, it predated the major expansions of The Galleria Mall. Developers envisioned Greenspoint as a “second downtown” for Houston. They built it as the centerpiece of a new, ambitious master-planned community, a vibrant hub of commerce and residential life. In its heyday, the mall was a massive success. For instance, it expanded in the late 1970s to include other major anchors like JCPenney and Montgomery Ward. As a result, it remained a premier shopping destination for many years.
The Decline: Why Did Greenspoint Mall Close?
The story of why Greenspoint Mall closed is complex. It involves economic downturns, increased competition, and a negative public perception that became impossible to shake.
Economic Shifts and Competition
The 1980s oil bust delivered the first major blow to the area. Developers had built a large number of high-end apartments in Greenspoint for oil and gas professionals. However, the industry faltered, and the neighborhood saw a mass exodus. This economic shift ultimately changed the area’s demographics and financial stability. Then, in 1994, The Woodlands Mall opened just 16 miles north. This opening dealt a second blow, as it siphoned away shoppers and created powerful new competition.
The “Gunspoint” Reputation
The most significant factor in the mall’s decline was its struggle with crime. This struggle led to the infamous and damaging nickname “Gunspoint Mall.” While many malls contend with crime, Greenspoint’s reputation became a dominant part of its public identity. The issue was widespread in the area. For example, motor vehicle theft in the mall’s vast parking lots became a frequent problem. The tragic 1991 murder of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Roxyann Allee at the mall cemented the “Gunspoint” moniker in the public consciousness. Despite efforts to improve security, the reputation lingered for decades. The mall even donated space for an HPD substation in the 1990s, but it wasn’t enough to change public perception, causing many shoppers to avoid the area entirely.
The Anchor Exodus and Final Years
A mall cannot survive without its anchor stores. Unfortunately, Greenspoint saw a steady exodus over two decades. JCPenney and Montgomery Ward left around 1999-2000. Soon after, other major anchors like Macy’s and Sears also closed. The final blow came in March 2020, when Premiere Cinemas, one of the last major draws, closed permanently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its final years, the mall was a shadow of its former self. In fact, visitors reported non-working air conditioning and buckets lining the halls to catch leaks from the ceiling. Â
Is Greenspoint Mall Still Open? The Official Closing
To answer the question directly: No, the main interior of Greenspoint Mall is permanently closed to the public. After years of decline, the official closing date was July 31, 2024. On that day, the mall required the last remaining interior tenants to vacate the property. While the main mall is shuttered, a few businesses with exterior entrances, such as Fitness Connection, do remain open.Â
The Future of the Site: Redevelopment and New Life
While the mall itself is closed, the story of the Greenspoint area is not over. The site is slated for a major redevelopment aimed at revitalizing the community. A significant portion of the old campus is being transformed into a new apartment complex called Summit at Renaissance Park. This project, funded in part by the Hurricane Harvey Multifamily Program, will create 325 units of affordable workforce housing with retail space on the ground floor. Furthermore, the broader North Houston Livable Center Plan envisions the area’s future as a mixed-use hub, potentially integrating a new transit center, residential housing, retail, and much-needed park space. Â
Where to Shop in North Houston Today?
For shoppers looking for a great retail experience in North Houston, several excellent and thriving malls have taken the place that Greenspoint once held. These centers offer a modern mix of popular stores, diverse dining options, and family-friendly entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment. They are the new go-to destinations for the community.
Nearby North Houston Malls
- Deerbrook Mall: Situated just 10 miles northeast in Humble, Deerbrook Mall is the primary destination for Northeast Houston. It offers a great mix of department stores and family entertainment, including an AMC Theatre and a large Round One amusement center.
- Willowbrook Mall: Located about 15 miles west of the old Greenspoint site, Willowbrook Mall is a major shopping hub for Northwest Houston. It features a strong lineup of anchors and popular stores like ZARA, Apple, and a newly redesigned food court.
You can explore these and all of Houston’s other great shopping centers on our interactive map of Outlets & Malls in Houston.
The story of Greenspoint Mall is a poignant chapter in Houston’s history. It serves as a powerful reminder of how economic forces and public perception can shape the destiny of even the grandest developments. While the era of Greenspoint Mall has come to an end, the community is looking toward a future of revitalization and new growth.
