Expansion creates a new world of shopping at Baybrook Mall

Baybrook Mall, the largest shopping center in the southeastern region of Houston, is undergoing a multi-million dollar outdoor expansion that will add more than 30 retailers, 10 restaurants and various entertainment locations to the already trendy hotspot. Construction began in May of 2014 and is scheduled to be finished by this year’s holiday season.

“The Baybrook Mall expansion will most definitely add value to the Clear Lake community as well as attract an increased number of satisfied shoppers,” said Madalyn Coffman, literature major and avid Baybrook Mall shopper.

The last time the mall expanded was in 2003 when it grew to 1.2-million-square-feet. This add-on will give the property an estimated 555,000-square-footage increasing the mall size by about 50 percent. The project is a joint endeavor between the landowner, a CDC Houston-managed entity and General Growth Properties, Inc.

“The major expansion of Baybrook Mall will contribute significantly to the economic vitality and quality of life in the area and to other CDC-managed properties and land nearby,” said Keith D. Simon, executive vice president of CDC-Houston.

The expansion is located on the north side and will connect to the existing portion of the mall between the stores Forever 21 and Dillard’s. The development includes easy access from the feeder road and additional parking, including a new parking garage behind Dillard’s. A new 285,000-square-foot lifestyle center will take up more than half of the expansion. This is an open-air multi-purpose space that combines traditional retail with dining and entertainment options as well as leisure amenities, such as “The Lawn.”

The Lawn will be an outdoor grassy area the length of a football field located at the north end of the new portion of the mall. A movie screen will be located at one end of The Lawn playing different family-friendly movies throughout the day. The area will consist of benches and seating areas for people to gather.

“We envision this area as a place for fun, a gathering spot for the community,” said Diana Elkins, marketing manager for Baybrook Mall. “Cool and green, with benches and seating areas, it’s a spot to sit with a friend and visit. It’s a natural spot for kids to play. It’s a spot for events. It will become the heart of the center and the community.”

A 270,000-square-foot power center is being planned for late 2016. The unenclosed shopping center will contain a variety of big box retailers. This will be located at the northern section of the extension.

More information will be released about the new retailers and restaurants late October 2015. Currently, there is confirmation of a new Star Cinema Grill opening at the mall. This Star Cinema is designed to be the flagship location for the Houston market. Featuring a contemporary design, guests will be able to enjoy lounge and bar areas as well as a movie experience. The latest technologies such as Sony 4k Digital Projection and RealD 3D will be included at this Houston location. The new theater will be 42,147-square-feet and is expected to open in the fall of this year.

Another confirmed entertainment venue addition is Dave and Busters. Dave and Busters is an entertainment center consisting of more than 200 games, a bar and a restaurant. This will be their third Houston location.

The Houston Business Journal explains on their website that while retailers have struggled in other parts of the country over the last few years, Houston continued to maintain solid growth, motivating these new additons. The expansion will raise the square footage of the entire mall to 1.7 million, rivaling Houston’s Memorial City Mall and the Galleria. For additional or updated information, visit the Baybrook Mall website.

UPDATE – 11/5/2015: 

Baybrook Mall has set the official grand opening date for Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015. Two new entrances from I-45 south will ease access to the mall with a circle drive and valet drop-off area. The Lawn will have a 22′ by 12′ digital screen and 30′ by 13′ stage for community and center gatherings. Many of the restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues will join in the Nov. 18 grand opening, with a remainder to open by early 2016.

New Tenants:

• Zara
• Dave & Buster’s
• Star Cinema
• Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
• Maggiano’s Little Italy
• Yard House
• Kona Grill
• The Rouxpour
• Bar Louie
• Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
• Kendra Scott
• J. Jill
• Alex & Ani
• Z Gallerie
• Sur la Table
• Lovesac