North Star Mall; San Antonio, Texas
Here’s something kind of authentically Texan: a shopping mall that’s home to “the world’s largest pair of cowboy boots,” a 40′ sculpture outside of Saks Fifth Avenue. Pretty wild!
San Antonio, Texas is a large and sprawling metropolitan area of just over two million people in south-central Texas, and is home to many of Texas’ oldest landmarks (including, most notably, the Alamo). In recent decades, development sprawled almost un-checked in every direction radiating from downtown to such a great degree that the city had to build beltways around beltways.
Most of the city’s major shopping malls were built around what is now the “inner” of these two beltways–I-410–and most of *those* malls are clustered along the city’s northern half. Of these, North Star Mall is the largest and most successful of the fully enclosed malls near San Antonio (there is one newer outdoor mall that arguably has since rivaled it).
The North Star Mall is a 200 store, 1.2 million square foot enclosed mall anchored by Dillard’s, JC Penney, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Originally developed in 1960 by Community Research & Development Corporation (which would later become The Rouse Company), the mall was initially a far smaller center anchored by Wolff and Marx, H-E-B, and Walgreens, along with about 50 in-line merchants. Shortly thereafter, the mall was expanded slightly to include a movie theatre and a new anchor in Frost Bros. By the end of the decade, the mall underwent another expansion, with Wolff and Marx moving to a new five level store and renaming themselves Joske’s.
Also, in 1968, North Star got a buddy–the adjacent Central Park Mall, just across San Pedro Avenue. The 650,000 square foot mall was anchored by Sears and Dillard’s and was, for some time, something of a twin for North Star. You can see a 1982 aerial photo of the mall here. But the continued expansions at North Star would ultimately bring its demise.
The landmark cowboy boots showed up in 1980. Named “The Giant Justins,” and built by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade (What a Texan name!), the boots were originally constructed a year earlier for the Washington Project for the Arts.
The arrival of the giant kicks kicked off a 1982 revival at the North Star Mall, wherein the center began a major renovation to add a food court and a sub-terranean “music court” as well as add a Foley’s on the original H-E-B site. Three years later, Saks Fifth Avenue was added as yet another anchor. Only a year after the arrival of Sak’s, a new two-level wing was added to the mall, including Marshall Field’s and a new food court. In 1987, Joske’s was acquired by Dillard’s, while Frost Bros. went out of business in 1989 and was replaced three years later by Mervyn’s. Marshall Field’s exited the Texas market in 1997 and their store was converted to Macy’s.
In 2001, the now-dwarfed Central Park Mall packed it in. It was mostly demolished in 2003 although Sears still remains.
In 2004, the ever-evolving North Star Mall began yet *another* renovation, this time by new owner General Growth Properties (who had just acquired The Rouse Company). Renovations aside, the mall continued to see significant churn in its anchor tenants. Due to the Federated/May Merger of 2006, the Macy’s store was shut and the Foley’s store was rebranded with the Macy’s name. This created a space for JC Penney to enter the center, and they opened in the space in 2007. In 2008, beleaguered Mervyn’s exited the Texas market entirely, closing their store at North Star. (More on the North Star Mall timeline)
That’s the straight history, but what makes North Star Mall so interesting is its layout and architecture. Take a look at the directory and try and follow along:
The original section of the mall is the upper “T,” closest to Dillard’s and Saks. This was originally a one-level mall that received a second level and then was soon thereafter twinned (with the lower “T”) in the mid-80s. Strangely, the second level on either side of the mall is discontiguous, meaning that the only way to walk through the entire center is by going downstairs to the main, first level. The passageway between the two “T” areas is somewhat narrow and winding.
The floorplan at the North Star Mall alone kept me pretty entertained, but even aside from the weird layout the place just felt immense. With all of the various additions over the years, the mall doesn’t have much stylistic consistency, creating all sorts of nooks and crannies and twists and turns that look different from each other. All in all, it was a pretty exciting place.
And, as I mentioned earlier, although North Star Mall is San Antonio’s largest and most successful enclosed mall, it’s facing some tough competition. The very large Shops at La Cantera, a massive outdoor mall/lifestyle center, opened far northwest of the city in phases beginning in 2005. In sheer size, this place seems even bigger than North Star and appears to have an even more upscale roster of tenants, without any of the vacancies that plague North Star (which still hasn’t filled the Mervyn’s space that was vacated a year and a half ago. Actually, whoops: Forever 21 plans to open a store to fill the vacant Mervyn’s).
Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D)
September 27th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Hooray for Texas malls!
- The Dillard’s is actually quite big (what is it? 4 levels or five?)
- You can see a Foley’s labelscar below the Macy’s sign. I miss Foley’s…the Marshall Field’s of Texas, as it were.
- The Wikipedia article mentions a basement court that was sealed in the 1990s. Did you see any evidence?
- I thought the mall was one level until now! Cool!
- The Mervyn’s storefront looks very similar to Sanger-Harris (sans mural) but it never was a Sanger-Harris.
- I went to The Shops at La Cantera in 2006. At the time, the second phase was not complete and Foley’s was mere months away from perishing forever. It didn’t seem particularly upscale (as in, nice but nothing to write home about) and all the storefronts opened up with no doors (the air conditioning just goes out the entrance…). The concourse was very hot (except for the food court, which was enclosed) and the hallways were strangely empty (yet the parking lot was full). Given that it was my first outdoor mall experience, it was quite strange.
- Texas is now fourth, behind Massachusetts, Illinois, and New York. Wow!
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Steven Swain
September 27th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Though I think I would really enjoyed some pictures of what the Marshall Field’s (JCPenney) looked like as part of the post, I love this entry overall. This is one of the oddest malls I’ve ever seen. Parts of the interior are stunning, and the other parts are at least historic. I really dig the old Frost Brothers and a five level Dillard’s sounds intriguing and looks kind of cool.
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Kirb
September 27th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
The Mervyn’s spot is being filled with Forever 21
http://www.centredaily.com/107/story/1479876.html
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mallguy
September 28th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Love the boots! Surprising they just didn’t make the entire mall two floors. I hope the dry fountains in the pics aren’t eventually demolished.
The interior looks eerily similar to The Mall in Columbia in MD and Paramus Park in NJ. I guess General Growth is going for a similar look in all the malls it renovates.
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TenPoundHammer
September 28th, 2009 at 11:57 am
The layout is kind of like Southland Center in Taylor, squared.
Also, I looked up Central Park Mall on Bing Maps. The site is still vacant, with only the Sears, vacant Dillard’s and office tower remaining. You can still see the outlines of the mall hallways.
There are plenty of other malls in San Antone as well:
*McCrelless Mall: Bealls, Handy Andy, Montgomery Ward, Woolworth and I think JCPenney. It was demo’d sometime this decade and is now an H-E-B.
*Rivercenter: Opened in 1988, home to Macy’s and a dead Dillard’s.
*Rolling Oaks: Fairly normal JCPenney, Macy’s, Sears, Dillard’s.
*South Park Mall: Bealls, JCP, Macy’s, Old Navy, Sears (which was formerly a *Phar-Mor* of all things, if for only a year — was this Phar-Mor ever something else before that?), and a dead Mervyns (which was formerly a *Woolco*!). This may be one of the only malls formerly anchored by Woolco that isn’t circling the drain.
*Shops at La Cantera: Outdoor mall with Dillard’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom.
* Westlakes Mall: Small discount mall that didn’t stand a chance. Opened in 1983 with Target and Wards, demo’d 2008 (save for Target) for another H-E-B.
*Windsor Park Mall: Dillard’s, Dillard’s Home (née Joske’s), JCPenney, Mervyn’s, Wards. Mervyns was the last to go, doing so in 2005. Converted to something for Rackspace.
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Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D) Reply:
October 17th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
@TenPoundHammer: Nearly all the Macy’s in San Antonio were originally Foley’s, and Rivercenter’s Dillard’s was originally the flagship Joske’s. Macy’s was Foley’s, and before that, Lord & Taylor.
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Paul
September 28th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Didn’t North Star have a Rhodes Southwest (later Liberty House) in the 1960’s and 70’s?
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Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D)
October 16th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
The Mervyn’s here closed in August ‘08, the next-to-last round of closings. So it wasn’t vacant for over a year, at the time of your writing.
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Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D) Reply:
October 17th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
P.S.: Contrary to what Wiki says, Wolff & Marx didn’t “rename” themselves Joske’s. Joske’s bought out Wolff & Marx, built a new giant Joske’s store, and closed Wolff & Marx. That would be like Marshall Field’s “renaming” themselves Macy’s!
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PJ
October 18th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
It should be noted that at one time there was talk of building a crosswalk over San Pedro to join Central Park Mall & North Star..turning Central Park Mall into more of an entertainment style(clubs, theaters, restaurants etc..) venue to compliment North Star..there was even talk at one point of building a quasi-style underground tram between the two..shame that never occurred..
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TenPoundHammer
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Where the heck are Caldor and Prangeway? They’re not usually gone this long.
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Mike Rivest
November 17th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I have an six-page ad for the opening of the General Cinema twin theatre. There is a lot of history at the link below.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/19001598/San-Antonio-Theatres-Opening-Ads
page 15-20
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Kevin Vidal
November 18th, 2009 at 11:08 am
This complaint is against North Star Mall(San Antonio, TX) Management, Lens Crafters Management, North Star Security and SAPD for an incident which occurred on 11/17/2009. This officer, security, and other personnel were highly insulting, humiliating and continuously tried to provoke me so that he had reason to arrest me.
I have no doubt that by the arrogance displayed in this incident that other complaints exists against the individuals involved and others may be forthcoming.
I high recommend that you investigate this matter. My account is stated below, along with my police report.
Regards,
Kevin M. Vidal
210-464-4302
========================================================
North Star Mall Incident – 11/17/2009
I am deeply upset and dissatisfied with the way that I was handled by North Star Mall security and the assigned Police Officer, on today 11/17/2009. Specifically, I would like to file a complaint and report for this incident.
Today I went to Lens Crafters and my $ 300 cell phone was stolen from the store counter while I was in the store. I used the phone in front of Lens Crafters employees for I called Lens Crafters Customer Service from the store.
After sitting with Brittany to price glasses, I sat my phone on the customer counter. I walked away to replace a pair of display glasses and my phone was gone. At the time there were about 4 employees in the store, and one customer.
I insisted on filing a report and complaint to make Lens Crafters and the mall aware of the incident, but constantly got the runaround, being told that I could file the complaint on line, there was no phone number to call.
Unbeknownst to me, security was called, Mr. Mendoza. He spoke to me and seemed helpful at first. He then told me that an officer would come to take the report, Officer Ingram. I told him that I would walk to my car and return. I gave him my second cell phone number in case I missed him.
As I walked to the car, 3 officers approached me, Ingram asked “may I help you”. I told him no, for I did not know that he was the one that Mendoza called. Igram did not asked me if I needed help with my phone situation so I figured that I would wait until I returned to Mendoza. Immediately officer Ingram exerted his authority, through me against the wall, handcuffed me and threatened to arrest me if I said one word. As on lookers watched, he asked that at most I could shake my head as he asked questions, and if I said one word he would arrest me. Mendoza then said to me “You really fucked up now”, while Officer Jason told him he should not have said those words.
Ingram was very much in my face trying to provoke me to get arrested. I did not allow this to happen and was released.
I was told by Lens Crafters and by Mendoza that I could file a complaint and incident report and I wanted to. I still do. But, I was told by Ingram that there was no such complaint that I could file and that if I wanted to file a report with the police department nothing would happen, but I could try to do so on line.
I have never been so humiliated in my life. I am a black man. All parties involved were Latino or White. This felt really strange.
Additionally, Lens Crafter employees were very customer unfriendly. Particularly Brian, the manager on duty. He did not want to come to speak with me about this matter, though Brittany tried vigorously. He tried to bribe me by offering deep discounts on glasses for the humiliation. I told him that it would not erase the humiliation and he shouted to Mendoza, “take him away from my store”. Michael, another Lens Crafters employees “freaked out” (according to Brittany as well) for some reason and became arrogant and argumentative with me about the matter, though he was marginally involved. He showed me his iPhone and argued that he had no reason to steal my phone, though I never accused him of stealing it. Ultimately, Michael called security. Brian then came out explaining that security was called to help me file a report. Little did I know they were called to harass and torment me.
I know that I had and used my phone in the Lens Crafter store. There was a total of 4 employees in the store (George, Brian, Michael, and Brittany), and one customer. There is a possibility that my phone was stolen by one of the employees and I wanted to report the incident. I was never able to report the incident, but am now sending this email to you, and will contact the SA Police Department.
Eventually, I did get the phone number of the Lens Crafters Regional Manager, Terry Garcia, from Brittany. I left a voice mail with her and 2 with North Star Mall management. I do believe that Brittany was trying to be helpful.
The fact the Lens Crafters staff, SAPD, and North Star Mall security was so demeaning and humiliating for someone who broke no laws, is something that you should seriously investigate, if North Star Mall management cares. If not, I have no doubt that everyone’s absence of politeness will flare up into a more significant problem some day.
As for me, I never plan to go to your mall to shop (nor Lens Crafters) and fill out reports on this matter, post blogs, inform friends, management, media and authorities.
What a horrific experience! You really should investigate this matter and let me know how to go about filing a formal report and complaint.
Your prompt attention to this matter would be appreciated.
Regards,
Kevin M. Vidal
210-464-4302
[Reply]
Prange Way Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
@Kevin Vidal, If you are dissatisfied with your treatment by all parties involved, including the police, it sounds like you need to hire a lawyer.
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Kevin Vidal Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
@Prange Way, Blog Reply – 11/18/2009 – I do appreciate your reply. This incident is still unsetting to me.
I just spoke to a regional manager at Lens Crafters, Terry Garcia. She was very unapologetic and said that she “stands by the integrity of her employees”. She did not care to receive this incident in writing from me, though it contains additional details. She listened to my store summarized on the phone and told me that I would never hear from her again regarding this matter. She relinquished Lens Crafters’ responsibility to formally investigate this matter. She tended to point responsibility for this matter to mall security and the SAPD. ….”not in her control”.
I have since written the TV Stations, North Star Mall’s parent company, Lens Crafters’ parent company (in Italy), and the mayor, Julian Castro. I have not heard from any of them on their own accord.
I did speak with the San Antonio Police Department. They did not return my calls, nor did they respond to emails or on line forms. The officer I called told me that he has to finish speaking with the mall and Lens Crafters, then he will decide if he will “even take my case”.
North Star Mall management never responded to calls, or emails either. I called them and spoke to Operations Manager Dave Stetler. He told me that he would look into this matter, but did not offer to follow up with me. I do not expect a response either.
I am simply trying to shed light on the treatment I experienced. I am sure that others have experienced the same, but as citizens and consumers we never take action. My actions may seem in vain, but I am proud that I am not “taking this lying down”.
I am more interested in sharing this situation with the community, and management who both can effect changes. At this time I am not considering legal action.
I send you very warm regards for your reply. The more responses I receive, the more this story gets circulated.
Kevin
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Kevin Vidal
November 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I just did a Google search on SAPD Officer Robert Ingram. I am pretty sure that this is the officer that humiliated me, for he too is a on retail mall detal.
He shoot a suspect for “fear of his life”. The suspect only had a hunting knife inside of his car.
See story below:
Contact: Sgt. Gabriel Trevino Date: 07-14-08 Release No. 08-069
News Release – http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/pdf/Adv_071408.pdf
Contact: Sgt. Gabriel Trevino Date: 07-14-08 Release No. 08-069
News Release
OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
A preliminary investigation pertaining to an officer involved shooting reveals the
following: On July 14, 2008, at approximately 7:04am, San Antonio Police Officer
Robert Ingram, an 11-year veteran, was patrolling behind the strip retail center
located at 5740 Walzem Rd. As Officer Ingram drove his patrol car behind the
businesses, he saw a car backed into a loading dock. As officer Ingram got closer,
he saw a lone male sitting in the driver’s side. Officer Ingram reports that at that
point, the suspect looked up and motioned his head side to side and pointed his
finger up and also motioned his finger side to side (indicating a “no” gesture). The
suspect then placed his car in gear and accelerated directly towards Officer Ingram,
who was still sitting inside his patrol car. The suspect’s car then struck Officer
Ingram’s car, pushing the patrol car back several feet until it was pinned between a
concrete pillar and the suspect’s car. The suspect then reversed his car and then
again came forward, spinning his rear tires, as the suspect’s car again struck Officer
Ingram’s patrol car. Officer Ingram, fearing for his life, began to fire his service
weapon, through his own patrol car’s front windshield, towards the suspect. Officer
Ingram continued to fire as he was able to exit his patrol car and flee for cover.
The suspect was hit by Officer Ingram’s fire and subsequently died at the scene.
Officer Ingram did not receive serious injuries from the ramming of his patrol car.
A preliminary view inside the suspect’s car revealed a hunting knife and drug
paraphernalia. The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending official
identification and the notification of death to the next of kin.
The San Antonio Police Department’s shooting Team is handling the investigation
and will submit their findings to Police Chief William P. McManus and the Bexar
County District Attorney’s Office. As per policy, Officer Ingram will be placed on
administrative duty while the investigation continues.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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