Repurposing with a purpose – Pharr, Texas
For a South Texas community on the banks of the Rio Grande, Pharr has always managed to exploit the strength of its position as the “Hub” of the Rio Grande Valley - sitting at the crossroads of Highway 281 running north and south, and the east/west corridor of Expressway 83.
Through the years, the city’s unique location attracted several major chain retailers. City leaders, however, wanted more and took an ambitious vision to Fortune 500 corporations in hopes of luring them to the city. This vision included the demolition of an antiquated mall, a dilapidated hotel and an elementary school long past its prime.
Working together with the local school district, economic consultants and developers, the old mall is now home to The Main Event, Cinemark Theater, Luby’s, and soon, an Academy Outdoor Sporting Goods. The land that once held the hotel and elementary school is now gleaming with the window reflections of At Home, COSTCO, and soon, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Chik Fil-A and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
For a South Texas community on the banks of the Rio Grande, Pharr has always managed to exploit the strength of its position as the “Hub” of the Rio Grande Valley – sitting at the crossroads of Highway 281 running north and south, and the east/west corridor of Expressway 83.
Through the years, the city’s unique location attracted several major chain retailers. City leaders, however, wanted more and took an ambitious vision to Fortune 500 corporations in hopes of luring them to the city. This vision included the demolition of an antiquated mall, a dilapidated hotel and an elementary school long past its prime.
Working together with the local school district, economic consultants and developers, the old mall is now home to The Main Event, Cinemark Theater, Luby’s, and soon, an Academy Outdoor Sporting Goods. The land that once held the hotel and elementary school is now gleaming with the window reflections of At Home, COSTCO, and soon, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Chik Fil-A and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.