Willowbrook Mall

[cnote]

I think you are taking a big leap regarding what people are trying to say on this forum. You infer snobbery or racism based on what? That some people are concerned about the twin facts of increased crime, and commerce centers that have been allowed to age to the point of being eyesores, in specific areas along FM1960?

As I've said, I've lived in this area for 20 years. My eyes and ears don't lie to me.

And since I am new to this forum, I certainly hope you are not referring to me with your derogatory comments about 'know-it-alls'. Personally, I think it's nice to get to know people a little before I consider calling them names.

Not that I speak for Macbro...but I don't think he was referring specifically to you...there are a lot of people on this forum that try to bash any area other than their own, and a lot of people that hear about one unfortunate crime committed in a generally nice area and espouse a sky is falling mentality about the area turning ghetto. I have only ever lived in one other city (Austin)...but does anyone else have any experience with another place that has more upper-middle class areas afraid of turning bad than Houston...is this unique to Houston because of it's sprawl? I knkow this wasn't around in Austin.

[houstonmacbro]

To be honest I wasn't referring to any one person. I wasn't even referring to Willowbrook specifically. I view a lot of these threads and if you were to listen to some of the people that call areas ghetto, trashy, or whatever, you'd really think those areas are on the verge of, or already have become, hopeless, gun-toting, carjacking, crack and meth dealing hives.

To hear some people talk the only livable areas --and by extension, the only worthy areas-- of this great city have price tags in excess of $300,000 (and preferably closer to $500,000) ... get real.

[Trae]

I have the same hopes cnote. But the first step is recognizing there has been a decline in the Willowbrook area. I'm pretty plugged in in our area and I know of very few people who go to the Willowbrook area for anything other than an infrequent run for an absolute necessity. Fifteen years ago, I was in the mall or shopping that area from Toys R Us to the former Oshmans on a weekly basis. Now I take my business to 290/SC Road, or the Galleria. I'd love to get our Willowbrook back to it's former self. But nothing will happen if everyone insists there isn't a problem.

Why would you drive all the way to The Galleria? That's crazy. Willowbrook isn't that bad.

I agree that WILLOWBROOK MALL needs a rennovation. I hope it doesn't look like The Woodlands or First Colony Mall though (an outdoors section). Hopefully someone can come up with some innovative ideas to revive this place ASAP!!! Also definitely some HIGH END retailers needed... I'm tired of having to go to the galleria. Dallas has Northpark Center and the Galleria whereas Houston has just one (the galleria). It's about time we upgrade.

Okay, Dallas' Northpark is just like Houston's Galleria. Dallas' Galleria is no where near the level of Houston's Galleria. Just because it has the same name, doesn't mean anything. You should check the stores. Dallas' Galleria is more comparable to Memorial City Mall.

[psilverot]

Dallas Galleria Stores that aren't at Memorial City Mall:

*A/X

*Baccarat

*BCBG

*Betsey Johnson

*Club Monaco

*Gucci

*Harold's

*J.Crew

*Johnston & Murphy

*Juicy Coutoure

*Kate Spade

*Louis Vuitton

*Lululemon

*Nordstrom

*Saks

*Tiffany & co.

*Tourneau

*Versace

*ZARA....just to name a few. Memorial city doesn't even come close......

Okay, Dallas' Northpark is just like Houston's Galleria. Dallas' Galleria is no where near the level of Houston's Galleria. Just because it has the same name, doesn't mean anything. You should check the stores. Dallas' Galleria is more comparable to Memorial City Mall.

Also Dallas has Highland Park Village....

[Trae]

So? Memorial City has stores that the Dallas Galleria doesn't. The Woodlands Mall, too. Dallas Galleria is not on Houston Galleria or Northpark's level. I hate when people like to compare the two Galleria's because of the name.

[brigantes]

Why would you drive all the way to The Galleria? That's crazy. Willowbrook isn't that bad.

Because, though I live in the suburbs, I do very commonly venture outside the boundaries of the Great Northwest. (Imagine that macbro. ) My son has private music instruction in the Old Spring Branch area, my husband's business is on Post Oak, we have friends in MidTown, I love everything the Rice U area has to offer, our docs are at the Med Center....so a run to Galleria is no more inconvenient than a run to Willowbrook, and much more preferable.

[brigantes]

Not that I speak for Macbro...but I don't think he was referring specifically to you...there are a lot of people on this forum that try to bash any area other than their own, and a lot of people that hear about one unfortunate crime committed in a generally nice area and espouse a sky is falling mentality about the area turning ghetto. I have only ever lived in one other city (Austin)...but does anyone else have any experience with another place that has more upper-middle class areas afraid of turning bad than Houston...is this unique to Houston because of it's sprawl? I knkow this wasn't around in Austin.

Honestly, is there any other place that has the zoning issues (or, more appropriately, lack of zoning issues) of Houston? I don't think it's 'racism' or snobbery that drive these concerns, some of which are admittedly hyped and without substance. Rather, what lies behind this reaction to dilapidation and crime is the fear of losing valuation in what is usually the largest investment most people make...their home. To me, it isn't about living in a big house in a perfect neighborhood or having neighbors who look different from me...I could not care less about that. No, to me, it's about putting money into my home and then losing it.

Edited May 11, 2008 by brigantes

[houstonmacbro]

Honestly, is there any other place that has the zoning issues (or, more appropriately, lack of zoning issues) of Houston? I don't think it's 'racism' or snobbery that drive these concerns, some of which are admittedly hyped and without substance. Rather, what lies behind this reaction to dilapidation and crime is the fear of losing valuation in what is usually the largest investment most people make...their home. To me, it isn't about living in a big house in a perfect neighborhood or having neighbors who look different from me...I could not care less about that. No, to me, it's about putting money into my home and then losing it.

Understandable. We can all attest to the fact that we want our homes to improve in value and the places where we've sunk a portion of our lives, not just in money, to appreciate in value --schools, community, neighborhoods, retail.

[hbcu]

i lived in the parking lot of willowbrook mall for 3 years from 2003 to 2006......never felt safer...now I don't know what's out there now but as a single male I never had any problems with crime whatsoever.....

I frequented 249 up-and-down as I passed through acres home on the way from 290 or 610....its how you carry yourself is that image you portray

if your scared...say your scared...

[RedScare]

Honestly, is there any other place that has the zoning issues (or, more appropriately, lack of zoning issues) of Houston? I don't think it's 'racism' or snobbery that drive these concerns, some of which are admittedly hyped and without substance. Rather, what lies behind this reaction to dilapidation and crime is the fear of losing valuation in what is usually the largest investment most people make...their home. To me, it isn't about living in a big house in a perfect neighborhood or having neighbors who look different from me...I could not care less about that. No, to me, it's about putting money into my home and then losing it.

Perhaps you could answer a couple of questions for me. The first is how could zoning, or lack of zoning, even be an issue in Harris County, as counties cannot impose zoning? Secondly, why are you blaming Houston for your suburban Harris County problems, perceived or otherwise?

As for "commerce centers" that have been allowed to age to the point of being eyesores, I am not aware of any zoning ordinances that address this issue. If you could point out a few, it would help.

[mrfootball]

Perhaps you could answer a couple of questions for me. The first is how could zoning, or lack of zoning, even be an issue in Harris County, as counties cannot impose zoning? Secondly, why are you blaming Houston for your suburban Harris County problems, perceived or otherwise?

As for "commerce centers" that have been allowed to age to the point of being eyesores, I am not aware of any zoning ordinances that address this issue. If you could point out a few, it would help.

Start a new thread.

[psilverot]

New retailers for Willowbrook Mall:

*Bare Escentuals

*Crazy 8

I heard that the Apple store is opening JUNE 7th.

[houstonmacbro]

New retailers for Willowbrook Mall:

I heard that the Apple store is opening JUNE 7th.

Is this just unsubstatiated rumor? I just went to the Apple web site and they only list 2 stores for Houston (Galleria and Memorial).

[editor]

Is this just unsubstatiated rumor? I just went to the Apple web site and they only list 2 stores for Houston (Galleria and Memorial).

The map of future Apple Stores at ifo Apple Store shows it as opening in Christmas, 2008.

I'd think if it was a June opening we'd have heard something more concrete by now.

[psilverot]

Is this just unsubstatiated rumor? I just went to the Apple web site and they only list 2 stores for Houston (Galleria and Memorial).

There's one in the Woodlands, Baybrook, and First Colony mall also.

[houstonmacbro]

There's one in the Woodlands, Baybrook, and First Colony mall also.

But those are not listed on their web site as 'Houston'. If someone didn't know Houston metropolitan area, they would not know that those are all the Houston area.

[bodl]

Is this just unsubstatiated rumor? I just went to the Apple web site and they only list 2 stores for Houston (Galleria and Memorial).

www.shopwillowbrookmall.com shows the Apple Store as "Opening Soon". Apple just opened a store in the Willowbrook Mall in Troy, NJ. I was worried that people had confused the two malls, so I was glad to see it confirmed online that Apple is coming to "our" Willowbrook.

[houstongirl]

www.shopwillowbrookmall.com shows the Apple Store as "Opening Soon". Apple just opened a store in the Willowbrook Mall in Troy, NJ. I was worried that people had confused the two malls, so I was glad to see it confirmed online that Apple is coming to "our" Willowbrook.

The sign has been up at their location inside Willowbrook for a while now. They're definitely doing work on the space.

[editor]

I just say a note on ifoAppleStore that the new store at Willowbrook Mall will open this Saturday at 10am.

It's the 13th Apple Store in Texas. If this opening is like any of the others, there will be free t-shirts for those who get there early.

[psilverot]

FYI...The apple store is open.

[SAHM]

I was following this thread a few weeks ago and agreed with many who stated that they feel safe at Willowbrook, until a terrible experience I had yesterday afternoon.

After completing my father's day shopping, I took my 3 year-old and 2 month old baby to the indoor playground at about 3PM. The mall was busier than usual due to Father's Day. Within minutes of arriving to the playground a fight broke out between 2 mothers and before I could catch my breath several families were beating eachother up severely. Toddlers and preschoolers were being trampeled. The kids were all screaming...it was mayhem. I quickly grabbed my kids and tried to exit, but I was stuck in the back and the mob started getting bigger. Luckily several good samaritans helped me and my family jump over the fence. Store employees from the surrounding stores and passerbys were just staring. I had to start screaming for them to call the police. It took at least 5 minutes for security to respond. I left the area and later asked a security guard how it finally ended and he said several people were arrested, but luckily (and miraculously) none of the kids were seriously hurt.

I plan to write to the mall owners and send a letter to the editor of the Houston Community Newspaper demanding that a guard be at the playground permanently.

I moved into the neighborhood 4 years ago and I have seen the steady decline. Yesterday was the icing on the cake and despite the high gas prices I'm taking my business up to The Woodlands.

Edited June 15, 2008 by SAHM

[houstonmacbro]

That sounds pretty awful. I really don't care for malls ... any malls -- for a variety of reasons--, but with behaviors like that, it kinda seals the deal for me.

[mrfootball]

As a rule, I'd never allow my kids to play in those cootie-ridden mall playgrounds.

[SAHM]

deleted

Edited June 16, 2008 by SAHM

[steven5150]

SAHM - I'm sorry that you and you child were involved in this incident, but I don't believe Mr. Football meant anything personal directed towards you by his post. I feel the same way about not letting my children go in those areas. Unfortunately, we have made the same decision to avoid Willowbrook on the weekends and usually venture up to the Woodlands. Peace.

[hbcu]

if a fight breaks out at the Woodlands? What do you do next? leaving areas at the first sign of trouble starts white flight all over again...last thing we need in Houston once again

[memebag]

As a rule, I'd never allow my kids to play in those cootie-ridden mall playgrounds.

"Daddy, why can't we have fun with the other kids?"

"Because those other kids are filthy and disease ridden. Now go scrub the top layer of skin off. Get clean! Clean for Daddy!!"

Edited June 16, 2008 by memebag

[psilverot]

if a fight breaks out at the Woodlands? What do you do next? leaving areas at the first sign of trouble starts white flight all over again...last thing we need in Houston once again

I completely agree. Just another way to kill a mall.

[houstonmacbro]

I completely agree. Just another way to kill a mall.

I'm not one to condone white (or any other kind of) flight, but I do believe people have the right to shop where they feel safe.

[cnote]

I was following this thread a few weeks ago and agreed with many who stated that they feel safe at Willowbrook, until a terrible experience I had yesterday afternoon.

After completing my father's day shopping, I took my 3 year-old and 2 month old baby to the indoor playground at about 3PM. The mall was busier than usual due to Father's Day. Within minutes of arriving to the playground a fight broke out between 2 mothers and before I could catch my breath several families were beating eachother up severely. Toddlers and preschoolers were being trampeled. The kids were all screaming...it was mayhem. I quickly grabbed my kids and tried to exit, but I was stuck in the back and the mob started getting bigger. Luckily several good samaritans helped me and my family jump over the fence. Store employees from the surrounding stores and passerbys were just staring. I had to start screaming for them to call the police. It took at least 5 minutes for security to respond. I left the area and later asked a security guard how it finally ended and he said several people were arrested, but luckily (and miraculously) none of the kids were seriously hurt.

I plan to write to the mall owners and send a letter to the editor of the Houston Community Newspaper demanding that a guard be at the playground permanently.

I moved into the neighborhood 4 years ago and I have seen the steady decline. Yesterday was the icing on the cake and despite the high gas prices I'm taking my business up to The Woodlands.

What was the fight about and who was involved? Were they young mothers? That sounds crazy. I just can't imagine grown-ups behaving this way, and more people joining in??? Where is the playscape at Willowbrook, I don't think I have ever seen it?

[SAHM]

<br />What was the fight about and who was involved? Were they young mothers? That sounds crazy. I just can't imagine grown-ups behaving this way, and more people joining in??? Where is the playscape at Willowbrook, I don't think I have ever seen it?<br />

<br /><br /><br />

First off, I'd like to apologize to Mr. Football for my sarcasm yesterday and have deleted my post. I had a rough day on Friday with what happened and the last thing I needed to read about was germs. Still no excuse for my rudeness.

Second, enough with the white flight nonsense referred towards me and my choice to go elsewhere. My family and I are Latinos (Cuban to be exact) and Spanish is spoken regularly in my home, so unless I'm running from myself it's a moot point. Careful not to make assumptions that only white people read message boards.

To answer cnote...yes the mothers and a few dads were young, I'd say in their 30s. There were some in their 50s fighting, probably grandparents of the little ones. The playscape is bordered by Sears, Old Navy and KB Toys.

Finally, There are 2 points I'd like to make very clear regarding my frustration.

First, yes fights can happen in any mall, regardless of demographics. However, it was the response of most (not all!) of the surrounding public and security. If two Moms want to act crazy, there's little we can do. These things happen. But what I can't get over is how other parents and caregivers jumped in and made it their problem as well. Why didn't the majority just grab their kids and go, I'll never fully understand. One of my theories is that it was a microcosm of the mall which is a microcosm of the area and that leaves me unsettled. Secondly, it was very obvious that the surrounding store clerks appeared confused and no one has been trained to handle safety issues. The security guards appeared very confused and poorly equipped to handle the scene.

That's why I don't feel safe. It's my opinion, nothing more.

[hbcu]

Feel Safe?

Let me see....

3rd ward was white....didn't feel safe so they leave for south park

south park was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

hiram clarke was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

greenspoint was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

aldine area was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

missouri city was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

1960 area off of I-45 was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

Humble was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

Antoine area/Inwood Forest was white....didn't feel safe so they leave

see where I'm going? How far can we go? Your never going to live in a utopia?

As for the Woodlands Mall...technically...across the highway behind Home Depot is another world back there that suburban development has infringed on.....if they decide to reclaim the land where will you go?

and ok....speaking spanish in the house means what? Hispanics (of brighter persuasion) traditionally will identify with the anglo culture as opposed to their darker counterparts and if you feel safer in the woodlands countryside instead of an area that's a little more diverse and related to you...so be it...

[houstonmacbro]

and ok....speaking spanish in the house means what? Hispanics (of brighter persuasion) traditionally will identify with the anglo culture as opposed to their darker counterparts and if you feel safer in the woodlands countryside instead of an area that's a little more diverse and related to you...so be it...

I think these are some pretty broad strokes you're painting. I don't remember anyone mentioning race or even ethnicity. For all we know the people that participated in the melee could have been Hispanic, they could have been black, they could have been white.

Pesonally, I think TW is a joke because you are right. Once 'the elements' start to encroach there, where are folks gonna run? (Huntsville? Dallas?). TW is made out to be this utopia and really if you look at crime reports, there is just as much going on there as anywhere else.

I think communities have to make a stand against crime and demand better policing (they pay for it after all so why not have better protection).

[jimcas]

This is kind of interesting...

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/levi...D&dist=hppr

[houstonmacbro]

This is kind of interesting...

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/levi...D&dist=hppr

Gosh I must be getting old. Never heard of this 'star'.

[macksfischer]

Mmmmm...I remember when the only thing opened at Willowbrook Mall was a Montgomery Wards store and IT WAS NICE!!! That was back around 1982/83?

I no longer shop at Willowbrook though, it's too full of crime and thugish looking people. It'd be nice if they stepped it up but I don't think putting more posh stores are going to change the clientele that lives in the surrounding area around Bltwy 8.

[houstonmacbro]

Mmmmm...I remember when the only thing opened at Willowbrook Mall was a Montgomery Wards store and IT WAS NICE!!! That was back around 1982/83?

I no longer shop at Willowbrook though, it's too full of crime and thugish looking people. It'd be nice if they stepped it up but I don't think putting more posh stores are going to change the clientele that lives in the surrounding area around Bltwy 8.

I just have a dislike for malls.

And snobs.

[Aldine]

/\ I agree. I shop at Willowbrook and took drivers ed there at Sears. Not once has there been really any criminal activity going on. You never hear about it on the news, and there really aren't that many "thugs" who shop there. Well there are some, but all they are doing is walking around. Not breaking into stores and holding them up.

[Trae]

/\ I agree. I shop at Willowbrook and took drivers ed there at Sears. Not once has there been really any criminal activity going on. You never hear about it on the news, and there really aren't that many "thugs" who shop there. Well there are some, but all they are doing is walking around. Not breaking into stores and holding them up.

But....but...they look scary! My virgin eyes!

[houstonmacbro]

/\ I agree. I shop at Willowbrook and took drivers ed there at Sears. Not once has there been really any criminal activity going on. You never hear about it on the news, and there really aren't that many "thugs" who shop there. Well there are some, but all they are doing is walking around. Not breaking into stores and holding them up.

It's funny. As a non-threatening black male I often get pegged as sary too ... I see it all the time. Women clutch their purses and men look at me warily.

Funny. I am a professional who works everyday (all my adult life), has NEVER been in trouble with the law, has a house in the 'burbs, but I can still be pegged as 'scary' to some.

[memebag]

It's funny. As a non-threatening black male I often get pegged as sary too ... I see it all the time. Women clutch their purses and men look at me warily.

Funny. I am a professional who works everyday (all my adult life), has NEVER been in trouble with the law, has a house in the 'burbs, but I can still be pegged as 'scary' to some.

Don't feel too bad. Some white guys look scary too:

[crunchtastic]

Damn Jewish Actor Thugs!

[houstonmacbro]

Don't feel too bad. Some white guys look scary too:

He wasn't a thug. He was hot.

Just ask Joanie.

[macksfischer]

I just have a dislike for malls.

And snobs.

Sorry, HOUSTONMACBRO...didn't mean to come off sounding like a snob. Just posting my thoughts on how much Willowbrook and the area has changed for me.

[houstonmacbro]

I just have a dislike for malls.

And snobs.

Sorry, HOUSTONMACBRO...didn't mean to come off sounding like a snob. Just posting my thoughts on how much Willowbrook and the area has changed for me.

No biggie. In the past 24 hours on this board I've had my street cred questioned over what I like on my chili.

Guess it wasn't 'hood enough.

LOL

[Trae]

No biggie. In the past 24 hours on this board I've had my street cred questioned over what I like on my chili.

Guess it wasn't 'hood enough.

LOL

This is when you lose your street cred.

Edited July 24, 2008 by Trae

[Aldine]

It's funny. As a non-threatening black male I often get pegged as sary too ... I see it all the time. Women clutch their purses and men look at me warily.

Funny. I am a professional who works everyday (all my adult life), has NEVER been in trouble with the law, has a house in the 'burbs, but I can still be pegged as 'scary' to some.

I feel the same way since I'm a black male. People always think I'm a thug because I go to an Aldine school and get bad grades, when in reality that's not the case at all.

[jimcas]

This place looks pretty good and the website says "New Willowbrook Location coming soon". I think its near the movie theater somewhere rather than the mall - here's the address - 17505 Highway 249.

I called the Katy location to see if the Willowbrook location was open and they said it would be open in about 2 weeks...

http://www.guayabagrill.com/gg_WhatsGuayaba.aspx

[houstonmacbro]

This place looks pretty good and the website says "New Willowbrook Location coming soon". I think its near the movie theater somewhere rather than the mall - here's the address - 17505 Highway 249.

I called the Katy location to see if the Willowbrook location was open and they said it would be open in about 2 weeks...

http://www.guayabagrill.com/gg_WhatsGuayaba.aspx

Looking forward to this!

[katyresident]

Looking forward to this!

That place is really good!!!