Gulfgate Center Mall Developments

[stolitx]

Didn't know if anyone was privy to what, if anything, will be added to Gulfgate. There is still the huge empty land between 610 and Donaraki.

Also there appears to be some kind of construction action in the parking lot in front of the Marshalls.

[MidtownCoog]

I thought Metro was building a new transit center here.

[The Great Hizzy!]

The Transit Center is actually across the South Loop from Gulfgate and became operational not very long ago. If I recall, there is construction starting to take place on the west side of Woodridge. I have no clue what's being built, though.

[GREASER]

Hopefully it`s not another bank!!! The rent in Gulfgate is high, so its not filling up real quickly. SOMEBODY, CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A 24HR FITNESS, OR ANY OTHER GYM IN GULFGATE.

[Guest danax]

Hopefully it`s not another bank!!!  The rent in Gulfgate is high, so its not filling up real quickly.  SOMEBODY, CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A 24HR FITNESS,  OR ANY OTHER GYM IN GULFGATE.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think it's about half filled right now. There is a new pad fronting Woodridge across from Lowes. As a local, I'm not holding my breath for anything with any panache. Bank would be a reasonable bet, except that there are 3 across the street already. We could have the makings of the free-checking version of "Restaurant Row"....nothing like driving down Woodridge to hop on the Loop on a Saturday morning with the driveup ATM lines backed up into the streets.

You never know though. We did get a Starbucks. It's really a meat and potatoes "lifestyle center" so possibly, what, another cheap shoe store? Maybe another upscale eatery, like, Popeye's?

I think once the transit center opens and the foot bridge across the Loop gets some traffic we might get some construction on the south side of the lot.

These lifestyle centers offer no real surprises. I was in Meyerland a couple of days ago and see that they're expanding. Target, Pier One, etc, etc. Has anyone seen anything in one of these centers that wasn't a national chain store, except for restaurants?

[kjb434]

not really,

do you have any local merchants that can afford the rents in these places?

Most of these centers are designed to provide people with something they are familliar with.

[LTAWACS]

I was there yesterday. I will check it later today...

[stolitx]

Hopefully it`s not another bank!!!  The rent in Gulfgate is high, so its not filling up real quickly.  SOMEBODY, CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A 24HR FITNESS,  OR ANY OTHER GYM IN GULFGATE.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm with you. But since 24-Hour Fitness just opened a new gyme at Almeda, I doubt they'd invest in another new building so close.

I guess Bally's would be the last hope for a large gym.

[LTAWACS]

I'm with you. But since 24-Hour Fitness just opened a new gyme at Almeda, I doubt they'd invest in another new building so close.

I guess Bally's would be the last hope for a large gym.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well I heard they were going to put up an HPF storefront and a walmart supercenter. This new thing they are building has too small a footpring to be either... so I dont know yet... I will ask the construction werkers out there to fish for clues.

[stolitx]

Well I heard they were going to put up an HPF storefront and a walmart supercenter. This new thing they are building has too small a footpring to be either... so I dont know yet... I will ask the construction werkers out there to fish for clues.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There's a Walmart Supercenter going up near Almeda.

I went by Gulfgate today and the signs around the new construction just say new retail space.

I really hope something useful goes in when they develop the empty land behind HEB.

[musicman]

Well I heard they were going to put up an HPF storefront and a walmart supercenter.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

speaking of walmart, we were looking for the phone number of the nearest walmart and put it in yahoo and an address near the old K-mart (south wayside and 45S) popped up! This surprised us so we called another walmart to see if they knew anything and they didn't. Guess it was a fluke, but surprising that an address actually popped up inside the loop.

[sir_foulto]

A movie theatre would be nice; I suspect it would get a lot of business. How about a Barnes & Nobles? Sorry, growing up on this side of town I don't think that will ever happen. It would be nice though. A 24-Hour Fitness would be nice too. The only thing in the area that would give it competition--maybe--is the antiquated YMCA off of Broadway and 610.

Starbucks:

I heard that the Starbucks located across from the Gulfgate Center was opened up as part of Magic Johnson's Urban Renewal Project. I was suprised when I first saw it. The demographic in that area is primarily Hispanic and Hispanics aren't particularly picky about their coffee. That said it's done well from what my Dad has told me.

[stolitx]

The Starbucks on Woodridge is part of Magic Johnson's project. I was surprised when it was going in (elated, but surprised). I go there once a week, usually after work, and I'm never alone when I'm in the drive through and there are usually several people sitting outside.

[houstonsemipro]

So, Lowe's the owner of Magic Johnson Theater is going to open a theater in Gulfgate?

[houstonsemipro]

So, where they going to put the theater? Everything at Gulfgate is kinda bunch up.

[stolitx]

So, where they going to put the theater? Everything at Gulfgate is kinda bunch up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think the theater was just a suggestion of something nice for the neighborhood.

[houstonsemipro]

But, Magic Johnson was looking for other locations in the houston area, and that might be one of the locations. He already have one location at Northline.

[stolitx]

But, Magic Johnson was looking for other locations in the houston area, and that might be one of the locations. He already have one location at Northline.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well the neighborhood doesn't have a theater so it could use if if they could make room for it. I think the only place on Gulfgate property would be the space behind HEB. Almeda has tons of empty space and the new Walmart Supercenter going in. It's prime for redevelopement. And it needs it or the whole mall is going to close.

[LTAWACS]

So, Lowe's the owner of Magic Johnson Theater is going to open a theater in Gulfgate?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i hope not.

[sevfiv]

i hope not as well

[VicMan]

Lowe's just merged with AMC, so will a theater be an AMC theater?

[houstonsemipro]

Yes, heard that too about Lowe's merged with AMC. But, Lowes do own Magic Johnson's Theaters. The reason why they picked Magic Johnson's name, cause to bring people back into their theaters. Magic Johnson do not own a theater, it's just for publiclicity folks. On the other hand, I'm glad Lowes is merging with AMC. Maybe something good will come out of this.

[kjb434]

I've decided to avoid the movies altogether. Just wait two or three months and the DVD will be out. Use Netflix, the new dollar machines, or just buy it.

The main thing I hate is the commercials they show before the previews. If they are going to show the commercials, the movie should be free just like in Network and Cable TV.

[The Great Hizzy!]

There is quite a bit of land to the SE of the Gulfgate Center that would be large enough to house a 12 to 16 screen cinema complex. Not saying it will be a Magic Theaters but that it could house one of that's where they decide to go.

And why isn't there a theater in the Gulfgate area? Closest one, I think, is near Almeda Mall.

[houstonsemipro]

There were plans for a theater at Gulfgate, Great Hizzy. But, they decided not to add a theater after all.

[Original Timmy Chan's]

There is quite a bit of land to the SE of the Gulfgate Center that would be large enough to house a 12 to 16 screen cinema complex. Not saying it will be a Magic Theaters but that it could house one of that's where they decide to go.

And why isn't there a theater in the Gulfgate area? Closest one, I think, is near Almeda Mall.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You may already know this, but there used to be a theater at Gulfgate, or more precisely, across 610 from the old Gulfgate Mall. The location of the old theater is now the storage place. It was connected to Gulfgate by the pedestrian bridge (is it still standing, by the way?)

My aunt used to take us there when we were kids...Walking over 610 was the coolest thing in the world back then.

The Gulfgate theater was a 4-screener (!) and closed back in 1998. Speaking of Almeda, there used to be 2 movie theaters there when I was a kid...the 2-screen one in the parking lot by Best, and a 5 (?) screen one on the Gulf Freeway side.

[MidtownCoog]

I saw the original Star Wars at the Gulfgate theatre.

Anyone remember that funky hotel near buy with the carousel on top?

That places used to trip me out on our regular trips to Joskes, Sakowitz and the Russel Stover Candy shop. I also remember the Service Merchandise and Leopold Price and Rollie.

Yum.

Gulfgate used to rock!

[LTAWACS]

I saw the original Star Wars at the Gulfgate theatre.

Anyone remember that funky hotel near buy with the carousel on top?

That places used to trip me out on our regular trips to Joskes, Sakowitz and the Russel Stover Candy shop.  I also remember the Service Merchandise and Leopold Price and Rollie. 

Yum.

Gulfgate used to rock!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know but that was a loooong time ago.

[stolitx]

Theaters are long gone from Almeda. Almeda has also already lost the Old Navy, Lane Bryant, Just for Feet, and a book store just to start. Going soon I heard is the KB toy store in the mall and the JC Penneys (looking to move to Baybrook is what one of the employees told me). Most of the stores moved to the Fairmont/Beltway area in Pasadena.

And I doubt the future looks bright for the Foleys there since I can't imagine that Macy's is going to put their name on that location. Especially when there's the brand new nice Foley's in Baybrook.

[kjb434]

Almeda should just be torn down and have the land sold off unless it can be turned into a Meyerland or Gulfgate.

It may be too close to Gulfgate to be renovated.

[GREASER]

Speaking of a loooooong time ago, at some point my mom worked at Gulfgate Mall, and always told me about a tunnel system under the mall. It was designed so that trucks could pull in underground and unload into the stores `basements`. It was also a designated bomb/fallout shelter. Does anyone know if these tunnels are still there? During the construction I never saw excavation down very far.

[sir_foulto]

It's hard to believe Almeda Mall is going the way of Gulgate Mall. It used to be a nice mall but perhaps it has seen its time. You can always tell the near demise of a mall in direct proportion to the number of shoe stores it has. My family use to frequent both Gulfgate and Almeda Malls; consequently, I have many memories of both but I'm afraid that pretty soon that may be all that's left. Anyway, there is Gulfgate Center which sits atop what used to be Gulfgate Mall so that somewhat cushions the sadness of it all. Anyone remember the Weingartens (grocery store) that used to be located adjacent to Gulfgate?

As for the earlier post, I do remember the carousel. Watched all the classics in that cinema: Jaws, Star Wars, Superman. Then crossed the bridge over 610 for lunch and Picadillies (I think that's the correct spelling) Cafeteria. They used to have an underground bowling alley too.

I also thought about what might fit into the vacant lot which is the subject of this post. They could turn it into a park area with a pavillion where outdoor performances are staged. Then maybe not, no one in their right minds from Houston would spend more than five minutes outdoors in the weather we have there.

[Subdude]

Original Gulfgate

Carrousel Motel

[MidtownCoog]

LOL! Where is the carousel? I think they finally tore that place down about 10 years ago.

Anyway, we used to ride our bikes to the mall on Sundays. Sakowitz had guard dogs running the floor that you could see through the doors.

I think Picadilly's was the last place standing.

[sir_foulto]

Gulfgate and Almeda Mall were the most memorable during Christmas time but that's probably the case with most malls. It's kind of scary but I still have dreams about the Joskes Department Store with those pickle green tiles and it's three floor levels. Does anyone remember the Walgreens with the cafeteria inside. Now this is really going back, but does anyone remeber the Fed Mart across from Gulfgate Mall. Presently the Lowes Home Improvement Store is there.

Anyone have any other pics? I'm waxing nostalgic.

[MidtownCoog]

Things I remember in or near Gulfgate circa 70s - early 90s:

Roy Rogers Restaurant

Frizell Pontiac GMC

Service Merchandise

Santa's Train

Leopold Price & Rolly

Joskes was always hot.

Spanky's

Brisquit House

Dillards' basement

Craig's

Walgreen's

Music Store? (same one was in Almeda)

Picadilly

Air Force Recruiting

Russell Stovers

Almeda:

Italian deli - like a Spec's - even sold pizza crust you could cook

The fountain in the middle

Baskin Robbins

The old Jewish lady in Foley's watches.

Cool Christmas selection at Foleys'

[djrage]

Gulfgate and Almeda Mall were the most memorable during Christmas time but that's probably the case with most malls.  It's kind of scary but I still have dreams about the Joskes Department Store with those pickle green tiles and it's three floor levels.  Does anyone remember the Walgreens with the cafeteria inside.  Now this is really going back, but does anyone remeber the Fed Mart across from Gulfgate Mall.  Presently the Lowes Home Improvement Store is there. 

Anyone have any other pics?  I'm waxing nostalgic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Awesome pictures. I remember passing the Carrousel many times as a kid in the back of my parents car getting on and off of 45 from Reveille. Is it me or did the Carrousel building stand longer than the motel. I seem to remember it being there alone and in use for a short period. Then one day it was gone.

I remember Fed Mart. I was there one afternoon after school shopping with my mom and a really bad storm came through while we were there. We were at the checkout lanes then suddenly the lights went out, I heard people scream and the sliding doors flew open. I remember as I looked toward the doors there was a guy walking out and seeing him as if he were trying to keep his balance and hold on to his bags. You could see the trees across the parking lot just swaying like crazy and the rain blowing every which way. He runs back in and yells "Its a tornado!". Everyone around hits the floor. Very scary. I must have been about 9 or 10 when that happened.

[djrage]

Speaking of a loooooong time ago, at some point my mom worked at Gulfgate Mall, and always told me about a tunnel system under the mall. It was designed so that trucks could pull in underground and unload into the stores `basements`. It was also a designated bomb/fallout shelter. Does anyone know if these tunnels are still there? During the construction I never saw excavation down very far.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I remember there being a driveway coming out from underneath the mall that curved out onto the 610 frontage road before Woodridge. It sat just under the elevated walkway.

After the mall was demolished if you looked over from 45 you could see that there was something down there. I could make out what looked like a wall that had not yet been knocked down. I wished that I could have got close enough to see what it actually was.

(Update)

I passed by there the other day. the concrete right side wall from the exit of the underground garage was still there to the left of the walkway over 610. You can see it coming up from the ground. They just added a ramp to the walkway on the Gulfgate side. I guess its going to be used for the Transit Center

[djrage]

Original Gulfgate

Is that the Tel-Wink drive in toward the top right of this picture???

[Guest danax]

Things I remember in or near Gulfgate circa 70s - early 90s:

.......

Frizell Pontiac GMC

..............

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Was that by chance over by where the Transit Center is going up, by the 610/45 western interchange? The reason I ask is I was walking over there while waiting for my car to be fixed, while they were starting on the transit center, as there were remnants of, after some pondering, what appeared to be an old car dealership. There was a circular concrete platform that had some scraps of old, multi-colored 40s-50s tile work, which I imagined to be the showroom floor.

[stolitx]

I do remember the diner/soda shop inside the Walgreens. I also remember the Ferrell's Ice Cream parlor in Almeda.

I'm really enjoying the all the pictures and the store listings. I live in the area now, but grew up in Pasadena before there was a mall there. So we shopped at Gulfgate & Almeda.

I really hope something positive happens in Almeda. My Civic Club president said she heard that Ed Wulfe was looking at it for a renovation similar to Meyerland/Gulfgate. I pray it's true. But I don't know where she got this information or if it's just hopeful thoughts on her part.

[Subdude]

Was that by chance over by where the Transit Center is going up, by the 610/45 western interchange? The reason I ask is I was walking over there while waiting for my car to be fixed, while they were starting on the transit center, as there were remnants of, after some pondering, what appeared to be an old car dealership. There was a circular concrete platform that had some scraps of old, multi-colored 40s-50s tile work, which I imagined to be the showroom floor.

Where is that located? A couple of years ago all that remained of the Carrousel Motel on Reveille was the concrete flooring, including the circular building.

[LTAWACS]

Speaking of a loooooong time ago, at some point my mom worked at Gulfgate Mall, and always told me about a tunnel system under the mall. It was designed so that trucks could pull in underground and unload into the stores `basements`. It was also a designated bomb/fallout shelter. Does anyone know if these tunnels are still there? During the construction I never saw excavation down very far.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They're not there anymore. I used to work at the Kenny Shoes there when I was in high school. When I wasnt looking up customer's skirts, I did venture down into the basement once or twice. It looked like a huge parking garage. And yes, it was a loading dock for the stores in the mall.

[LTAWACS]

Gulfgate and Almeda Mall were the most memorable during Christmas time but that's probably the case with most malls.  It's kind of scary but I still have dreams about the Joskes Department Store with those pickle green tiles and it's three floor levels.  Does anyone remember the Walgreens with the cafeteria inside.  Now this is really going back, but does anyone remeber the Fed Mart across from Gulfgate Mall.  Presently the Lowes Home Improvement Store is there. 

Anyone have any other pics?  I'm waxing nostalgic.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I do remember the walgreens with the gill inside and the Federated across the way. Man I was must have been 5 years old... ugh/

[LTAWACS]

Things I remember in or near Gulfgate circa 70s - early 90s:

Roy Rogers Restaurant

Frizell Pontiac GMC

Service Merchandise

Santa's Train

Leopold Price & Rolly

Joskes was always hot.

Spanky's

Brisquit House

Dillards' basement

Craig's

Walgreen's

Music Store? (same one was in Almeda)

Picadilly

Air Force Recruiting

Russell Stovers

Almeda:

Italian deli - like a Spec's - even sold pizza crust you could cook

The fountain in the middle

Baskin Robbins

The old Jewish lady in Foley's watches.

Cool Christmas selection at Foleys'

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Only Spanky's remains. In fact we had pizza there not too long ago. It's a happening place.

[LTAWACS]

Original Gulfgate

Is that the Tel-Wink drive in toward the top right of this picture???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Tel-Wink is still standing and in use. It's more to the left of there.

[djrage]

Was that by chance over by where the Transit Center is going up, by the 610/45 western interchange? The reason I ask is I was walking over there while waiting for my car to be fixed, while they were starting on the transit center, as there were remnants of, after some pondering, what appeared to be an old car dealership. There was a circular concrete platform that had some scraps of old, multi-colored 40s-50s tile work, which I imagined to be the showroom floor.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The circular platform was from the old Carrousel Motel.

I believe Frizell was over off of 45 before Woodridge. Where the Home Depot is now.

Anybody remember Joe Conti Chevrolet? Wher was that? I vaguely remember a commercial for that dealer... it had a very poorly animated indian beating a drum at the end singing "Joe Conti Chevrolet, Joe Conti Chevrolet..."

[djrage]

The Tel-Wink is still standing and in use. It's more to the left of there.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry I meant the Winkler Drive In theater.

[djrage]

It's hard to believe Almeda Mall is going the way of Gulgate Mall.  It used to be a nice mall but perhaps it has seen its time.  You can always tell the near demise of a mall in direct proportion to the number of shoe stores it has.  My family use to frequent both Gulfgate and Almeda Malls; consequently, I have many memories of both but I'm afraid that pretty soon that may be all that's left.  Anyway, there is Gulfgate Center which sits atop what used to be Gulfgate Mall so that somewhat cushions the sadness of it all.  Anyone remember the Weingartens (grocery store) that used to be located adjacent to Gulfgate?

As for the earlier post, I do remember the carousel.  Watched all the classics in that cinema: Jaws, Star Wars, Superman.  Then crossed the bridge over 610 for lunch and Picadillies (I think that's the correct spelling) Cafeteria.  They used to have an underground bowling alley too.

I also thought about what might fit into the vacant lot which is the subject of this post.  They could turn it into a park area with a pavillion where outdoor performances are staged.  Then maybe not, no one in their right minds from Houston would spend more than five minutes outdoors in the weather we have there.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I remember going bowling there with family there as a kid.

I wondered about the bowling alley around the time before they demolished the mall. Wishing there was someway I could go in there. I wondered what was down there and what it looked like now, was it still in use for something (storage maybe) and if the alley was still intact down there.

Anyone know when they finally closed it. I want to say the late 80s. I remember going to Gulfgate one night (sometime in 1985) and seeing people going in and out of there.

[djrage]

Almeda should just be torn down and have the land sold off unless it can be turned into a Meyerland or Gulfgate.

It may be too close to Gulfgate to be renovated.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hell no. Too many fond memories of Almeda mall to want to see it go and maybe another instant neighborhood go up on that land. I was really bummed to see the old Almeda 9 East theater had been torn down and something was already going up.