Residents of Palestine, Texas, will have access to a new retailer in 2025 with Academy Sports + Outdoors signing a lease in the mall.
The construction process will last through the year as the retailer creates a standalone facility after demolishing part of the mall.
“Having the Academy Sports + Outdoors come to Palestine is a big deal,” says Teresa Herrera, City Manager for the City of Palestine. “Parents no longer have to drive to Tyler, Texas, to get sports equipment for their kids. This new retailer will also create jobs and contribute to the tax base, supporting Palestine as a whole.”
The addition of the Academy Sports + Outdoors is part of a greater mall revitalization project that the City of Palestine and private investors have been working on. Learn more about these changes and how they are helping Palestine grow.
The Palestine Mall Will See Big Changes Soon
The City of Palestine sold the mall in 2021 to John Christon, owner of the Christon Company, for $1.5 million. It had owned the mall since 2010 and had used it to house the local library, a V.A. clinic, a Texas Workforce Office, and a location for Trinity Valley Community College. Since acquiring the mall, the Christon Company has been actively working to attract major retailers to the area. While construction costs and other challenges initially delayed redevelopment efforts, momentum is now building. With Academy’s lease officially signed, Christon has received letters of interest from additional retailers considering a presence in the mall, signaling renewed growth and investment in the community.
“Soon, the Palestine Mall will become a strong asset to the local community once again,” says Christophe Trahan, Executive Director of PEDC. “Families save time because they don’t have to drive to Tyler and their incomes stay in Palestine. More people also feel comfortable moving here because Palestine has the amenities they need.”
The sale of the mall has also been good for the city. Herrera says moving the Palestine Public Library from the mall to downtown was a better choice for the community. It is now within walking distance for many families, who bring their children to check out books and attend events.
The Mall Revitalization is Part of Other Improvement Efforts
While Christon and PEDC work to bring retailers to Palestine, the City is improving infrastructure that will make traveling around the area easier. For example, the mall’s parking lot will soon be repaved thanks to the City and PEDC, eliminating unwanted potholes that drivers have to navigate. The city has also set aside $11 million for downtown revitalization and $5 million for road improvements across town.
“The city is willing to make an investment in the community,” says Herrera. “We will do as much as we possibly can to help other retailers move to the area.”
While Herrera credits Christon’s investment as a significant driver in the mall’s revitalization, she also acknowledges how well the City, Chamber, and EDC work together. This makes it easier for businesses to move to the area because they are greeted by a team of departments that all support each other.
“We are all on the same page and we are all working toward growth,” she says. “We’re willing to listen. If another company wants to move to the area, we’ll figure out how to work with them.”
Growth in Palestine sends ripple effects through the region. Several smaller communities in the surrounding areas rely on Palestine for its amenities. As Palestine grows, residents of these towns and counties can shop closer to home instead of traveling to Tyler each time.
New Development Makes Palestine a Great Place to Live
Herrera says Palestine is in a perfect location in Texas, tucked between Houston and Dallas. New stores like Academy Sports + Outdoors add to the amenities residents can enjoy while still allowing them to enjoy small-town living.
“If you want to get away from the big city but still have the stores and resources your family needs, Palestine is the perfect spot,” she says. “We continue to offer opportunities to residents. We have great healthcare options, two great school districts, and new retail stores. We’re also very welcoming to everybody who moves here.
Learn About Other Growth Opportunities Coming to Palestine
The mall is just one example of outside investors finding value in Palestine and bringing their operations here. Along with new stores like Academy Sports + Outdoors, employers like Callizo Aromas and LS Tractor have selected Palestine for their expansion plans. These companies bring jobs to the region and support economic development as a whole.
Read more about the efforts by PEDC to support current and future residents of Palestine. See why more companies and individuals continue to call this city home.
