Residents of Corpus Christi remember the old Sunrise Mall

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – KRIS6 News first broke the news Wednesday about the demolition and new construction plans on the site of the old shopping center.

Two Corpus Christi residents who frequented the mall in the 1980s and 1990s reminisced about Sunrise Mall and said what they would like to see from the developer.

Johnny Maldonado and Sharon Garcia remember the glory days of Sunrise Mall.

“I shopped here when I first came to Corpus many years ago,” Maldonado said.

“Oh my God! I remember Corn Dog 7 had the best corn dogs. We came to the movies and they had the carousel,” Garcia said.

“The location was just booming. I loved shopping there. Then all of a sudden the stores started closing,” Maldonado said.

Once a popular shopping destination in the 80s and 90s, it is now scheduled to be demolished.

“At first I just thought, ‘Wow,’ because this building has been here for so long, since I was in high school!” Garcia said.

The developer’s unofficial plans for the area near Mcardle Road include a 25-story, 200-unit apartment building, a Marriott-owned hotel complex, a Marriott-owned AC Hotel and two new restaurants.

READ THE FULL DEMOLITION APPLICATION TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI

KRIS 6 discovered that Patel Real Estate Holdings, LLC purchased Sunrise Mall in November 2023.

Although plans are still uncertain, Second District Councilmember Sylvia Campos told KRIS6 News she is excited about what this new development could bring.

“We need all of that. And I’m grateful that these companies have invested in this space. Freedom Fitness and, as you said, some other companies have not given up hope. And neither have we. So let’s go ahead. Let’s develop this space,” Campos said.

The locals are also excited and curious about what might come.

“Hotels? Great. We need more houses. Apartments? I might even consider moving here,” Maldonado said.

“I don’t know about apartments and hotels, that doesn’t seem to fit the area. Maybe better restaurants, better shops,” Garcia said.

Regardless, they agree: it is time for a change.

“Something new for Corpus, we need a facelift,” Garcia said.

“Any kind of store where we can shop. This is like bringing it back to life,” Garcia said.

We will continue to look into the plans for this property and keep you updated.

For the latest local news, visit Click hereor download the KRIS 6 News App.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply