Clay Heximer fondly recalls his visits to the Boulevard Mall 40 years ago, reminiscing about enjoying pizza and jelly beans at the now-closed Vineyard restaurant. He vividly remembers the grandeur of the mall in his adolescence, with large fountains, live palm trees, and the excitement of exploring Woolworths basement and observing the fish.
Having moved to downtown Henderson from Alhambra in 1984, Heximer reflects on how visiting the mall used to be an all-day adventure for his family. However, times have changed, and with the rise of online shopping, the Boulevard Mall has evolved to adapt to the shifting retail landscape.
Despite the changes in ownership over the years, the Boulevard Mall has managed to maintain a low 5 percent vacancy rate. The mall has shifted its focus from big-box retailers to community development and education, particularly with a focus on serving the Latino communities in the surrounding area.
With neighboring ZIP codes showing significant Latino populations, the mall has introduced a variety of offerings to cater to the diverse community. From retailers and department stores to entertainment venues like SeaQuest, Galaxy Theatres, and a go-kart track, the mall has something for everyone. El Mercado, a marketplace offering local food, beverages, arts, and crafts, has been a hit among Hispanic residents in the area.
Originally opened in 1968, the Boulevard Mall was one of the first indoor, climate-controlled shopping centers in the state. Built by real estate developers Irwin Molasky and Mervyn Adelson, the mall was strategically located near Paradise Palms, a desirable neighborhood for high-profile individuals and locals alike.
As the demographics of the area shifted and larger malls like Fashion Show Mall opened, the Boulevard Mall faced challenges, especially during the Great Recession. However, under new ownership and management, the mall has undergone a transformation to focus on small businesses, specialty stores, career opportunities, and education centers.
While major retailers like Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret continue to attract shoppers, the mall now houses call centers, a career college, and plans for new educational initiatives for K-12 students. The emphasis is on providing a mix of offerings to appeal to a wide range of patrons and drive foot traffic back to the mall.
As the Boulevard Mall enters a new era focused on community engagement, education, and entertainment, it remains a hub for residents of all backgrounds to come together, shop, learn, and have fun. The evolution of the mall reflects the changing needs and interests of the local community, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy for years to come.
