A 25-acre site off Expressway 83 will host Peñitas Crossing, a new shopping plaza expected to reshape daily life and weekend plans in this 6,300-resident community.
Peñitas may be small, but its retail ambitions are anything but. With construction slated to start June 30 and wrap by mid-2026, the town hopes to channel more than $5 million in private investment into fresh jobs, easier bargain hunting and—let’s be honest—some long-overdue weekend fun.
Peñitas Crossing shopping center to break ground June 30 on former farmland near Interstate 2
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation approved site plans for the 25-acre tract at East Expressway 83 and North 23rd Street, formerly rows of sorghum and citrus. Crews will push dirt next week, laying utility lines before pouring foundations later this summer. City officials say the schedule is “aggressive but doable,” thanks to the flat terrain and straightforward highway access.
Developers secured letters of intent from four national retailers known for deep markdowns. Curious which brands made the cut? Check the lineup below.
| Retailer | Planned size (sq ft) | Reported investment | Construction window* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 25,013 | $2.5 million | Jun 30 2025 – Jun 30 2026 |
| Rack Room Shoes | 6,000 | $850,000 | Jun 30 2025 – Jun 30 2026 |
| Five Below | 9,042 | $1.3 million | Dec 10 2025 – Jul 10 2026 |
| Ross Dress for Less | ≈24,000† | n/a | Jul 31 2025 – Jul 31 2026 |
*Dates taken from TDLR filings; timelines may shift as permits finalize.
†Size derived from comparable Ross build-outs in Texas.
So, where will locals snag a new coat or sneakers without trekking to McAllen? Very soon—right in their own backyard.
New mall promises jobs, revenue and fresh weekend options for 6,300 Peñitas residents and nearby colonias
City leaders estimate the project will create 150 construction posts and at least 120 permanent retail positions once the doors swing open. Beyond payroll, officials expect roughly $225,000 in annual sales-tax revenue—cash that can bolster parks, drainage and police funds. On the other hand, traffic engineers are already modeling turn-lane extensions to keep Expressway 83 moving.
The development also dovetails with a regional surge in retail builds, including The Shops at Chávez in San Juan and the $52.8-million Shops at Mercedes. Could Peñitas become the Valley’s next bargain-shopping waypoint? Residents like Emma Garza think so: “We won’t have to drive 30 minutes for school clothes—that’s huge for families here,” she told the city council Monday night.
Consequently, locals can look forward to ribbon-cuttings as early as next spring. Until then, keep an eye on the bulldozers—and maybe start making that shopping list.