The former Sears at Deerbrook Mall in Humble is getting a set to be transformed into a large-scale entertainment complex. The massive department store building will become Score Entertainment, a nearly 150,000-square-foot facility that will become “the biggest entertainment center in the state of Texas,” says the owner of the family business.
Highlights
- Score Entertainment will revamp the shuttered Sears into a 150,000-square-foot entertainment hub.
- The $2 million renovation will commence construction on June 1, 2025, and conclude by summer 2026.
- Attractions will include go-karting, laser tag, bowling, virtual reality, axe throwing, and more.
From Department Store to Entertainment Destination
The Sears at Deerbrook Mall closed its doors in 2020, following the chain’s 2018 bankruptcy filing. The empty space is now being converted into an experiential destination. This follows a nation-wide shift away from traditional retail to entertainment venues as developers reimagine vacant anchor spaces.
Deerbrook Mall has tried to stay viable during tough retail times, including holiday seasons. This redevelopment is in line with trends across Greater Houston, where former Sears stores have been repurposed. In Midtown, a Sears was redeveloped into the Ion innovation hub, and at Willowbrook Mall, another is being reimagined into a Round1 entertainment center. Other projects in development include residential and mixed-use projects in Garden Oaks and Greenspoint.
Score Entertainment’s Vision for Sears
Score Entertainment will take up the old Sears property, describing itself as “more than just an entertainment center” but a site where “families, friends, and communities come together to laugh, compete, and create lasting memories.” The owner claims it “will be the biggest entertainment center in the state of Texas.”
This vision represents a complete transformation of retail spaces, adapting them for consumers who increasingly value experiences over shopping. Score Entertainment, as a family business, brings a personal touch to the development, creating a community gathering space that will be loved by people of all ages.
Planned Attractions and Amenities
The completed venue will include more attractions such as mini golf, a trampoline park, sports simulators, and a vast arcade. Other forms of entertainment include go-karting, laser tag, bowling, virtual reality, and axe throwing.
There will also be a bar and grill serving “classic American flavors with a modern twist,” and two full bars with 15-plus beers on tap and giant screens for the best sports bar experience. The inclusion of bars and restaurants enhances the entertainment offerings, providing a comprehensive experience. Multiple areas for sport viewing and socialization provide spaces for adults to relax while children also have a blast.
Renovation Timeline and Investment
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing estimates a $2 million investment in renovation. The construction is set to start on June 1, 2025, and complete in the summer of 2026. Albany Studio of Houston will design the project, which poses unique challenges in transforming the huge retail floor space into a multi-diversified entertainment center with distinct areas of attractions.
Key considerations include sound insulation, traffic flow management, and creating appropriate atmospheres for each zone. The substantial investment also reflects faith in the success of the project and the mall location’s continued viability. The estimated one-year schedule indicates a detailed makeover process. Upon completion in 2026, Score Entertainment will be one of several successful retail-to-entertainment remodels in the region.
The transformation of the former Sears store at Deerbrook Mall into Score Entertainment is the perfect example of the growing trend of repurposing underutilized retail spaces into experience centers. When it opens in 2026, the entertainment complex will have an array of attractions that will breathe new life into the mall and create a lively gathering space for the community.
