Timeline

On Oct. 4, 1989, the Vista Ridge Mall opened with success featuring anchors such as Sears, Dillard’s and JCPenny along with a 12-screen Cinemark theater. It was considered one of the largest malls in the southwest. 

From 1990-2006, Vista Ridge Mall expanded from 74 stores at time of opening to more than 93 by March 1990 and an upgraded 15-screen Cinemark theater on Sept. 22, 2006.

However, from 2010-2017, online shopping began to rise, gradually leading to decreased tenants and shoppers. For those still shopping in person, newer shopping centers like Grapevine Mills and Stonebriar Centre began to be the more popular choice.

With The Vista’s current listed directory of 41 businesses, The Charming Cat has remained in operation for 10 years as a cat cafe offering adoption. 

The Charming Cat associate Nat Anderson, 22, has worked here for three years. Growing up in nearby Highland Village, Anderson and his family saw the evolution from The Vista’s peak to its decline. 

“Every weekend we had live music, everyone would bring their kids and the indoor playground was a hit,” Anderson said. “As we got older, it started slowing down. It was 2017-18 where we noticed the food court was not as full anymore.”

Anderson’s frequent visits amounted to his sentiments towards the place.

 

“To see a mall that was full of people, full of life and the live music that you don’t see at other malls around the area, that’s what really made Vista Ridge unique,” said Anderson, placing his hand on his chin and staring down at the ground. “We just came back and then we didn’t.”

Macy’s closed at The Vista in Lewisville on March 21, 2021 as a part of the company’s 125 store closures by 2023. The Vista, originally Vista Ridge Mall and later Music City Mall, is set to be repurpos