Pinoy 90s kids could attest to how much Harrison Plaza shaped the way we shop and socialize today, defining an entire era of weekend family trips and after-school hangouts. Now, the iconic landmark is entering its most ambitious chapter yet, as SM Prime gears up for a major redevelopment that will nearly triple its original size by 2027. Here’s what you need to know:

The legacy of Harrison Plaza

The 90s saw the rise of Harrison Plaza as one of the country’s premier shopping centers in Malate and, arguably, in Metro Manila, spanning 75,000 square meters. Back then, spending time at the mall was still an unfamiliar concept. Shopping meant going from one small store to another, or spending time in older commercial districts that lacked the convenience of a single, integrated space. 

Nestled near landmarks like Manila Zoo, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Manila Bay, Harrison Plaza became a melting pot of city life. Students, professionals, and families all found their way through its doors. Harrison Plaza changed how Pinoys experience malls, contributing to the rise of the mall culture we know today. 

SM Prime’s takeover

However, as newer developments began to rise in Makati and Ortigas, Harrison Plaza slowly became a nostalgic relic. The facade eventually weathered, and its corridors grew quieter. 

In 2016, negotiations surfaced between the Martel family, owners of the complex, and SM Prime to transform the iconic landmark into a mixed-use property and shopping destination called SM Harrison Plaza. 

Today, SM Harrison Plaza is a cornerstone of SM Prime’s PHP 150-billion investment program for 2026–2030. The company has earmarked over PHP 6 billion for this specific project.

What the new SM Harrison Plaza will look like

SM Prime announced that SM Harrison Plaza is slated to open in 2027 and will boast a gross floor area of over 200,000 square meters—a massive footprint that puts it on par with flagship malls like SM City Davao and SM City Clark.

“The development will incorporate nature-inspired architectural elements alongside open layouts, community spaces, and green areas designed to support cultural and social activities,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.

Once completed, SM Harrison Plaza is poised to become a modern landmark that honors its storied past while serving as a vibrant lifestyle hub for a whole new generation of Filipinos.

Are you excited for SM Harrison Plaza? Tell us in the comments!

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, to be the first to know about the latest news and coolest trends!