Nightclub will replace Kalifa's downtown

Kalifa’s Western Wear, a fixture of South 17th Street in Downtown McAllen for the past three decades, will relocate before the end of September.

Abdala Kalifa, owner of the two-level shop, says he will either move or retire. He is currently looking for another location, likely nearby on either 10th Street or Main Street, he says.

Kalifa will lease his property, located at 122 S. 17th St., to a tenant aiming to open a nightlife venue.

South 17th Street has transformed into a hub for such business during the past 12 months. Ten venues, ranging from lounges to nightclubs to restaurants, have opened between Austin Avenue and Fresno Avenue. Six more plan to debut before the end of the year. The city has enlisted a non-profit group, dubbed Heart of the City, to turn the area into an entertainment district.

Kalifa’s family history on 17th Street dates back more than 50 years, when his relatives operated clothing and other stores on the street. Kalifa’s Western Wear is a palace of Texas and cowboy-style apparel and accessories, selling items ranging from Levi’s jeans to cowboy hats.

• CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT LOVE, THE NEWEST NIGHTCLUB ANNOUNCED ON 17TH STREET
• CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW DOZENS OF OTHER NEW BARS AND RESTAURANTS SET TO OPEN SOON DOWNTOWN

Kalifa's is one of McAllen's most familiar businesses. Tell us what you think about its relocation. Do you remember when it first opened? What's the best thing you ever bought there?

Zack Quaintance covers McAllen's Downtown Entertainment District for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447 or zquaintance@themonitor.com.