In March 2025, the Mainland City Centre family welcomed an exciting new tenant—LVL UP FUN. If you’ve driven past the old TEX space recently, you may have noticed something different: a brighter, more energized experience that’s now home to go-karts, trampolines, laser tag, axe throwing, arcade games, and much more. It’s been incredible to watch it all come together, and we are proud to have played a role in making this transformation possible.
Jerome Karam knows that as the developer behind Mainland City Centre and founder of JMK5 Holdings, one of the most rewarding parts of our work is helping new ventures find a home—especially when those ventures add real value to our communities. LVL UP FUN isn’t just a new tenant; it’s the latest chapter in a story we’ve been writing for over a decade, one that began with the rebirth of what was once Mall of the Mainland.
Reviving a Vision for Entertainment in Texas City
When Jerome Karam and JMK5 Holdings first acquired the former Mall of the Mainland back in 2014, it was struggling to find its identity. The traditional retail model that once defined American malls had already begun to shift, and like many communities, Texas City was looking for something more meaningful than just stores and parking lots.
That’s where the idea for Mainland City Centre was born—not as a replacement mall, but as a reimagined destination built around experiences. Over the years, we’ve welcomed fitness centers, restaurants, cinemas, museums, and family entertainment venues that breathe new life into what was once an overlooked piece of real estate.
LVL UP FUN is a perfect addition to that vision.
Why LVL UP FUN Stood Out
When the team behind LVL UP FUN approached us with their concept, I knew right away they had something special. Their model combines high-adrenaline activities with a layout that encourages families to spend an entire day together. And they’re not just offering attractions—they’re creating memories.
Go-kart tracks that get your heart racing. Axe throwing lanes for a competitive twist. Huge trampoline arenas where kids can let loose. A vibrant arcade full of games, prizes, and neon lights. Plus, they’ve paired it all with on-site food and drink options that make the whole experience even more seamless.
This wasn’t just another entertainment center. It was a business built around community—something we value deeply at JMK5 Holdings.
From Vacancy to Vibrancy: Redeveloping the Former TEX Space
Bringing LVL UP FUN to life involved more than signing a lease. The former TEX space needed upgrades, improvements, and a layout that could support the new tenant’s ambitious plans. Our role isn’t just about filling space—it’s about helping our partners thrive.
We worked closely with LVL UP FUN’s leadership team to ensure they had what they needed to hit the ground running. That meant collaborating on timelines, making sure our infrastructure could support their attractions, and laying the foundation for long-term success.
The transformation was fast, and the result is something we think the entire region can be proud of.
Community Impact You Can Feel
When we invest in projects like this, the impact isn’t measured only in square footage—it’s measured in opportunity. LVL UP FUN has created dozens of local jobs across customer service, operations, and management. They’ve added a brand-new attraction that draws visitors not just from Texas City but across Galveston County and beyond. And most importantly, they’ve helped strengthen the sense of community we’ve been building at Mainland City Centre since day one.
Parents now have a reliable, safe, and exciting option for family outings. Teens have a hangout spot that keeps them active and engaged. Local schools and groups have a fun venue for events and celebrations. The ripple effect is real—and it starts with a willingness to believe in what a space can become.
Why JMK5 Holdings Believes in Revitalization
A big part of our work at JMK5 Holdings is identifying properties that others might overlook. Maybe they’ve been vacant for years. Maybe they were built for a different era. Or maybe they just need a new story.
When we took over Mall of the Mainland, we didn’t try to force it back into being a traditional mall. We listened to the community, paid attention to how people were spending their time and money, and started building something that met today’s needs.
That same mindset has guided every decision at Mainland City Centre, from bringing in tenants like World Gym and Cinemark Theatres to partnering with experience-driven businesses like Altitude Trampoline Park and now, LVL UP FUN.
Strategic Leasing Means Stronger Partnerships
What makes our approach unique is that we don’t see tenants as transactions—we see them as long-term partners. We want them to succeed just as much as we want the Centre to succeed. That’s why we invest in our relationships and provide the support that makes growth possible.
In the case of LVL UP FUN, we saw a team that shared our values: innovation, customer experience, and community involvement. By working closely from the beginning, we helped them bring their full vision to life—without compromise.
When you give the right business the right foundation, you don’t just fill space. You create momentum.
What Makes Mainland City Centre Special
As a team who’s been involved with this property for more than a decade, we can tell you: Mainland City Centre is unlike anything else in the region. It’s not a mall. It’s not just a commercial center. It’s a destination where fitness, entertainment, education, and recreation all come together.
Each tenant we welcome is part of that story. And with the addition of LVL UP FUN, we’ve made that story even more dynamic.
Visitors can now go from watching a movie to riding go-karts, or from a trampoline session to a dinner out—all without leaving the Centre. That kind of versatility is what makes this place stand out, and it’s why we continue to see interest from new businesses and families alike.
What’s Next for JMK5 Holdings
Our work isn’t done. At JMK5 Holdings, we’re constantly exploring new opportunities to breathe life into commercial spaces that deserve a second chance. Whether it’s office parks, mixed-use developments, or lifestyle centers like this one, our mission stays the same: build value by building community.
We’re also expanding across Texas and Louisiana, where we’ve found no shortage of buildings with untapped potential. Each project is a chance to tell a new story—and to invite new partners into the fold.
LVL UP FUN may be the latest headline, but there’s a lot more to come.
A Destination Reimagined
The story of Mainland City Centre is really a story about possibilities. What happens when you stop seeing buildings as relics and start seeing them as resources? What happens when developers, business owners, and communities come together to build something that’s fun, useful, and lasting?
For us, this project has always been about more than leasing space. It’s about creating a destination that grows with the people around it. And with tenants like LVL UP FUN leading the charge, we believe the best is still ahead.
If you haven’t been out to see the new space yet, we invite you to visit. Come experience what happens when we dream big, invest boldly, and build spaces that bring people together.
