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Half Price Books returning to Montrose after Westheimer location closed in 2021
By Sophia Casanova at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
The new location will occupy the 12,446-square-foot building at 3509 Montrose Blvd. The building was previously owned by Soundwaves, a longtime skate and music shop that closed earlier this year after operating since 1997.
Key takeaway The building was previously owned by Soundwaves, a longtime skate and music shop that closed earlier this year after operating since 1997.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
The return of Half Priced Books to the Montrose area will likely be a welcome development for local book lovers and bargain hunters. By taking over the former Soundwaves location at 3509 Montrose Blvd, the store will be filling a void left by the closure of a beloved independent business. Soundwaves had been a staple in the community since 1997, and its departure was likely felt by many who frequented the shop. Half Priced Books' large footprint, spanning 12,446 square feet, will provide ample space for its vast selection of used books, records, and other media. As the store prepares to open, residents of Bellaire and surrounding neighborhoods will be watching to see how the new location contributes to the vibrancy of the Montrose commercial district, and whether it becomes a popular destination for those seeking affordable entertainment and literary pursuits.
About this story
Original reporting by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . The Bellaire surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The new location will occupy the 12,446-square-foot building at 3509 Montrose Blvd. The building was previously owned by Soundwaves, a longtime skate and music shop that closed earlier this year after operating since 1997.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sophia Casanova at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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