The paint had hardly dried on the mid-'70s refurbishment before a second renovation was underway. The booming shopping hub was hemmed-in, with no room for enlargement. The only way to expand was up. Work on a second retail level commenced in early 1979 and was completed in late 1980.
Photo from "Modern Steel Construction" / Volume XXI, Number 1 / 1981 / American Institute of Steel Construction 

A view of the new Upper Level. Storefronts for Games People Play and St. Denise may be seen.

Photo from "Modern Steel Construction" / Volume XXI, Number 1 / 1981 / American Institute of Steel Construction 

In 1980, SHARPSTOWN CENTER encompasses a whopping 1.3 million leasable square feet, with 263 stores and services under its newly-raised roof. Foley's, which was enlarged in 1968 and 1972, has grown again. Moreover, J.C. Penney has just joined the tenant list. The official name of the complex would soon be changed to SHARPSTOWN MALL.