Construction of New Walgreens 'Stalled'

Construction on the Walgreens planned for the former Shoppes on Bower Hill has “stalled” and Scott Township officials aren’t sure why.

The strip mall that once housed a grocery store, pizza shop, hair salon, Chinese restaurant, bank and many other businesses .

But nothing has happened in several months since the ground was cleared and prepared for construction.

Scott Township Manager Denise Fitzgerald said they’re communicating with Walgreens officials, but there has been no indication on the reasons behind the delay or when construction will start. Fitzgerald said last year she expected the building to be finished by July.

“It is stalled,” Fitzgerald said. “They’re not giving us a reason why they’re not starting. They’re just not starting.”

Walgreens officials did not return messages seeking comment on the situation.

According to Allegheny County property records, Walgreens and the Bowden Development Company purchased the 1.75-acre parcel and buildings for $5.917 million in January 2004.

Not long after, many of the stores began closing or relocating, leaving the once bustling shopping center with numerous empty storefronts. Chicago’s Pizzeria, the last holdout, , supposedly clearing the way for Walgreens.

Meanwhile, there appears to finally be movement on the former Texaco gasoline station across from . Bob Fischer, who is the township’s codes and zoning officer, said there are plans to put an automotive repair shop in the building, although he wouldn’t say who is moving in or when.

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