Century III Mall: PA, Local Officials Provide Demolition Update

WEST MIFFLIN, PA — As the razing of Century III Mall continues, state and local officials gathered Thursday in its ruins to herald the $1 million in state money now allocated to the demolition costs and property rehabilitation of the once-bustling retail complex.

The funding was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a grant program for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

At a press conference, state Sen.-elect Nick Pisciottano of West Mifflin expressed optimism for the mall site once demolition is complete and the property is fully cleared.

“It has always been my intention to see this site revitalized and transformed back into one of the driving forces of economic activity for our community,” Pisciottano said. “My plan is to continue to coordinate discussions as demolition progresses and of course to advocate for even more resources for our redevelopment efforts.”

Among other public officials at the event were Lt. Gov. Austin Davis of nearby McKeesport, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly.

Pictures posted recently on the Century III Mall Memories Facebook page show significant progress is being made in the demolition. The former JC Penney store has been razed entirely and heavy machinery has advanced into the interior of the building.

Once one of the largest malls in the world, Century III's interior closed in 2019. J.C. Penney, which had an exterior entrance, was the mall's last remaining store; it went out of business in 2020.