Former Pittsburgh-Area Mall To Be Demolished

WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA — Eleven years after its closure, the Washington Mall in South Strabane Township just outside of the city of Washington is headed for the wrecking ball.

The impending demolition was announced Wednesday by the Washington County commissioners, who said that that razing the mall could trigger viable economic opportunities. They stated that plans for the site's redevelopment have begun and include retail and restaurants. Additional details are expected to be announced in the spring.

"Eliminating blight is essential to sustaining healthy communities, fostering economic development, and improving the quality of life in Washington County," Commissioner Nick Sherman said in a release. "Blighted buildings drain municipal resources, inhibit economic growth, and create negative perceptions of our communities."

Added Commissioner Electra Janis: "Revitalizing and redeveloping this property will create new opportunities for residents, businesses, South Strabane Township and the city of Washington. Our blight program is a key component of a broader economic development initiative that remains a top priority for our administration."

While most of the mall will be demolished to make way for other retail opportunities, the former Toys ‘R Us and Giant Eagle sites will be renovated, and a new recreational vehicle dealership and service center will be established there. According to the commissioners, the tenant is an award-winning and respected nationwide brand, operating 36 locations nationwide.

The demolition announcement comes as the razing of another former Pittsburgh mall, Century III in West Mifflin, appears to be about halfway complete. Doubts about the future of Monroeville Mall have arisen after the announcement earlier this month that it had been purchased by Walmart.