Pittsburgh-Area Mall To Undergo Total Transformation

WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA — Major redevelopment plans are in place for Washington Crown Center in North Franklin Township.

Industrial Realty Group, one of the country's largest owners of commercial and industrial properties, and PREP Funds, have announced they have acquired the property.

The 450,000 square foot site has been rebranded Franklin Crossroads Park. The former mall will be redeveloped into a mixed-use hub for retail and business growth.

"Franklin Crossroads Park enjoys excellent access and infrastructure," Chris Salata, a partner with PREP Funds, said in a statement.

"Our vision is to diversify the site's use attracting new retailers and businesses to the property. This adaptive reuse project will significantly improve the facility and bring new economic activity to North Franklin Township, Washington County and the surrounding region."

Development plans include creating a 100,000 square foot retail center on the eastern side of the property. Existing and future retail tenants will face Interstate 70 for maximum visibility and convenience for their customers.

On the western side, 350,000 square feet of long-vacant retail space will be transformed into a business park that will accommodate a mix of corporate uses, which could include office, industrial, or research and development tenants.

"This site is ideally positioned within the greater Pittsburgh market with direct access to the I-70 interchange" IRG executive vice president Peter Goffstein said. "The development will transform the property to meet the changing needs of modern businesses and drive long-term growth and prosperity for the area."

Construction will begin this fall with a portion of the mall remaining open through year-end. PREP Funds and IRG plan on having the first retail tenants occupy the new space early next year, with the first business park tenants coming in late spring or early summer.