There’s a sale at Monroeville Mall. Everything must go.
That’s not unusual in December. Sales are everywhere. But this time, it isn’t just sweaters and toys and candles with a price tag. The big “SALE” sign is on the 187-acre location itself as CBL Properties, the Tennessee owner of the mall, puts the whole place on the market.
On the one hand, it’s an interesting opportunity. A change in ownership could be a change in the outlook of the shopping center. The sprawling complex is not the bustling hub it was in the past. A new company could bring new ideas. Those ideas could spread like holiday cheer.
Look at the way Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield has been reinvigorated by the Live Casino Pittsburgh. There is more traffic and more events. There are fewer empty spaces and more new shops opening. And the casino didn’t buy the mall — it just moved in.
But the region is not unaware of the downsides that are out there too. They’re obvious in the rubble of Century III Mall in West Mifflin and the sad neglect of Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer.
Century III died slowly until it was last sold to Moonbeam Capital in 2013. There was hope of a rebirth, but by 2019, it was a dangerous nuisance. It has been condemned, shuttered and is being demolished. Last week, a $1 million grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program was announced to help rehabilitate the site.
Pittsburgh Mills owner Namdar Realty Group is being sued by Frazer Township due to deterioration of the property, including the parking lots and roadways which are becoming hazardous.
“We wish they would sell it,” Frazer Supervisor Lori Ziencik told TribLive in October.
That’s where Monroeville is now. The community went through a confusing year with the Monroeville Convention Center closing being announced in February along with a sale to Hobby Lobby. That was quickly reversed and in September, Monroeville council purchased the property. It is being leased to tourism group Visit Monroeville to keep an important destination open for use.
That’s what needs to happen for the mall. It’s not the purchase by the municipality, which would seem excessive, but a recognition of the importance to the region as well as the local community.
A fire sale to a vulture owner just waiting to slowly pick the bones helps no one. Monroeville Mall is still an asset and has the potential to be the real draw it was in its heyday. It just needs the right owner and an honest commitment.