SOUTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — For more than a decade, drivers on I-70 and 79 passed the shuttered, dilapidated mall.
Today, they can see it coming down. We got a close look at the demolition progress.
Officials say they are right on schedule after months of asbestos removal and interior clean-outs. Crews are now focused on bringing it down.
Drone 11 flew over the site to show you just how massive this project is. workers say they just broke into the underground movie theater was once a popular stop before the mall closed its doors.
The Washington Mall opened in the late 1960s, but has sat mostly vacant for two decades. At its peak, it housed Toys R Us, Giant Eagle, and Kmart.
Former shoppers like Susan Flippin say they’re glad to see the once-beloved mall finally coming down.
“I moved here right when this was built, late ’60s. It was brand new. Perry Como was there. I saw him one time, ” said Flippin, “It is an eyesore. has been for what—a long time.”
Channel 11 was there when they broke ground on the nearly $6 million demolition, funded through the county’s blight mitigation fund.
Once complete in 2025, the site will make way for a new development, including one of the largest Costcos in the state.
“We travel to Robinson. We’re glad we don’t have to go that far now. We’re members of Sam’s across the road and Costco. We’re excited. It’s going to be a lot easier for our shopping,” said Canonsburg resident James Duggan.
If you’re watching this demolition from the highway, you’ll never see it fully razed. The former Toys R Us will stay standing and be renovated into a new RV dealership.
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