SOUTH STRABANE, Pa. — After sitting empty for more than a decade, the long-vacant Washington Mall is finally set to come down.
Washington County Commissioners have approved nearly $6 million in blight funding to demolish the dilapidated property, which once housed popular stores like Toys R Us, JCPenney, Kmart, and a movie theater.
Demolition could begin as early as next week, with excavators and dump trucks expected to stage on the site by Friday.
“It’s exciting news in Washington County,” said Commissioner Nick Sherman. “We officially voted on the demolition of this mall behind us.”
The project has been in the works for years, but officials say part of the delay has come down to the complexity of what’s beneath the surface.
“A lot of people are asking why it’s so expensive,” Sherman said. “It’s not just a building. The movie theater was underground. We’re bringing in thousands of triaxles of dirt to do the fill.”
Developers also hope to repurpose dirt from another major demolition project currently underway—the Courthouse Square building—using it as fill at the mall site.
For longtime residents, the news brings a mix of relief and nostalgia.
“I used to take my kids to the Toys R Us,” said former shopper Peggy Kerr. “I think it needs to be done, but it’s sad they let it get this far.”
“It’s about time,” added Valerie Benson. “This whole town needs revitalization.”
Leaders hope the site, located where Interstates 70 and 79 meet, will eventually become a welcoming gateway into Washington County.
“To make this marketable to the rest of the country, we’ve got to start shaking off the rust,” Sherman said.
Demolition is expected to take around five months once underway, and the hope to open the doors of a new Costco by Christmas 2026.
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