Century III Mall transformed from Pennsylvania’s grandest shopping empire into a criminal blight so hazardous that a teenager fell through its roof, forcing demolition under criminal charges.
Story Snapshot
- Opened in 1979 as PA’s largest mall with 110+ stores; anchors like Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s drove suburban prosperity.
- Macy’s 2016 closure sparked mass exodus; 60% vacancy by 2015 amid e-commerce rise and recessions.
- Eviction notices in 2019 emptied remnants; JCPenney lasted until October 2020, leaving 90-acre hazard.
- 2023 teen injury accelerated condemnation; 2024 criminal charges against owners led to March 2024 demolition start.
- September 2025: 75% razed, full completion eyed for 2026 at $15M, no redevelopment plans yet.
Mall’s Rise in 1979 Pittsburgh Suburbs
Century III Mall debuted October 1979 in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, as the state’s largest indoor center at 1.3 million square feet across 90 acres. JCPenney, Sears, Macy’s, and three other anchors anchored over 110 stores, drawing Pittsburgh suburban shoppers. Developers capitalized on America’s mall boom, promising retail dominance. Foot traffic boomed initially, mirroring national trends where enclosed centers redefined shopping.
Anchor Store Exits Trigger Collapse
Macy’s announced closure in 2015 amid 60% vacancy, shutting January 6, 2016, and sparking retailer flight. Dick’s Sporting Goods received eviction notice February 16, 2019, alongside JCPenney, closing March 30, 2019. Moonbeam Capital, owner since 2015, sold the property February 12, 2019, but filed bankruptcy to reject leases. JCPenney held out until October 26, 2020, as the final tenant. E-commerce and 2008 recession eroded viability nationwide.
Blight Hazards Prompt Government Action
Vandalism and neglect plagued the vacant site post-2020; owners ceased maintenance in 2022 citing costs. A teenager fell through a roof hatch June 3, 2023, suffering critical injuries, intensifying complaints. West Mifflin Borough Council held a condemnation hearing June 14, 2023, criticizing Moonbeam CEO Shawl Pryor. Council voted 6-0 on July 18, 2023, to condemn the property for public safety.
Criminal Charges Force Demolition
Allegheny County DA Stephen A. Zappala Jr. filed criminal nuisance charges January 30, 2024, labeling the mall a “monument to blight.” Court ordered seizure and 60-90 day action. Demolition began March 26, 2024, with parking structures, followed by asbestos abatement and main building razing in September 2024. Center court demolition started January 2025; by September 2025, over 75% was gone including JCPenney, Macy’s, Dick’s sections.
Sears, Macy’s Furniture Gallery, and food court structures remain. Perimeter roads closed April 2025 disrupt access. Total cost hits $15 million, borne by county and owners. Full clearance forecasts 2026, followed by 18 months remediation before any mixed-use potential. Absentee ownership fueled the crisis; local enforcement aligns with conservative values of property responsibility and community safety.
Retail Apocalypse Lessons Emerge
Century III exemplifies mid-tier mall dependency on anchors amid Amazon’s rise; thousands closed nationwide since 2010s. Job losses hit hundreds locally; blight deterred investment. Precedents like Metro North’s 2016 rezoning offer hope, but funding barriers persist as in Forest Park Mall. Zappala’s aggressive stance sets anti-blight precedents. Common sense demands owners maintain properties or face seizure—government intervention protected residents here.
Sources:
20 Eeriest Abandoned Malls Frozen In Time – AOL
