The vacant land once housed the old Washington Mall has been marked for a significant transformation as Costco prepares to move in as the site's anchor store. Audacy reported that the Washington County Commissioners announced this at a Washington & Jefferson College real estate expo. No opening date for the Costco warehouse has been set, as demolition of the dilapidated mall, which has sat abandoned for over a decade, is still underway. The addition of Costco is anticipated to invigorate the local economy with new tax revenues for the township and Trinity Area school district. This location will be the wholesale giant's fourth in Southwestern PA, with other stores in Homestead, Cranberry Township, and Robinson Township.
As outlined by the Post-Gazette, demolition is tentatively set for this spring or early summer. The redevelopment of the derelict mall, which has been closed for 11 years, is a move that will create one of the largest stores in southwest Pennsylvania. Commissioner Nick Sherman expressed local enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the expected economic boost and hundreds of new jobs, with most positions paying over $30 an hour. Funding for the redevelopment is provided entirely by American Rescue Plan Act dollars. However, specifics on the project timeline after the mall's demolition have not been publicly disclosed.
Along with generating employment, the Costco store is seen as a milestone in Washington County’s economic growth. "It speaks volumes of the economic success that we're having here in Washington County," Commissioner Sherman stated, as detailed CBS News Pittsburgh. The mall's redevelopment aligns with the commissioners' broader efforts to use taxpayer dollars judiciously while maximizing investment returns. Costco is noted for offering average starting wages of $30 per hour alongside benefits, further adding to its employer attractiveness. Moreover, local labor unions are expected to be involved in the demolition and construction phases, reinforcing the retailer's commitment to supporting community jobs.
