What's The Future For Now Closed Parkway Center Mall?

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- In the six months since its closing, weeds have taken over the parking lot at Parkway Center Mall, a far cry from its opening in the 1980s with 80 stores on three levels.

"It was once a pretty happening place. Now, not so much," recalled Steve Weisbrod, vice president of business development for Kossman Development that owns the site.

Indeed, old restaurants are shuttered, interior hallways are littered, and the parking lot empty.

The only thing left at Parkway Center Mall is Giant Eagle.

Sign crews were out on the parkway on Thursday putting up a big sign for the only tenant.

Located in the city of Pittsburgh with its own separate exit off Parkway West just beyond the Fort Pitt Tunnels, Parkway Center Mall is clearly prime real estate.

Its owners, Kossman Development, say they want to do something sooner rather than later, but what exactly is going to happen here is uncertain at the moment.

Weisbrod says the developer has not decided what will go up here.

"It could be retail; it could contain office components, potentially some residential components. We're exploring all the options," Weisbrod told KDKA money editor Jon Delano.

Kossman will work with Giant Eagle to keep them on site, but could tear down the old building for something new.

Giant Eagle shoppers had some ideas.

"I would like to see clothing stores, shoe stores, just like it used to be. We used to come here all the time," said Cindi Miller of Robinson.

"I'd also like to see more local restaurants. I'm all about local eateries," added Nancy Cardone of Gibsonia who works in Green Tree.

Weisbrod says any company with a good idea for the site should get in touch with him, but don't look for anything to happen this year.

"My experience is that this is a two to three year process to make something happen here," he said.

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