State senator: Don't let Monroeville Mall become Century III

State Sen. Nick Pisciottano is happy to see Walmart’s plans for the Monroeville Mall property because it’s not the only mall in his district to face tough times.

The 45th Senatorial District also included Century III Mall in West Mifflin. That mall’s last tenant closed its doors in 2020 and its demolition began in 2024.

This summer, Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Mary McGinley upheld an appeal of city officials’ decision to raze the site, which had fallen into disrepair over the years.

“I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get that redeveloped,” said Pisciottano, D-West Mifflin. “That’s given me kind of a unique perspective on Monroeville Mall. If there’s a company that wants to come in and make this kind of investment, that’s certainly what we hope for a property like that, rather than what’s happened at Century III.”

Through Texas-based Cypress Equities, Walmart purchased the 186-acre mall property and several adjacent parcels for about $34 million.

The project was included on a recent list of applicants for the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, seeking $7.5 million to demolish the mall in 2027 and later build a new shopping center.

Walmart generated $14.8 billion in net income in 2024, according to the company’s fiscal statements.

Pisciottano said there’s no reason Walmart — which applied through another partner company, South Saturn Ridge — can’t seek the grant if it satisfies the requirements, which include demonstrating the project will have a “regional and multi-jurisdictional impact that creates a substantial increase in employment, tax revenue or other measurable economic impact,” according to the grant application.

But a wide range of factors are considered, including financial need, when the grants are awarded.

“The redevelopment is important because we want to ensure that property is as economically productive as possible,” Pisciottano said. “There’s nothing to stop them from applying, but there’s no guarantee that it will get funded.”

State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Monroeville, said he has always prioritized local municipalities and nonprofits with more limited resources when seeking grant recipients.

“Walmart has made an economic investment in our area, and I believe it should be fully funded without this taxpayer-funded grant,” Markosek said. “These grants should go to local stakeholders, infrastructure projects and to those who have roots in our community.”

In March, Pisciottano, Markosek and others announced nearly $7 million in 2025 RACP grants.

The largest, $2.3 million, went to construction firm Mele & Mele Sons, for site preparation at the City Center of Duquesne, an industrial park at the former Duquesne Steel Works site. The second largest, $1.8 million, went to Elizabeth Forward School District for the construction of a high school gym.

Monroeville Mall tenants who spoke with developers said the general concept for the property is an open-air shopping center anchored by a Walmart and a Sam’s Club, which would relocate from its current spot off Route 22.

Monroeville Mall was built in 1969 and largely served as the forerunner for today’s commercial development along the William Penn Highway corridor.