Ross Park Mall update would include movie theater, fitness center

Plans are in the works for a major project at the Ross Park Mall that includes redevelopment of the former Sears department store, relocation of the food court and adding a two-story building.

Ross commissioners are scheduled to vote Feb. 11 on whether to approve the project, which includes a new “small shop” space, a fitness facility, movie theater, additional restaurants and a new stand-alone building for additional retail outlets.

Steve Korbel, president of the Ross board of commissioners, outlined some of the details for the project at the Feb. 4 commissioners meeting.

The project will require demolition of the former Sears building, which will replace by a new three-story building to house the movie theater, fitness center and the relocated food courts, Korbel said.

A two-story building will be constructed on the site for retail shops.

The area of the mall where the food court currently is located will likely be used as flexible space where vendors can set up for special events and other activities, according to the commissioner.

The owners of the mall, Simon Property Group, first announced the changes shortly after the Sears store closed in April as part of a nationwide shutdown of 103 retail outlets announced by Sears Holding Corp., the parent company of Sears and Kmart.

Tony LaRussa is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tony at 724-772-6368 or tlarussa@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TonyLaRussaTrib.