Former Rite Aid building in Lower Burrell could be enticing location for retailers

The location of a former Rite Aid in Lower Burrell, near the Route 56 and Leechburg Road intersection, could make it attractive to a potential retailer, city officials say.

“What we’ve found is large retail establishments, they insist on having a four-lane highway,” said Councilman David Stoltz. “With that building, you have it, so that opens up some possibilities.”

Mayor Chris Fabry said he has had initial talks with the owner of the Rite Aid building, New York-based Koenig Management, to attract a tenant to the vacant storefront.

“We’re trying to get new tenants in there,” said David Koenig of Koenig Management. “We’ll see what comes available. I’d like to get a lease down as soon as possible.”

The Lower Burrell Rite Aid, located at 3200 Oregon Drive, was among more than 70 Rite Aid pharmacies across the region to close this summer amid company bankruptcy and restructuring.

Locally, locations that have closed include the stores on Freeport Road in Harrison, on East Pittsburgh Street in Greensburg, and at the intersection of Frankstown and Saltsburg roads in Penn Hills.

The Harrison location was recently put on the market for $1.75 million.

Koenig agreed with city officials that the Lower Burrell site is in a good location and has a lot of traffic volume around it.

“It’s located in a good area, for sure,” he said. “It’s a nice, solid building. It looks pretty good inside. We’re just waiting on a tenant.”

The building is just over 13,800 square feet and is on 1.5 acres, Fabry said. It was built in 2004.

Jabe Companies is the leasing agent, Koenig said.

Koenig indicated that, ideally, he’d like to lease the property but would be open to selling it if the right offer came along.

“That’s a fantastic location for retail,” Stoltz said. “It’s no secret there’s not a lot of places for people to go shopping for day-to-day items. Anything for people to shop local instead of going out of town, I’d be happy with anything along those lines.”