Century III Mall Demolition – West Mifflin’s Turning Point
The Century III Mall demolition in West Mifflin, PA signals more than the end of a suburban shopping center; it marks a major shift in Western Pennsylvania’s post-industrial legacy. Built on reclaimed steel industry land, Century III once embodied the American dream of suburban growth, middle-class prosperity, and consumer convenience. For many Pittsburgh area residents, it was more than a place to shop; it was a place to work, gather, and grow up. Generations of families visited its sprawling food court, seasonal events, and iconic department stores. It was a symbol of what the Mon Valley could become after steel’s collapse.
But time, competition, and changing retail habits caught up with the mall. By the late 2000s, it was clear Century III was in serious decline. Now, with demolition fully underway, it stands as one of the largest teardown projects Allegheny County has seen in years and a prime example of how communities are being forced to reckon with aging retail infrastructure.
The question is no longer whether Century III Mall will return; it’s what comes next for the site and the region around it.
From Steel Slag to Suburban Shopping Giant
Century III Mall opened in 1979 on land that had a much different past. The sprawling 90 acre site was once part of a U.S. Steel slag dump, an industrial byproduct disposal zone for nearby Homestead and Duquesne Works. Slag, a stony waste material left over from steelmaking, was routinely dumped across the hillsides of West Mifflin and the Mon Valley throughout the 20th century. By the 1960s, this site had accumulated millions of tons of steel byproduct and was considered unusable for most traditional development.
As the steel industry began to decline, Pittsburgh’s economy and landscape were primed for transformation. Developers saw opportunity in reclamation. Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, one of the largest mall builders in the country, partnered with U.S. Steel to undertake a massive site preparation effort. Tons of slag were relocated, and the land was capped and regraded to make way for a new era of suburban retail.
The result was Century III Mall, named in anticipation of America’s third century. It stood as an emblem of modern progress rising from the ashes of industrial decline. At over 1.6 million square feet with more than 225 stores, it was the third largest mall in the United States at the time of its opening. Major anchors like JCPenney, Montgomery Ward, Sears, Gimbels, and Kaufmann’s made it a one stop destination for Mon Valley shoppers and beyond.
For decades, Century III symbolized the region’s resilience by turning post-industrial waste into economic opportunity. Its success story reflected a broader theme in Pittsburgh’s history: reclaiming the past to build the future.
Owners
- Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation (1979–1996)
Revenue: ~$2B | Based in Youngstown, OH - Simon Property Group (1996–2013)
Revenue: ~$5.7B | Based in Indianapolis, IN - Moonbeam Capital Investments (2013–Present)
Revenue: Private | Based in Las Vegas, NV
Developer Legacy – Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation
DeBartolo Sr. built over 50 malls in the 1970s – 90s, making him a central figure in U.S. retail development. Century III was one of his largest projects. His firm merged with Simon Property Group in 1996 to form a REIT empire.
Size Compared to Other Pittsburgh Malls
- Century III Mall: 1.6M sq ft | 225 stores (peak)
- Ross Park Mall: 1.2M sq ft | ~150 stores
- South Hills Village: 1M sq ft | ~130 stores
- Monroeville Mall: 1.13M sq ft | ~100 stores
- The Mall at Robinson: 872,000 sq ft | ~120 stores
Not all malls are failing, however. Ross Park Mall and South Hills Village continue to thrive in Pittsburgh, proving that enclosed malls can survive if they evolve with entertainment options, modern aesthetics, and upscale tenants.
Century III’s Decline: From Peak to Closure
From bustling retail hub to abandoned shell, Century III’s fall reflects the broader demise of regional malls across America.
Key events:
- 2001: Montgomery Ward exits
- 2006: Kaufmann’s becomes Macy’s, then closes in 2014
- 2011 – 2015: Half the mall’s stores shutter
- 2016: Redevelopment proposal stalls
- 2019: Official condemnation
- 2023: Demolition begins
Moonbeam Capital failed to maintain the property, resulting in health code violations, vandalism, and structural decay. For several years, Century III was a public safety hazard and an eyesore.
Timeline of Century III Mall
- 1976 – 1979: Site prep on former U.S. Steel slag dump
- 1979: Century III opens
- 1987: Peak years with 225 stores
- 1996: Simon Property takes over
- 2001 – 2015: Anchor exits and structural decline
- 2019: Condemned
- 2023–2026: Demolition
The Demolition of the Blighted Century III Mall
Demolition of blighted Century III Mall is one of the largest teardown projects in southwestern Pennsylvania in recent decades. The project began in late 2023, following years of delays due to legal disputes, code enforcement hearings, and asbestos concerns.
The Borough of West Mifflin, along with the Allegheny County Health Department and Pennsylvania DEP, issued condemnation orders in 2019. Roof collapses, mold, and unsafe wiring made the building uninhabitable.
Demolition phases:
- Asbestos abatement (~50,000 sq ft of materials)
- Selective teardown of anchor stores
- Full mall demolition (over 300,000 tons of debris)
- Site remediation and regrading for runoff control
Estimated cost: $10 – 15 million
Funding includes a $1M RACP state grant, local redevelopment funds, and expected private investment.
Community Feedback
At a 2024 town meeting:
- 63% of locals support redevelopment
- 24% raised concerns over gentrification
- 13% advocated for parks or public space
Residents remember the mall fondly, but they’re ready to move forward.
The National Trend of Dead Malls
A 2023 Credit Suisse report projected that 25 – 30% of U.S. malls will close by 2028. Out of roughly 1,100 indoor malls nationwide:
- 40% will be demolished
- 30% will be repurposed (housing, logistics, mixed-use)
- 20% will sit idle
- 10% may succeed through reinvention
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois are most affected, due to early overbuilding, shifting demographics, and suburban decline.
Success stories:
- Randall Park Mall (OH): Reborn as Amazon hub
- Valley View Center (TX): Arts and culture redevelopment
- Lincoln Mall (IL): Demolished after $10M in tax debt
Century III is not unique, but its size and highway access make it uniquely poised for strategic reuse.
Next Phase After the Century III Removal
West Mifflin officials are considering multiple reuse concepts:
- Mixed use commercial and residential village
- A logistics or last mile delivery hub
- Outpatient medical or senior housing campus
- Parkland or community green space
Developers may benefit from Opportunity Zone incentives and public private partnerships modeled on recent Pittsburgh revitalization strategies like:
Impact on West Mifflin and the Mon Valley
Century III’s decline hurt small businesses, reduced property values, and increased vacancy rates across Baldwin, Pleasant Hills, and other Mon Valley towns. Revitalization could restore community confidence and draw new investment if executed properly.
Impact on Local Businesses
The mall’s decline cut foot traffic to nearby restaurants, salons, and retailers. Some shut down entirely. New development could bring customers back if it includes housing or community facing services.
What Homeowners Should Know
If you own a home near the mall, this redevelopment could:
- Boost property values
- Increase buyer demand
- Trigger higher taxes
- Introduce new traffic or zoning impacts
Uncertain? Consider selling now while demand is rising. Read more here: Real Estate Investing Risks
Thinking of Selling Near Century III Mall?
If you own a home or rental property in West Mifflin, Pleasant Hills, or Baldwin, this could be the ideal time to explore your options.
Our team at Home Buyers of Pittsburgh specializes in fast, fair cash offers. We buy homes for cash in any condition and can close in 30 – 45 days. No repairs, no commissions, no waiting.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, tired of upkeep, or relocating we’re ready to help.