Costco development advancing on former Washington Mall site
Representatives of 79/70 Associates – who are spearheading the ongoing redevelopment effort at the former Washington Mall site – provided an update on the project during a Thursday night meeting.
The South Strabane Planning Commission gave the green light to a requested revision to the previously approved land development plan for the incoming Costco warehouse store following a discussion of the project timeline.
The demolition of the 40-plus acre site began last fall, and is managed by the Washington County Redevelopment Authority with the work completed by Neiswonger Construction.
According to a presentation delivered by LSSE Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Supervisor John Wright spoke on behalf of 79/70, saying that the first phase of demolition is nearing completion.
The only remaining structures on the site are the western portion of the mall building, which will be occupied by an RV dealership; the eastern portion, which contains Harbor Freight and a buffet restaurant; and the northern edge, which is set for demolition and complete removal.
Phase II demolition will begin on the remaining structures following the close of phase I, according to Wright, then pad preparation will begin for the Costco building.
The presentation did not provide a specific timeline for the phase II work, or when the store would eventually open.
Costco Director of Real Estate John Alvarado said the company wants to open the location to the public “as soon as possible,” which would likely be sometime in 2027.
Commission members asked Alvarado for more detail regarding the timeline, but he did not offer a more exact date for the grand opening.
Alvarado said Costco buildings are typically constructed very quickly once the pad is ready and permitting is in place since the structures are so modular.
The construction process usually takes around 135 days, he said.
Wright said 79/70 requested the revision to the land-use plan to accommodate a nine-foot expansion of the original Costco building footprint and minor modifications to the detached gas station, saying that the developers want to be fully transparent with South Strabane Township and the public.
Township Engineer TJ Stephens said that the alterations were “fairly minor,” and that they would not represent a net change to the stormwater management plan for the site since the new building footprint will remain an impervious surface.
The board initially discussed tabling the recommendation of the revised land development plan until its July meeting, but ultimately agreed to approve the recommendation after Stephens said he would be able to send his final comments to 79/70 before the meeting.