CBL plans casino at Pennsylvania mall

Chattanooga-based CBL Properties and two other companies Wednesday unveiled plans to develop a 100,000-square-foot casino and entertainment complex at a Pennsylvania mall.

“CBL’s strategy is to reinvent its properties by bringing new and exciting experiences to our shoppers,” said Stephen Lebovitz, CBL’s chief executive officer, in a statement.

Lebovitz said CBL is adding fitness, dining, hotels and other uses to properties throughout its portfolio.

“The addition of a casino to Westmoreland Mall is the ultimate combination of entertainment, dining and experience,” he said.

CBL is joining with Stadium Casino LLC, a joint venture of The Cordish Companies and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment, to develop the complex at the CBL mall in Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania. The 1.2 million-square-foot mall is located about 30 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.

The new casino will be located in space currently occupied by the Bon-Ton department store, which is closing in early August, according to CBL.

The casino is projected to create more than 600 jobs and generate millions of dollars annually for that community, the companies said. The project is subject to the review and approval of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Once approved, a construction timeline will be determined.

Joe Weinberg, a partner in Stadium Casino, said the “synergy of this new gaming and entertainment facility with the existing retail and dining amenities in the property and surrounding area will be tremendous.”

Just last month, officials for the Chattanooga shopping center company said it planned to “breathe new life” into its nationwide collection of malls and centers, which include Hamilton Place and Northgate malls in the Scenic City.

The company elevated Lebovitz’ brother, Michael, to president with the aim of helping push the redevelopment of CBL’s portfolio.

Officials cited Hamilton Place as an example, where a Sears store and adjacent parking lot is eyed for a Cheesecake Factory restaurant along with potential medical offices, a hotel and other eateries.

CBL has been hit by store bankruptcies and a changing retail environment fueled by online shopping. It has a portfolio of 117 properties totaling 73.4 million square feet in 26 states.

“The addition of a casino to Westmoreland Mall is the ultimate combination of entertainment, dining and experience.” – STEPHEN LEBOVITZ, CBL’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER