Proposal for Ross mall includes theater, small shops

The vacant Sears department store and food court at Ross Park Mall could include a movie theater, fitness center, “small shop” space, restaurants and retail space under a redevelopment proposal submitted to Ross Township.

The proposal was revealed in a Facebook post by township commissioner Steve Korbel on Tuesday. Plans also include a new three-story building, a relocated food court and another two-story building.

Mr. Korbel said the proposal is expected to be discussed Monday at the township’s board of commissioners meeting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

“We’re looking forward to presenting our exciting redevelopment plans for Ross Park Mall to the Ross Township board of commissioners at next Monday night’s public hearing after receiving planning commission approval last month,” Scott Richardson, vice president, development, at Simon Property Group, said in a statement.

Indianapolis-based Simon also owns South Hills Village.

Simon in April first announced plans to revamp the former Sears, which was emptying out its Ross Park store. The storied retailer had been shuttering its namesake stores and Kmart locations across the country. Even now, Sears continues to face an uncertain future since filing for bankruptcy in October.