WILKES-BARRE TWP., PA — The long-struggling Wyoming Valley Mall is set to undergo a major transformation under preliminary redevelopment plans presented to municipal officials on Monday.
Representing developer MSC Retail, Attorney Angelo Terrana outlined a comprehensive revitalization proposal to the Wilkes-Barre Township Planning Commission. The ambitious plan involves demolishing roughly half of the existing indoor shopping center to make way for new commercial construction while fully renovating the remaining retail space.
Demolition plans target the wing extending from the former Bon-Ton department store down through the food court and into the vacant Sears building, which has recently served as seasonal space for Spirit Halloween. Once cleared, developers intend to construct a new facility on the site's 160-million-square-foot pad to house a new "anchor tenant," which will acquire ownership of the subdivided parcel.
While legal non-disclosure agreements prevent developers from publicly naming the anchor tenant until contracts are finalized, Terrana noted that the site plan includes an on-site gas station. MSC Retail is currently under contract to purchase the property from 4th Dimension Properties.
Under the redeveloped layout, existing interior retailers in the demolition zone—such as H&M—will be offered relocated storefronts within the remaining portion of the mall. Additional planned additions for the surrounding property include a Tractor Supply store near Sheetz, a separate 6,500-square-foot gas station and convenience store, and the retention of the Firestone Auto Care center.
MSC Retail plans to submit its formal land development plans for final municipal review before the end of the year.
