An aerial view of the Southern Park Mall in Youngstown, OH.

YOUNGSTOWN, OH—Demolition has commenced on a shuttered Sears department store here that will be replaced by a new four-acre athletic and entertainment green space and event venue to be named "DeBartolo Commons" located at the Southern Park Mall here.

The DeBartolo Commons project is being developed by a partnership of Washington Prime Group Inc. and the DeBartolo-York family. Boardman Township and its park district are also partners with Washington Prime Group regarding the creation of the venue, which will serve the approximately 565,000 individuals who reside in the Greater Youngstown MSA.

The Southern Park Mall, which is adjacent to DeBartolo Commons, is also undergoing some improvements that will include a new entertainment hub that will feature a 37,000-square-foot indoor golf entertainment center, additional entertainment uses and new food and beverage offerings.

A renovation of Southern Park Mall, which was built by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp., is also scheduled to include a dynamic common area including a permanent DeBartolo-York family installation as well as several differentiated and exciting new tenants, Washington Prime Group reports.

In addition to their proximity to DeBartolo Commons, these venues will benefit from being near the recently renovated Cinemark Theaters.

The announcement of the planned DeBartolo Commons and the enhancements to the adjacent Southern Park Mall today mark the kickoff of the major renovation of Southern Park Mall, which will coincide with its 50th anniversary in 2020 and honor the legacy of Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. and the DeBartolo-York family.

Lou Conforti, CEO and director of Washington Prime Group stated: "I am lucky to have become friends with several members of the DeBartolo-York family and the two characteristics which define every single one of them are generosity and loyalty. These traits are best illustrated by their continuing devotion to their hometown. Thus, it is only fitting Washington Prime Group recognizes this unequivocal love for the locale which has served as the catalyst for their many business achievements and philanthropic goodwill."

Denise DeBartolo York states, "Lou Conforti has the vision, drive and resources to restore Southern Park Mall into the social and entertainment center of Boardman. I appreciate Lou's time and talent in this endeavor and am very excited that my Dad's legacy will continue."

Last month, Washington Prime Group announced that The RoomPlace had opened at Lincolnwood Town Center in Lincolnwood, IL, replacing a former Carson Pirie Scott (Bon-Ton Stores) location. The 84,000-square-foot space, highlighted by a large atrium, occupies two floors and combines three brands—The RoomPlace, The MattressPlace and RP Outlet.

The location marks The RoomPlace's largest store to date.

Instant Insights /

Sears Store to be Replaced by Athletic, Entertainment Venue Called 'DeBartolo Commons'

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