Heights Plaza: New Owner Buys Struggling Mall for $8.2 Million

New York-based HCG Properties purchased the Harrison Heights Plaza complex for approximately $8.2 million. The deal, announced on Wednesday, includes the main plaza, a Wendy's, UPMC Go Health, Dollar Bank, and a strip housing the post office and Social Security office. The acquisition signals a new phase for the 30-acre property, which has struggled with low occupancy in recent years.

The firm plans to invest in immediate repairs and tenant retention. Byron Hakimi, CEO of HCG Properties, stated the company is currently contacting existing tenants to address maintenance issues, specifically citing HVAC systems and roofs. While Hakimi confirmed the company has the capital to revitalize the site, he did not specify a total investment figure. The firm aims to market the available space to new businesses after stabilizing current operations.

HCG Properties manages a national portfolio of more than 40 commercial properties, ranging from retail strips to medical offices. The company has holdings in Florida and Arizona, as well as several sites in Pennsylvania, including the Sheridan Plaza in Johnstown. Local officials in Shenango Township, Milford, and Johnstown did not respond to requests for comment regarding the sale.

Community residents expressed hope that the new ownership will reverse the plaza's decline. Ken Spears, 56, a Harrison resident, advocated for the return of a grocery store to serve the adjacent Harrison Hi-Rise. He noted that residents face transportation barriers when trying to reach other food stores. Cindy Salerno, 73, recalled the plaza's previous boom and expressed a desire for the return of retailers like Hallmark and Bath and Body Works.

Harrison Commissioner Jim Erb viewed the acquisition as a positive development for the neighborhood. He stated that the new owners must promote the area more effectively than their predecessors. Linh Vo, owner of Nail Elegance, has operated her business at the plaza for 12 years and said she has seen little change during that time. She believes new tenants could drive additional foot traffic to her shop.

The plaza previously anchored major retailers like Macy’s and Dunham Sports. Benbrooke Realty Investment Co. purchased the site in 2022 for about $8 million and attempted to convert part of the property into housing, a plan that stalled. The site recently welcomed one new tenant, PetVet 360, which is scheduled to open on November 10. State Sen. Lindsey Williams, whose office is located in the plaza, said in a statement that the new owners are working to attract local businesses and services.

Jeanne George, 73, of Tarentum, suggested that more physical stores would help residents socialize rather than shopping exclusively online. She hoped the new owners would bring in businesses similar to Community Market, where she worked until her retirement in 2015. Hakimi said the company has experience managing under-performing plazas and is confident it can restore activity to the location.