North Hills 2017 Top Stories: The Block Northway Bounces Back

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA - Turn back the clock just three years and The Block Northway was a retail wasteland. The upper level consisted of Marshall’s, Shoe Carnival and a bevy of empty storefronts; the lower level was anchored by PetSmart, a shoe repair store.

But Akron-based LRC Realty, which purchased the place in 2012, had vowed to engineer a turnaround at what once was Pennsylvania’s first enclosed mall. Over the next two years, the company began extensive renovations and brought in realtors such as Nordstrom Rack, Container Store, Saks Off 5th and Ulta.

The Block Northway’s revitalization continued in a big way in 2017, most recently on Dec. 19 with the opening of Pittsburgh’s first Wahlburgers. Among the mall’s other new arrivals this year:

• Kirkland's, a home decor chain specializing in furnishings, accessories and gifts.

• Jason's Deli, a chain that emphasizes a healthy diet and whose menu items contain no artificial trans fat, processed MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, dyes or artificial colors and flavors.

• CoreLife Eatery, a restaurant chain for people with active and healthy lifestyles whose menu focuses on greens, grains and bone broth.

• Bassett, a Virginia-based furniture store that has sold hand-produced merchandise for more than 100 years.
• CycleBar, a premium indoor cycling boutique.
• Piada Italian Street Food, a fast casual eatery serving handmade piadas, pasta bowls and chopped salads.
• Eighteen Eight, a salon providing hair and grooming services for men.

The mall’s remake will continue in 2018, with the opening of Pittsburgh’s second Dave & Buster’s restaurant and arcade in the space formerly occupied by Dick’s sporting goods. Dave & Buster’s also has a location at the Waterfront in Homestead.

Photo: Getty Images.