NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP -- The Schuylkill Mall is closing. Tenants got the news Tuesday they have 60 to 90 days to close up shop.
"I just came up today for a haircut, they told me that the tenants have 90 days to vacate and they're going to demolish the whole place. The new owner has big plans I guess and unfortunately, mall management isn't one of them,” said John Lokitis of Ashland.
The news does not come as a surprise to some people.
"It isn't a shock, but I don't know. I think they should put more stores in, not just get rid of the mall completely. I think it still has life left in it,” said Jessica Heckman of Frackville.
The mall has been largely empty for a while. Dunham's is the last anchor store left. Back in April, the mall's anchor store, Bon-Ton, announced it was closing.
Along with the mall, Pearl Theatre is closing, too. In a message posted on social media, management said the business will remain open through September. Management also said it is looking for other spaces locally to reopen.
The Schuylkill Mall opened nearly 40 years ago and at one time had several anchor stores: Bon-Ton, Hess's, Sears, and Kmart.
"I know a lot of people come to Dunham's and you know we're hoping some of these relocate to the mall down in Fairlane Village so people have somewhere to go,” said Laine Gehres of Branch Township.
There is no official word what happens when this mall closes, but people Newswatch 16 spoke with have a few ideas.
"You should probably put another movie theater in there, like make it a kid zone. That would be a good idea,” said Michael Heckman of Frackville.
"Hopefully they're going to do something with manufacturing or something because Schuylkill County could sure use some kind of businesses,” said Lokitis.
Northpoint Development LLC bought the Schuylkill Mall at auction in January for $2.1 million.
There is no word on what Northpoint plans to do with the building. Newswatch 16 reached out to Northpoint for comment. We have not heard back.