WPG remains committed to executing a first-class redevelopment project at Southern Park Mall, which will feature the DeBartolo Commons entertainment and athletic greenspace venue for the benefit of our guests, tenants, and community neighbors and partners, Kim Green, vice president, investor relations and corporate communications said this week.
      “First, we at Washington Prime Group extend our appreciation for the community’s continued support for Southern Park Mall’s redevelopment as evidenced by the Mahoning County Commissioners’ vote to approve the Community Reinvestment Area agreement, Green said.
      With WPG’s focus on serving the needs of our property teams and community partners across the country during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic...progress is continuing on leasing, planning, and construction at Southern Park Mall, and details will be announced as circumstances stabilize and return to normal, Green said.
      “Second, in the midst of an unprecedented health situation, more than ever, Southern Park Mall is embracing its role as a community partner by finding unique ways to transform its space for social good,” Green noted.
      The below initiatives are a few ways that Southern Park Mall is showing its support for the community:
       •Donation of Pottery Kits to local Nursing Facilities: Southern Park Mall is partnering with local business owner and tenant The Art Café to donate 20 pottery kits to Shepherd of the Valley (both locations in Boardman and Niles) and an additional 40 kits to the Beeghly Oaks Center for Rehabilitation and Healing in Boardman.
       •Providing Drive-Thru Lunch to First Responders and Healthcare Providers: On April 2, Southern Park Mall partnered with Chili’s to provide free ‘to go’ meals to first responders and healthcare providers. A white tent and ‘drive thru’ area was set up in the parking lot near the food court entrance.
       •Salvation Army Donation Site: Southern Park Mall will serve as a donation site for the Salvation Army. Nonperishable food items, bottled water, laundry soap, toilet paper and toiletries can be dropped off daily from noon to 5:00 p.m. The donation bin is located outside the food court entrance.
      Southern Park Mall remains closed at this time, with the exception of the following tenants:
       •BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (offering delivery and carry out)
       •Buffalo Wild Wings (offering carry out)
       •PNC Bank
       •Firestone Complete Auto Center
      “WPG will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to contribute to the containment, treatment and prevention of COVID-19,” Green added.