The end is near for the crumbling Washington Mall in South Strabane Township. Washington County Commissioners announced on Wednesday that after eleven years of working on it, the mall is finally going to be demolished to make way for retail establishments and other businesses. Washington County Commission Chair Nick Sherman says the initiative is supported by a major county investment from the newly established Blight Mitigation and Demolition Fund. He says the county’s decision to demolish the existing structure aims to re-purpose the site with new infrastructure, creating viable economic opportunities. Plans for the site’s development and revitalization are already underway and will include retail and dining establishments. Additional details are expected to be announced this spring. According to Commissioner Nick Sherman, “Eliminating blight is essential to sustaining healthy communities, fostering economic development, and improving the quality of life in Washington County. Blighted buildings drain municipal resources, inhibit economic growth, and create negative perceptions of our communities.” As for the cost, Sherman tells WJPA that it’s still an open bid and the bids are out. He says they have allocated funding not to exceed six-million-dollars. Sherman says most of the mall will be demolished to make way for other retail opportunities, but the former Toys ‘R Us and Giant Eagle sites will be renovated, and a new recreational vehicle dealership and service center will be established there. The tenant is an award-winning and respected nationwide brand, operating 36 locations nationwide.