Progress continues on the demolition of the former Shenango Valley Mall in Hermitage.

As crews clear away the debris, plans are in place for the next era for that location.

Hermitage Director of Business and Community Development Mark Longietti says the next step in the process is creating a road on the site called Hickory Fields Boulevard which will come off the roundabout and go through the property.

The City is planning to award the bid for roadwork soon and then some utility work will take place.

Longietti says construction on the physical storefronts should begin sometime this summer.

Those include some national chain restaurants and stores including Target, Chick-Fil-A, Chili's and Longhorn Steakhouse to name a few. Eight acres of natural green space was also donated by the developer.

Longietti anticipates the stores will open up sometime next year.