HERMITAGE, Pa. - Development projects continue to take shape across the city of Hermitage, with work progressing on retail, recreation and housing initiatives aimed at supporting the area's growth.

Crews are actively building a new Target at the former Shenango Valley Mall site, one of the most anticipated redevelopment projects in the city. Hermitage's director of business and community development, Mark Longietti says additional restaurants planned for the property, such as LongHorn Steakhouse, Chili's and Chick-fil-A are not far behind.

"Each of them have filed land development plans with the city. Chick-fil-A, we've actually issued the building construction permit. Soon as they record that land development plan, then we think they'll start construction activities. [We] could see store openings by the end of the year," Longietti said. 

Meanwhile, progress is also being made at the Hermitage Athletic Complex on South Darby Road, where a new multipurpose facility is under construction. The project will include modern, ADA-compliant restrooms and concession areas, a pavilion space for gatherings and picnics, and dedicated rooms for umpires.

City leaders are also focused on expanding housing opportunities. Officials say efforts are underway to bring condominium and rental developments to the LindenPointe Innovative Business Campus.

"The city owns land there that's available now for multifamily housing, and so we're vetting proposals from local builders and developers," Longietti said.

Officials say Hermitage is expected to add about 1,300 new residents by 2032. To keep pace with that growth, the city anticipates a need for nearly 700 new homes along with approximately 500 additional rental units.