Collier’s Weekly: Who Actually Wants a ‘Commercial Destination’ Instead of a Landmark?

I’m not shocked that Monroeville Mall could have a date with a wrecking ball. In Pittsburgh — and, let’s be honest, everywhere else — we’ve seen too many good things taken away in the name of short-sighted development. So last week, when news of the landmark’s possible doom broke, I was dismayed but not surprised.

I am, however, surprised that anyone — anyone at all — thinks this is a good idea.

The idea, according to a grant application filed with the Commonwealth, is to knock down the mall and replace it with a mixed-use “retail and commercial destination.” There’s talk of public spaces surrounding Walmart and Sam’s Club locations; vague statements about including retail space for local business have been made.

Walmart is at the core of all this; they’re the ones that bought the prope