Last February 2025, Walmart acquired the Monroeville Mall from CBL Properties for an estimated $34 million, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. This is the establishment where George Romero’s classic 1978 zombie movie, “Dawn of the Dead,” originally released in 1969, was filmed. The 186 acres had no clear purpose until a grant application shed some light. Walmart, through its limited liability company South Saturn Ridge LLC, has applied to the state Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program for a total of $7.5 million in state grants. The new project aims to demolish the existing mall structure to build a new space that will include retail, dining, and entertainment activities.
Walmart
Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, United States, it is one of the largest retail companies in the world. It is described as a multinational corporation of discount stores and department stores that operates in various formats, such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, and department stores. Its beginnings focused on offering low prices, and it has evolved to become a retail giant. It is not limited to physical sales, convenience stores, and supermarkets, but has also invested in e-commerce platforms. Under the slogan “Save more, live better,” it operates under different names such as Sam’s Club, Bodega Aurrerá, and Walmart Express.
It is presence in more than 20 countries, including Europe and Asia (mainly China), and a very extensive network in Mexico and Central America through subsidiaries such as Wal-Mart de México, S.A.B. de C.V. Its catalog includes products from practically every category: household items, electronics, clothing, beauty and personal care products, baby items, frozen and fresh foods, and pet supplies.
New Walmart acquisition
With the aim of continuing to expand its empire and offerings, Walmart continues on the path of expansion with new projects. Last February 2025, it made one of its most recent purchases. The seller was CBL Properties, a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and manages regional shopping malls, community shopping centers, and open-air centers in the United States. The transaction involved the purchase of the Monroeville Mall in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. This is the place where George Romero’s classic zombie movie ‘Dawn of the Dead’ was filmed in 1978. What does Walmart intend to do with it?
Monroeville Mall
With an estimated purchase price of $34 million, the fate of the 186 acres of the Monroeville Mall was not entirely clear. However, a grant application seems to have shed some light. Walmart has submitted, through its limited liability company South Saturn Ridge LLC., a grant from the state Capital Redevelopment Assistance Program. Aiming to demolish the mall and build public and commercial spaces, Walmart has requested a total of $7.5 million in state grants to carry out this project.
What are Walmart’s plans?
The main building belongs to Walmart, as well as the adjacent shopping center, the expansion of the main entrance, and the plots of land intended for Firestone and Best Buy stores. Walmart’s plans include demolishing the existing shopping center structure in order to build an entirely new one. As they have described, it will include new commercial space, restaurants, and entertainment, supported by new landscaping, pedestrian areas, and open public spaces for community use. The request reflects the need to carry out leveling, stabilization, and modernization of water, sewage, electricity, and telecommunications services, so it is expected to take some time. We will have to wait for the request to be approved so that Walmart can launch this new project.
