By Mark Longietti
City of Hermitage Community Development Director
HERMITAGE, Pa. – The city of Hermitage capped off 2024 by receiving the Community Growth Award presented by the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The award recognized the collaboration among city officials and staff, business leaders, entrepreneurs and the community to improve the economy and quality of life of the largest city in Mercer County, Pa. Now, the stage is set for transformational growth in the city with numerous vital projects slated.
The former borough of Wheatland officially became part of the city of Hermitage at the beginning of last year, following a successful municipal merger.
Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis marked the occasion by visiting Wheatland Tube, which has committed nearly $100 million in plant modernization upgrades.
The Wheatland neighborhood will also receive city and state investments in 2025 for building enhancements to the Wheatland Community Center, a full reconstruction of the Broadway/Council Avenue traffic signal, sewer upgrades in the industrial area, and planned roadway projects.
In 2024, building projects and openings abounded across the city.
Mercer County Community Federal Credit Union completed a $5 million headquarters. And Joy Cone began construction of a 220,000-square-foot cookie plant – a $40 million investment that will add 130 jobs.
New openings included restaurants such as Blue Collar Betty’s, Cianci’s, Giavonna’s Gourmet Coffee, Hunger Station, Jersey Mike’s, MP Coney Island and Starbucks. New service businesses include Envy Hair and Nail Salon and Express 80 Truck Repair.
The marque project for 2025 is the redevelopment of the Shenango Valley Mall property, a multiyear endeavor known as Hickory Fields.
Following demolition of the mall, Flicore LLC will construct buildings for national-brand restaurants and retailers. The city plans to develop outdoor community space to host events and provide amenities for all ages. The Hickory Fields project will exceed $100 million in investment and result in hundreds of new jobs.
The city continues to make investments in neighborhoods and recreational spaces. About $1.5 million was committed to neighborhood road and stormwater projects in 2024, with a similar amount allocated for 2025. A sewer expansion project will reach 92 residential properties along South Neshannock, Miller and Virginia roads.
Meanwhile, the Hermitage Athletic Complex is expanding recreational opportunities. In 2024, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll visited the complex to discuss two state grants that will provide trail access and expansion.
Also, last year a new Dek Hockey facility was opened for use. A state grant and city funds will build nine outdoor pickleball courts and additional parking and pedestrian facilities.
The complex will host Penn State Shenango’s new women’s softball program and a multipurpose building will be constructed at the adjacent Hermitage Little League complex.
Residential development is always a focus for the city. In 2024, multifamily housing was added to the zoning at LindenPointe Technical Park and a first-time homebuyers assistance program was launched.
The city looks to spur further housing development to meet demand fueled by a growing economy and enhanced quality of life.
Pictured at top: The $100 million Hickory Fields project was outlined Jan. 13 before the Hermitage Planning Commission. Robert Abramovich, executive vice president from Flicore LLC, the commercial developer, stands with City Manager Gary Hinkson and Michelle Johnson, a senior strategist with SmithGroup, which designed the community space seen in the rendering.