By MARK LONGIETTI
Director of Business and Development, Hermitage, Pa.
The completion of several projects in 2025, and plans for future development in 2026, have put the city of Hermitage on a desirable growth path.
The Hickory Fields project (former Shenango Valley Mall site) took center stage with Target kicking off construction and expected to open by early 2027. Land development plans were approved for Chick-fil-A, Chili’s and Longhorn Steakhouse with construction set for 2026 and possible store openings by year-end. Additional announcements are expected this year with the developer indicating strong interest.
Joy Cone Co. completed a second 220,000-square-foot cookie plant and has a bullish growth outlook. Joy, the world’s largest ice cream cone maker, now also produces cookies and wafers, and is nearing 1,000 employees locally. Wheatland Tube completed a fully automated warehouse, as part of a $90 million modernization investment and continues to be an industry leader. CCL Container, a leader in aluminum bottle manufacturing, added production lines in 2025, and is experiencing strong demand from customers.
The East State Street/North Hermitage Road corridor saw several new openings in 2025 with the promise of more in 2026. An 18,000-square-foot U.S. Veterans Administration Clinic opened this year. In late 2025, Top Tier Federal Credit Union completed a new branch and Valvoline Instant Oil Change opened a new franchise. Other openings included Desi Tadka and Grizzly Bean restaurants, Michael’s, Hermitage Performing Arts Academy and Another Level Barber Academy. A Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar is on the books for 2026. The new, modern Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, on Lynnwood Drive, is under construction with opening anticipated late this year. It will more than double capacity while providing needed amenities for the no-kill shelter.
New housing construction is a focus for 2026. A housing and market analysis completed by SmithGroup demonstrated capacity for 679 homes and 489 rental units over the next few years, with the city expected to grow in population by almost 8%. The city is vetting proposals from builders and developers for new units and is working with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation to rehab existing stock.
The city is engaged in several projects at the burgeoning Hermitage Athletic Complex. A trail project was completed in 2025 and construction began on a new multipurpose facility, including restrooms, concession and meeting space. A softball field lighting project will occur this year and work will start on an outdoor pickleball project.
The merger of the borough of Wheatland into the city of Hermitage is now two years in the books and the city continues to invest in the Wheatland neighborhood. A $315,000 refurbishing project for the Wheatland Community Center was completed and $200,000 was invested in neighborhood paving projects. A traffic signal reconstruction project will begin and be completed this year and a $2 million state grant was secured for paving and stormwater upgrades in the industrial area.
In 2026, the city of Hermitage is focused on providing the leadership, features and amenities to continue to attract new businesses, residents and visitors.
