STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — River News has uncovered new developments regarding the future of the Fort Steuben Mall, including behind-the-scenes discussions involving ownership, engineers, and city leadership as debate continues over whether the aging property can realistically be saved.
According to information obtained by River News, Fort Steuben Mall owner Bill Johnson of Total Finance has now engaged with engineer Ernie Delatorre regarding the deteriorating condition of the mall and what would be required to stabilize and repair the property.
Sources familiar with the discussions say Delatorre believes a structured plan can be developed to address the mall’s issues and outline a path toward bringing the property into compliance in a reasonable timeframe.
Engineer Believes Mall Can Be Stabilized
River News has learned that Delatorre reportedly feels the situation, while serious, is not beyond repair if ownership is given enough time to properly assess the building, prioritize repairs, and move through the process systematically.
Sources tell River News that Delatorre is also preparing a presentation expected to be shown Monday to Steubenville City Council and City Manager Mike Johnson. The presentation is expected to outline the current condition of the property, potential repair strategies, and what would realistically be required to stabilize the mall moving forward.
The development comes after Total Finance previously stated it had already invested more than $300,000 into roof repairs and stabilization efforts since acquiring the property through foreclosure.
Demolition Could Leave Site Vacant for Years
Sources also indicate there is growing concern among some city leaders about the financial realities of demolishing the massive mall structure.
According to information obtained by River News, Delatorre reportedly believes a majority of Steubenville City Council members favor saving the mall rather than pursuing demolition.
One major factor is cost.
Demolishing a structure the size of Fort Steuben Mall could cost millions of dollars — funding the city likely does not currently have available. Sources point to the city’s current demolition funding limitations as an example of the financial challenge.
River News has learned that the City of Steubenville reportedly only has enough grant funding in 2026 to demolish approximately six residential houses, despite there being more than 30 structures currently identified as needing demolition throughout the city.
Critics argue that if the city struggles to fund demolition of a limited number of residential properties, it would likely be financially impossible for the city to afford demolition of the massive Fort Steuben Mall complex if the property were condemned.
If the mall were ordered closed without a workable redevelopment or repair plan in place, there are concerns the site could remain abandoned and deteriorating for years — or even decades.
Supporters of stabilization efforts argue that keeping portions of the mall operational while repairs continue may be the only realistic path to preventing the property from becoming a permanent blight on the community.
Tensions Continue Over Timeline
At the center of the dispute is Steubenville city engineer Micah Johnson, who River News has learned only assumed the role on January 1, 2026.
Sources indicate Johnson has so far been unwilling to grant additional time for ownership to fully develop and present a comprehensive repair plan for the property.
Critics of the city’s current approach believe the timeline being imposed is unrealistic given the scale of the building and the engineering work required. Some close to the situation have expressed frustration, saying the city’s posture appears heavily focused on condemnation rather than rehabilitation.
Ownership representatives reportedly maintain they are attempting to cooperate with the city while working to stabilize the property and secure long-term solutions.
Future of Mall Still Uncertain
The future of the Fort Steuben Mall remains unclear, but River News has now confirmed that active discussions are taking place involving ownership, engineers, and city officials behind closed doors.
What happens next could determine whether the property sees a path toward rehabilitation — or becomes one of the region’s largest abandoned commercial sites.
Stay tuned to River News for more information, and be sure to listen to your favorite River Network radio stations for continuing coverage and updates.
