A new Target store is expected to open at 985 Paoli Pike in West Chester, Pennsylvania. This redevelopment marks a significant transformation for the former Kmart site, which has remained vacant since the store’s closure in 2019. Target is revitalizing the property with a 120,000-square-foot store, bringing fresh energy to the West Goshen Shopping Center.
The Beginnings: From Farmland to Retail Hub
The history of this site traces back to the late 1950s when construction of the shopping center first began. Aerial images from 1950 show the area as open farmland, gradually giving way to development by 1958. As the years passed, the site became a hub of activity, anchored by the arrival of Kmart.
Kmart’s Legacy: Decades of Service
For decades, the iconic red “K” sign symbolized the center of shopping in West Chester. Kmart offered everything from clothing to appliances, meeting the everyday needs of families. The store became a community staple, contributing to the area’s commercial success.
A New Chapter: Revitalizing the Site
The closure of Kmart in 2019 marked the end of an era, leaving the shopping center in a state of limbo. However, the arrival of Target signals a new chapter in its story. This redevelopment not only revitalizes a cherished community space but also reflects the site’s enduring role as a central shopping destination for West Chester.
Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by F. E. Mufute