For neighbors who remember a busy Heights Plaza, the prospect of more shopping close to home carries real meaning.

A change in ownership is giving Harrison residents and existing business owners fresh reason to hope the Natrona Heights shopping center can regain some of its everyday usefulness.

A new owner with plans for the property

New York-based HCG Properties has purchased the complex through Heights Plaza Realty LLC for approximately $8.2 million.

The purchase includes the main plaza, Wendy’s, UPMC GoHealth, Dollar Bank and the section containing the post office and Social Security office.

HCG CEO Byron Hakimi said that the company is contacting current tenants about property needs while preparing to recruit additional businesses.

Roof and heating-and-cooling repairs are among the issues identified by tenants.

For the businesses already operating there, that attention could help make the plaza a stronger place to stay and grow.

Why a grocery store matters

Much of the community’s interest centers on practical needs.

Residents expressed hopes for a grocery store, more retailers and a sit-down restaurant where families could gather.

A grocery option would be particularly valuable to people living in the nearby Harrison Hi-Rise who may have difficulty reaching food stores farther away.

Having essential shopping nearby can make a difference in how easily someone manages the week’s errands.

The closure of Community Market remains part of that conversation.

State Sen. Lindsey Williams, whose Harrison office is in the plaza, pointed to the loss of both the grocery store and Harvest Moon coffee shop when welcoming the ownership change.

Supporting the businesses that remain

A fuller shopping center could also help its current tenants.

Nail Elegance owner Linh Vo hopes additional businesses would draw more customers to the plaza.

Harrison Commissioner Jim Erb welcomed the buyer’s interest and emphasized the importance of promoting the property to prospective tenants.

The property also has an incoming veterinary business: PetVet365 lists a Natrona Heights location at 1870 Broadview Boulevard, with a fall 2026 opening planned.

A chance to rebuild a community shopping spot

Heights Plaza once drew shoppers to stores including Macy’s and Dunham’s Sports.

More recently, vacancies have become a defining concern across the roughly 30-acre property.

Previous owner Benbrooke Realty Investment Co. purchased the plaza in 2022, and a later proposal to introduce housing stalled.

The new owner’s stated approach centers on retaining current businesses, addressing building needs and attracting new tenants.

For residents, the appeal is straightforward: more useful services, more reasons to shop locally and more opportunities to run into a neighbor while out for the day.

Those are hopes worth watching as Heights Plaza begins its next chapter.