NORTHWOOD -- New York-based Ohio Plaza Shopping Center has purchased the Woodville Mall for $800,000.  The Northwood property has been vacant since a court order forced its closure in December 2011.  Northwood city officials had determined that the mall's crumbling interior had become a safety hazard for customers. 

Local residents are cautiously optomistic about the sale.  Karolyn Matthews worked at Woolworth's from 1980-1993.  "This is great because we need more business on this side of town," Mrs. Matthews said.