Highlands Mall came to fruition after Crown American had decided to expand its shopping center along Freeport Road in the Harrison Township village of Natrona Heights.
Because this location was one of the regional chain's more profitable stores, the concept of the mall came in tandem with a proposed expansion of Gee Bee.
The mall opened in the fall of 1977 with the following tenants: a new Gee Bee furniture store, Pearle Vision, First Federal of Pittsburgh, J&S Pizza, General Nutrition Center, National Record Mart, Waldenbooks, and Hallmark.
Value City operated at the Highlands Mall location until 2001, when it finally closed, citing a lack of business justifying it to stay open.
As of June 2019, Freedom Square Diner, Dunham's Sports, Wines and Spirits, GameStop, The Gold Buyers of Pittsburgh, Sally Beauty, GNC, and Walmart are occupying the mall.
Residing in front of the mall are a Tractor Supply, Taco Bell, O'Reilly Auto Parts, First Commonwealth Bank, and a Goodwill.