Des Plaines Mall

From Encyclopedia of Des Plaines
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The Des Plaines Mall was a 185,000 square foot[1][2] shopping mall at 701 Pearson. It was designed by J.R. Gottlieb & Co. The architect was Erickson and Stevens, Inc.[3] Construction began June 1, 1976.[4] It opened October 6, 1977.[5]

Planning for the mall began in 1972,[6] with the Des Plaines Mall Corporation formed in 1973.[7] The mall opened October 6, 1977. Its original tennants included Spiegler's, Radio Shack, Hallmark Cards and the Oui Boutique.[8] It was built for about $12 million. Shoppers and employees parked at the nearby Behrel Parking Deck. The intent was to demolish buildings between the mall and the deck, most notably the abandoned Spiegler's store, and build a walkway between the two locations.[9]

In 1979 the mall added an area on the lower level called Olde Center Street, a turn-of-the-century theme arcade.[10]

In 1995 the city took control of the mall with the intent of condemning the mall.[11]

Its last day of business was October 31, 1996.[12] Demolition began in June 1998.[13]

Notable events

  • Soap stars Richard Shoberg and Michael Storm appeared at the mall on November 8, 1980.[14]
  • The library held two book sales in the mall in 1996.[15][16]

References