Des Plaines Mall
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] The building was repurposed as a parking deck and is used by the library and 701 Lee Street.
Notable events
- Soap stars Richard Shoberg and Michael Storm appeared at the mall on November 8, 1980.[13]
- The library held two book sales in the mall in 1996.[14][15]
References
- ^ Daily Herald, September 16, 1979
- ^ Various sources list 114,000, 140,000, 100,000 and 95,000
- ^ Chicago Tribune, October 12, 1975
- ^ Des Plaines Journal, March 18, 1976
- ^ Des Plaines Journal, September 29, 1977
- ^ Daily Herald, March 7, 1976
- ^ Daily Herald, September 4, 1972
- ^ Des Plaines Suburban Times, September 29, 1977
- ^ Des Plaines Suburban Times, October 6, 1977
- ^ Des Plaines Suburban Times, May 4, 1979
- ^ Chicago Tribune, December 13, 1995
- ^ Chicago Tribune, October 31, 1996
- ^ Des Plaines Suburban Times, November 13, 1980
- ^ Des Plaines Journal, March 13, 1996
- ^ Des Plaines Journal, September 4, 1996
External links
- Des Plaines Memory, contains pictures of the mall
