La Grange Village Board to vote on converting Jackson Square Mall into condos, sparking debate over preservation vs redevelopment in downtown
Future of Jackson Square Mall Uncertain as Vote Approaches
LA GRANGE, Ill. (WLS) — The future of Jackson Square Mall, a century-old building cherished by residents and small business owners, is uncertain. The La Grange Village Board is set to vote on a controversial plan that could change downtown permanently.
For generations, shoppers have explored Jackson Square antique mall, searching for unique treasures. The mall has 70 vendors, including Mandy Levy, who has operated her business, Junkie Vintage, there for the past four years.
“It has been the thrill of my life to operate a little business out of this place,” said Mandy Levy, owner of Junkie Vintage.
However, Levy and the other vendors face an end to their time in the mall. The property was sold last year to a developer who plans to demolish it and build a 39-unit condominium complex.
Supporters of the building argue that its art deco architecture adds character to downtown La Grange. An online petition titled Save Jackson Square has gathered thousands of signatures urging village leaders to keep the structure.
“We are jumping at an opportunity to tear it down when it should be repurposed, reused, recycled,” Levy stated.
Therese O’Sullivan, the former property owner who sold it to the developer, said she explored options to upgrade the building. However, the cost would have been hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“We wholeheartedly did explore different options with the building,” O’Sullivan said.
O’Sullivan also mentioned that zoning code restrictions prevent a condo from fitting into the existing footprint. She is currently looking for another space for the antique mall.
The developer’s plans have received a recommendation from the La Grange Plan Commission. The upcoming vote will decide if the building is preserved or replaced with modern condos.
“It’s tough though to see it happen, but I think it’ll be great. It’s a good use for the building,” O’Sullivan said.
The La Grange village board of trustees will vote on the development plans at a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. Advocates for preserving the building are expected to attend in large numbers.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vote on Development Plans | Monday at 7:30 p.m. | La Grange village board meeting |
| Property Sale | Last Year | Sold to developer for condo project |
| Number of Vendors | N/A | 70 vendors in Jackson Square Mall |
| Condominium Units Planned | N/A | 39-unit complex proposed |
| Petition Signatures | N/A | Thousands for Save Jackson Square |
