La Grange Village Board Evaluates Developer’s Contentious Proposal to Transform Jackson Square Mall into Condominiums

The fate of the historic Jackson Square Mall in La Grange, Illinois, is teetering on the brink as the local Village Board gears up to decide on a contentious redevelopment proposal. This decision could significantly transform the downtown area, leaving many residents and small business owners anxious about the future.

For generations, Jackson Square Antique Mall has been a cherished destination where visitors have scoured its corridors in search of unique treasures. Housing around 70 vendors, it has been a bustling hub of eclectic finds and entrepreneurial spirit. Among them is Mandy Levy, who has operated her business, Junkie Vintage, from the mall for the past four years.

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“It has been the thrill of my life to operate a little business out of this place,” Levy shared, encapsulating the sentiment of many vendors who have found a home within its walls.

However, the mall’s days seem numbered. A developer who purchased the property last year has plans to demolish the historic site and erect a 39-unit condominium complex in its stead. This proposal has stirred considerable debate within the community.

Advocates for preserving the building argue that its art deco architecture is integral to the character and charm of downtown La Grange. In a bid to save Jackson Square, a fervent online petition has garnered thousands of signatures, urging local leaders to reconsider and conserve the building.

Levy, reflecting the sentiments of many, remarked, “We are jumping at an opportunity to tear it down when it should be repurposed, reused, recycled.” The community now awaits the Village Board’s decision, hopeful that a balance between progress and preservation can be achieved.

Therese O’Sullivan, who owned the property and sold it to the developer. Says she tried to do just that, but upgrading the 100-plus-year-old building would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“We wholeheartedly did explore different options with the building,” O’Sullivan said.

And O’Sullivan says zoning code restrictions prevent a condo from moving into the existing footprint. She’s in the process of finding another space to house the antique mall.

The developer’s plans have already won a recommendation from the La Grange Plan Commission. The next step will determine whether the building is spared 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 is scheduled to vote on the development plans at a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Advocates of preserving the building are expected to have a large turnout.