Des Plaines Mall
Shopping mall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Des Plaines Mall was a 185,000 square foot (17,200 m2)[1][a] shopping mall in downtown Des Plaines, Illinois. It was designed by J.R. Gottlieb & Co. The architect was Erickson and Stevens, Inc.[2] Construction began June 1, 1976.[3] It opened October 6, 1977.[4]
 | |
| Coordinates | 42.040074982202356°N 87.88764785787377°W |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 Pearson Street |
| Opened | October 6, 1977 |
| Closed | October 31, 1996 |
| Developer | J.R. Gottlieb & Co. |
| Management | Richard Pace & Associates (1977-1986), David Friedman and William Fallmer (1986-?) |
| Architect | Erickson and Stevens, Inc. |
| 1 (Spiegler's) | |
| Floor area | 185,000 square feet |
| Floors | 3 |
| Parking | yes |
Planning for the mall began in 1972,[5] with the Des Plaines Mall Corporation formed in 1973.[6] The mall opened October 6, 1977. Its original tennants included Spiegler's, Radio Shack, Hallmark Cards and the Oui Boutique.[7] 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.[8]
In 1979 the mall added an area on the lower level called Olde Center Street, a turn-of-the-century theme arcade.[9]
In 1995 the city took control of the mall with the intent of condemning it.[10]
Its last day of business was October 31, 1996.[11] Demolition began in June 1998.[12]
Spiegler's Department Store
Herbert H. Behrel Parking Plaza
Notable events
- Soap stars Richard Shoberg and Michael Storm appeared at the mall on November 8, 1980.[17]
- The Des Plaines Public Library held two book sales in the mall in 1996.[18][19]