The decline of shopping malls across the United States is reshaping once-thriving cultural landmarks into industrial sites and open-air centers. This shift is poignantly illustrated by the fate of the Ford City Mall in Chicago, which opened in 1965 as a central gathering place for the community but is now set to be replaced by an industrial campus. The mall’s history reflects a broader trend in retail, where changing consumer habits have led to the closure of many anchor stores and a significant reduction in foot traffic.
Opened to much fanfare, the Ford City Mall quickly became more than just a shopping destination. It hosted fashion shows, trade fairs, and church services, making it a cultural touchstone for generations. However, years of decline have left the once-bustling interior dimly lit and filled with vacant storefronts. Notably, major retailers like Montgomery Ward, Carson Pirie Scott, and Sears have long since shuttered their doors.
Brenda Macias, a 27-year-old curious about her local mall’s past, inspired a deeper exploration of mall memories. Her inquiry led to an examination of how these spaces shaped the lives of many, especially during their peak in the late 20th century.
Frank Werner, who served as chief engineer at Ford City for nearly 50 years, recalls the mall’s heyday in the late 1980s and early 1990s. According to Werner, the mall was a hub for teens, boasting a diverse clientele from surrounding neighborhoods. In 1987, real estate mogul Sam Zell invested $52 million in renovations, revitalizing the mall and ensuring it was fully leased.
For many, the Ford City Mall represents fond memories of youth and independence. Alicia Galvaz, who frequented the mall as a teenager, reminisces about her first date at the cinema and her experiences working at a national chain store. “I used to love shopping at Contempo Casuals. And because I worked at JC Penney, I could buy whatever I wanted,” she said.
The nostalgic influence of malls extends beyond Ford City. WBEZ senior producer Meha Ahmad grew up in a different mall culture, where her parents operated an ice cream shop. Her memories highlight the social significance of malls, where friendships blossomed alongside shopping. “We stayed friends after we both stopped working there for years,” Ahmad recalled.
Similarly, Michael Puente, a weekend anchor at WBEZ, shared his experiences at the River Oaks Mall in Calumet City, which served as a social hub for teenagers in the 1980s. Puente recalls that the mall was not just a place to shop but a venue for social interaction, where friends gathered to escape the summer heat and enjoy movies.
The cultural importance of these malls is also echoed in contemporary literature. Acclaimed poet José Olivarez reflects on the simple joys of gathering at the mall with friends in his poem “River Oaks Mall,” underscoring how these spaces fostered community connections.
As the landscape of retail evolves, so too do the purposes of these malls. While some are being transformed into open-air shopping centers, like the Evergreen Plaza, others are facing the prospect of closure. Experts argue that the narrative surrounding the death of malls is overstated. According to Stephanie Cegielski, vice president of research for the International Council of Shopping Centers, about 1,100 shopping centers still operate profitably across the country, demonstrating a resilience to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
The transition of malls from vibrant cultural centers to industrial projects signifies a loss of community spaces that once held significant meaning. Yet, as younger generations continue to frequent these places, albeit in different ways, the memories and experiences associated with malls remain alive, even as their physical forms change.
As the Ford City Mall prepares for its transformation, it stands as a testament to the evolving nature of retail and the enduring impact of shared spaces on community identity.
