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Coordinates: 41°30′8″N 87°43′41″W / 41.50222°N 87.72806°W / 41.50222; -87.72806
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{{short description|Defunct shopping mall in Matteson, Illinois.}}
{{Short description|Shopping mall in Matteson, Illinois (1973–2018)}}
{{infobox shopping mall
{{infobox shopping mall
| name = Lincoln Mall
| name = Lincoln Mall
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| location = [[Matteson, Illinois]], United States
| location = [[Matteson, Illinois]], United States
| coordinates = {{coord|41|30|8|N|87|43|41|W|region:US-IL_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41|30|8|N|87|43|41|W|region:US-IL_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| opening_date = {{start date|1973}}<ref name="mattesonhistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.vil.matteson.il.us/Museum/history_matteson.htm |title=History of Matteson, Illinois |accessdate=2008-01-29 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051212180741/http://www.vil.matteson.il.us/Museum/history_matteson.htm |archivedate=2005-12-12 }}</ref>
| opening_date = {{start date|1973}}<ref name="mattesonhistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.vil.matteson.il.us/Museum/history_matteson.htm |title=History of Matteson, Illinois |accessdate=2008-01-29 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051212180741/http://www.vil.matteson.il.us/Museum/history_matteson.htm |archivedate=2005-12-12 }}</ref>
| closing_date = {{end date|2015|01|07}} (Mall interior) {{end date |2018|03|04}} ([[Carson Pirie Scott]])
| closing_date = {{end date|2015|01|07}} (Mall interior) {{end date |2018|03|04}} ([[Carson Pirie Scott]])
| developer = Randhurst Corp.
| developer = Randhurst Corp.
| manager = Freehold Management
| manager = Freehold Management
| owner = Freehold Management
| owner = Freehold Management
| architect = [[Victor Gruen]]
| number_of_stores = 0
| number_of_stores = 0
| number_of_anchors = 1 (0 in original mall, JCPenney outside of former mall site)
| number_of_anchors = 1 (0 in original mall, JCPenney outside of former mall site)
| floor_area = ~{{cvt|225,000|sqft}}
| floor_area = ~{{cvt|225,000|sqft}}
| floors = 2
| floors = 2
| publictransit = [[Pace (transit)|Pace]]
}}
}}


'''Lincoln Mall''' was a [[shopping mall]] located at the corner of [[U.S. Route 30 in Illinois|U.S. Route 30]] and [[Cicero Avenue]] in [[Matteson, Illinois|Matteson]], [[Illinois]], a south suburb of Chicago.
'''Lincoln Mall''' was a [[shopping mall]] located at the corner of [[U.S. Route 30 in Illinois|U.S. Route 30]] and [[Cicero Avenue]] in [[Matteson, Illinois|Matteson]], [[Illinois]], a south suburb of Chicago.


== History ==
== History ==
Lincoln Mall opened in 1973<ref name="mattesonhistory"/> with anchors [[Carson Pirie Scott]], [[Montgomery Ward]], [[Wieboldt's]], and [[JCPenney]]. The center was developed by Randhurst Corp, the same developer consisting of Wieboldt's and Carson's executives who developed [[Randhurst Mall]] and [[Lakehurst Mall]]. Wieboldt's closed in 1987.
Lincoln Mall opened on August 9th, 1973<ref name="mattesonhistory"/> with anchors [[Carson Pirie Scott]], [[Montgomery Ward]], [[Wieboldt's]], and [[JCPenney]]. The center was developed by the Randhurst Corporation, the same developer consisting of Wieboldt's and Carson's executives who developed [[Randhurst Mall]] and [[Lakehurst Mall]]. Wieboldt's closed in 1987.


In 1991, [[Walmart]] and [[Sam's Club]] opened across the street from the mall. Walmart moved to Olympia Fields in 2016, while Sam's Club officially closed on January 26, 2018. A year later in 1992, [[Best Buy]] opened in the surrounding area of the mall; the store closed in 2012. The mall underwent a renovation in 1993. In 1995, [[Sears]] opened in the former [[Wieboldt's]] location. [[Montgomery Ward]] closed their store in 1999 and went bankrupt soon after. In 2000, JCPenney closed their location in Lincoln Mall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-04-16-0004160183-story.html|title=TOWN TRIES TO HALT EXIT BY PENNEY}}</ref> Due to the loss of two anchors, mall traffic declined and many stores began to vacate.
In 1991, [[Walmart]] and [[Sam's Club]] opened across the street from the mall. Walmart moved to Olympia Fields in 2016, while Sam's Club officially closed on January 26, 2018. A year later in 1992, [[Best Buy]] opened in the surrounding area of the mall; the store closed in 2012. The mall underwent a renovation in 1993 which included a new glass elevator. In 1995, [[Sears]] opened in the former [[Wieboldt's]] location. [[Montgomery Ward]] closed their store in 1999 and went bankrupt soon after. In 2000, [[JCPenney]] closed their location in Lincoln Mall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-04-16-0004160183-story.html|title=TOWN TRIES TO HALT EXIT BY PENNEY|website=[[Chicago Tribune]] }}</ref> Due to the loss of two anchors, mall traffic declined and many stores began to vacate.


A $115-million redevelopment process started in 2006 with hopes of attracting more retailers. This plan included a multi-screen cinema and a four-lane road to connect Cicero Avenue and Lincoln Highway. It included the demolition of existing outparcels and the section where Montgomery Ward and JCPenney had been. In July 2007, [[Target Corporation|Target]] opened with a {{convert|126000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} store built on an outparcel, and JCPenney returned in October 2007 with a {{convert|104000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} store, also built on an outparcel.
A $115-million redevelopment process started in 2006 with hopes of attracting more retailers. This plan included a multi-screen cinema and a four-lane road to connect Cicero Avenue and Lincoln Highway. It included the demolition of existing outparcels and the section where Montgomery Ward and JCPenney had been. In July of 2007, [[Target Corporation|Target]] opened with a {{convert|126000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} store built on an outparcel, and JCPenney returned in October of 2007 with a {{convert|104000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} store, also built on an outparcel.


Sears began a store-closing sale on May 11, 2012.<ref name="searsclosing">{{cite news|url=http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/business/12553396-420/sears-to-leave-lincoln-mall.html|title=Sears to leave Lincoln Mall|accessdate=2012-05-26|date=2012-05-15|work=Chicago Sun-Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520053345/http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/business/12553396-420/sears-to-leave-lincoln-mall.html|archive-date=2012-05-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 1, 2012, Lincoln Mall was scheduled for a court ordered sale by auction.
[[Sears]] began a store-closing sale on May 11, 2012.<ref name="searsclosing">{{cite news|url=http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/business/12553396-420/sears-to-leave-lincoln-mall.html|title=Sears to leave Lincoln Mall|accessdate=2012-05-26|date=2012-05-15|work=Chicago Sun-Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520053345/http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/business/12553396-420/sears-to-leave-lincoln-mall.html|archive-date=2012-05-20|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 1, 2012, Lincoln Mall was scheduled for a court ordered sale by auction.


In August 2013, representatives of Matteson attempted to sue the mall owners and order that the mall be closed, due to safety and [[building code]] violations including exposed electrical wiring, an inoperative sprinkler system, blocked fire exits, a crumbling roof, and a damaged foundation.<ref name=":0">{{cite news| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-lincoln-mall-developer-lawsuit-20130807,0,6240905.story | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Matteson sues to shut down Lincoln Mall |first1=Corilyn |last1=Shropshire |first2=Andy |last2=Grimm | date=2013-08-07}}</ref>
In August of 2013, representatives of Matteson attempted to sue the mall owners and order that the mall be closed, due to safety and [[building code]] violations including exposed electrical wiring, an inoperative sprinkler system, blocked fire exits, a crumbling roof, and a damaged foundation.<ref name=":0">{{cite news| url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-lincoln-mall-developer-lawsuit-20130807,0,6240905.story | work=Chicago Tribune | title=Matteson sues to shut down Lincoln Mall |first1=Corilyn |last1=Shropshire |first2=Andy |last2=Grimm | date=2013-08-07}}</ref>


On November 11, 2014, [[Circuit Court of Cook County|Cook County Judge]] Thomas Condon ordered that the mall be closed permanently as of January 7, 2015, with the exception of [[Carson's]] (whose building is owned separately by its parent company), which was to remain open. Operating funds that owner [[Kohan Retail Investment Group|Michael Kohan]] initially provided for the mall's upkeep had been depleted and nothing remained to keep the mall operating after December. Kohan provided a court-appointed receiver with only $100,000 in the preceding 15 months to pay for repairs, maintenance, and staffing, while the number of remaining tenants' rent was insufficient to sustain daily operations. The mall would have needed to replace several exits and repair electrical and air conditioning systems in order to be brought up to code.<ref name=Tejeda>{{cite news|last1=Tejeda|first1=Gregory|title=Lincoln Mall to close after holidays|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-lincoln-mall-closing-met-20141111-story.html|accessdate=12 November 2014|publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=12 November 2014}}</ref>
On November 11, 2014, [[Circuit Court of Cook County|Cook County Judge]] Thomas Condon ordered that the mall be closed permanently as of January 7, 2015, with the exception of [[Carson's]] (whose building is owned separately by its parent company), which was to remain open. Operating funds that owner [[Kohan Retail Investment Group|Michael Kohan]] initially provided for the mall's upkeep had been depleted and nothing remained to keep the mall operating after December. Kohan provided a court-appointed receiver with only $100,000 in the preceding 15 months to pay for repairs, maintenance, and staffing, while the number of remaining tenants' rent was insufficient to sustain daily operations. The mall would have needed to replace several exits and repair electrical and air conditioning systems in order to be brought up to code.<ref name=Tejeda>{{cite news|last1=Tejeda|first1=Gregory|title=Lincoln Mall to close after holidays|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-lincoln-mall-closing-met-20141111-story.html|accessdate=12 November 2014|publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=12 November 2014}}</ref>
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In late 2016, photos of the abandoned mall surfaced, as part of a photo project by photographer [[Seph Lawless]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/multimedia/Shocking-Photos-Show-Inside-Abandoned-Lincoln-Mall-402466166.html|title=Shocking Photos Show Inside Abandoned Lincoln Mall}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/25165196@N08/albums/72157685915508996|title = Lincoln Mall Demo and Decor|date = 4 July 2017}}</ref>
In late 2016, photos of the abandoned mall surfaced, as part of a photo project by photographer [[Seph Lawless]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/multimedia/Shocking-Photos-Show-Inside-Abandoned-Lincoln-Mall-402466166.html|title=Shocking Photos Show Inside Abandoned Lincoln Mall}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/25165196@N08/albums/72157685915508996|title = Lincoln Mall Demo and Decor|date = 4 July 2017}}</ref>


In February 2017, a Cook County Circuit Judge ordered immediate demolition of the mall. On March 17, 2017, news outlets reported the Village of Matteson had agreed with the court-appointed receiver on final demolition costs, with demolition projected to begin shortly after it received the judge's approval.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-lincoln-mall-demolition-st-0316-20170316-story.html|title=Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall ordered|last=Koeske|first=Zak|work=Daily Southtown|access-date=2017-03-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://reviews-and-news.com/2017/03/17/demolition-of-mattesons-lincoln-mall-ordered/|title=Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall ordered|last=admin|date=2017-03-17|website=Reviews-and-news.com|access-date=2017-03-18}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Demolition began May 8, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-lincoln-mall-demolition-st-0509-20170508-story.html|title=Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall gets underway|last=Nolan|first=Mike|work=Daily Southtown|access-date=2017-05-11|language=en-US}}</ref> Demolition was completed by the end of summer 2017.
In February of 2017, a Cook County Circuit Judge ordered immediate demolition of the mall. On March 17, 2017, news outlets reported the Village of Matteson had agreed with the court-appointed receiver on final demolition costs, with demolition projected to begin shortly after it received the judge's approval.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-lincoln-mall-demolition-st-0316-20170316-story.html|title=Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall ordered|last=Koeske|first=Zak|work=Daily Southtown|access-date=2017-03-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://reviews-and-news.com/2017/03/17/demolition-of-mattesons-lincoln-mall-ordered/|title=Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall ordered|last=admin|date=2017-03-17|website=Reviews-and-news.com|access-date=2017-03-18}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Demolition began May 8, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-lincoln-mall-demolition-st-0509-20170508-story.html|title=Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall gets underway|last=Nolan|first=Mike|work=Daily Southtown|access-date=2017-05-11|language=en-US}}</ref> Demolition was completed by the end of summer 2017.


On November 7, 2017, it was announced that Target would be closing as part of a plan to close 12 stores nationwide. The store closed in February 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-matteson-target-to-close-st-1108-20171107-story.html|title=Target to close stores in Matteson, Romeoville in early February}}</ref>
On November 7, 2017, it was announced that Target would be closing as part of a plan to close 12 stores nationwide. The store closed in February 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-matteson-target-to-close-st-1108-20171107-story.html|title=Target to close stores in Matteson, Romeoville in early February|website=[[Chicago Tribune]] }}</ref>


The mall itself, which closed in 2014, was demolished by 2018.<ref>[https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/officials-reveal-what-will-replace-now-demolished-lincoln-mall/167016/ "Officials Reveal What Will Replace Now-Demolished Lincoln Mall; The new project will be called Market Square Crossing"], [[WMAQ-TV]], December 17, 2018. Accessed September 29, 2023. "Nearly four years after it closed for good, the site that once held the now-demolished Lincoln Mall in Matteson is getting a 'major new redevelopment.' Village officials announced Monday that the 60-acre site southeast of U.S. 30 and Cicero Avenue will now be home to commercial businesses, residential condos and townhomes, recreational facilities, entertainment and pedestrian paths. The new project will be called Market Square Crossing."</ref>
On March 4, 2018, Carson's abruptly closed its Lincoln Mall store, leaving JCPenney the only remaining tenant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abc7chicago.com/finance/carsons-location-in-matteson-abruptly-closes/3174163/|title=Carson's location in Matteson abruptly closes|date=5 March 2018}}</ref> In November 2019, demolition of the former Carson's building commenced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-matteson-carsons-demolish-st-1119-20191118-ahi3o42tj5ebzkzde3s7uukmhe-story.html|title = Carson's in Matteson is being demolished, removing last signs of once-thriving Lincoln Mall}}</ref> On January 30, 2020, The city of Matteson approved a casino on the mall site, proposed by South Suburban Development LLC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/1/30/21115990/matteson-casino-location-change-lincoln-mall-gaming-board|title=Matteson casino group gets OK to make old Lincoln Mall site its new proposed location|date=30 January 2020}}</ref>


On March 4, 2018, [[Carson's|Carson Pirie Scott]] abruptly closed its Lincoln Mall store, leaving [[JCPenney]] the only remaining tenant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://abc7chicago.com/finance/carsons-location-in-matteson-abruptly-closes/3174163/|title=Carson's location in Matteson abruptly closes|date=5 March 2018}}</ref> In November 2019, demolition of the former Carson's building commenced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-matteson-carsons-demolish-st-1119-20191118-ahi3o42tj5ebzkzde3s7uukmhe-story.html|title = Carson's in Matteson is being demolished, removing last signs of once-thriving Lincoln Mall| website=[[Chicago Tribune]] }}</ref> On January 30, 2020, The City of Matteson approved a casino on the mall site, proposed by South Suburban Development LLC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/1/30/21115990/matteson-casino-location-change-lincoln-mall-gaming-board|title=Matteson casino group gets OK to make old Lincoln Mall site its new proposed location|date=30 January 2020}}</ref>
On July 31, 2020, JCPenney put 21 stores up for sale (including the Lincoln Mall location) as part of their bankruptcy.<ref>http://www.jcpenneyportfolio.com/uploads/1/3/2/3/132304625/jcpenney_-_phase_i-surplus_stores_for_sale.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>

On July 31, 2020, [[JCPenney]] put 21 stores up for sale (including the Lincoln Mall location) as part of their bankruptcy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=JCPenney Phase I Surplus Stores For Sale |url=http://www.jcpenneyportfolio.com/uploads/1/3/2/3/132304625/jcpenney_-_phase_i-surplus_stores_for_sale.pdf |access-date=December 20, 2023 |website=[[JCPenney]] Portfolio}}</ref>

== Anchors ==

===Current===
*[[JCPenney]] — Opened in 2006 outside the mall as an outparcel.
===Former===
*[[Carson's]] — Opened in 1973, closed in 2018, building was demolished
*[[Montgomery Ward]] — Opened in 1973, closed in 1999
*[[Wieboldt|Wieboldt's]] — Opened in 1973, closed in 1987, replaced by Sears
*[[JCPenney]] — Opened in 1973, closed in 2000
*[[Sears]] — Opened in 1995, closed in 2012
*[[Target Corporation|Target]] — Opened in 2007 outside the mall, closed in 2017


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Demolished shopping malls in the United States]]
[[Category:Demolished shopping malls in the United States]]
[[Category:Shopping malls disestablished in 2015]]
[[Category:Shopping malls disestablished in 2015]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures demolished in 2018]]

Latest revision as of 21:24, 20 November 2024

Lincoln Mall
Map
LocationMatteson, Illinois, United States
Coordinates41°30′8″N 87°43′41″W / 41.50222°N 87.72806°W / 41.50222; -87.72806
Opening date1973 (1973)[1]
Closing dateJanuary 7, 2015 (2015-01-07) (Mall interior) March 4, 2018 (2018-03-04) (Carson Pirie Scott)
DeveloperRandhurst Corp.
ManagementFreehold Management
OwnerFreehold Management
ArchitectVictor Gruen
No. of stores and services0
No. of anchor tenants1 (0 in original mall, JCPenney outside of former mall site)
Total retail floor area~225,000 sq ft (20,900 m2)
No. of floors2
Public transit accessPace

Lincoln Mall was a shopping mall located at the corner of U.S. Route 30 and Cicero Avenue in Matteson, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago.

History

[edit]

Lincoln Mall opened on August 9th, 1973[1] with anchors Carson Pirie Scott, Montgomery Ward, Wieboldt's, and JCPenney. The center was developed by the Randhurst Corporation, the same developer consisting of Wieboldt's and Carson's executives who developed Randhurst Mall and Lakehurst Mall. Wieboldt's closed in 1987.

In 1991, Walmart and Sam's Club opened across the street from the mall. Walmart moved to Olympia Fields in 2016, while Sam's Club officially closed on January 26, 2018. A year later in 1992, Best Buy opened in the surrounding area of the mall; the store closed in 2012. The mall underwent a renovation in 1993 which included a new glass elevator. In 1995, Sears opened in the former Wieboldt's location. Montgomery Ward closed their store in 1999 and went bankrupt soon after. In 2000, JCPenney closed their location in Lincoln Mall.[2] Due to the loss of two anchors, mall traffic declined and many stores began to vacate.

A $115-million redevelopment process started in 2006 with hopes of attracting more retailers. This plan included a multi-screen cinema and a four-lane road to connect Cicero Avenue and Lincoln Highway. It included the demolition of existing outparcels and the section where Montgomery Ward and JCPenney had been. In July of 2007, Target opened with a 126,000-square-foot (11,700 m2) store built on an outparcel, and JCPenney returned in October of 2007 with a 104,000-square-foot (9,700 m2) store, also built on an outparcel.

Sears began a store-closing sale on May 11, 2012.[3] On June 1, 2012, Lincoln Mall was scheduled for a court ordered sale by auction.

In August of 2013, representatives of Matteson attempted to sue the mall owners and order that the mall be closed, due to safety and building code violations including exposed electrical wiring, an inoperative sprinkler system, blocked fire exits, a crumbling roof, and a damaged foundation.[4]

On November 11, 2014, Cook County Judge Thomas Condon ordered that the mall be closed permanently as of January 7, 2015, with the exception of Carson's (whose building is owned separately by its parent company), which was to remain open. Operating funds that owner Michael Kohan initially provided for the mall's upkeep had been depleted and nothing remained to keep the mall operating after December. Kohan provided a court-appointed receiver with only $100,000 in the preceding 15 months to pay for repairs, maintenance, and staffing, while the number of remaining tenants' rent was insufficient to sustain daily operations. The mall would have needed to replace several exits and repair electrical and air conditioning systems in order to be brought up to code.[5]

In late 2016, photos of the abandoned mall surfaced, as part of a photo project by photographer Seph Lawless.[6][7]

In February of 2017, a Cook County Circuit Judge ordered immediate demolition of the mall. On March 17, 2017, news outlets reported the Village of Matteson had agreed with the court-appointed receiver on final demolition costs, with demolition projected to begin shortly after it received the judge's approval.[8][9] Demolition began May 8, 2017.[10] Demolition was completed by the end of summer 2017.

On November 7, 2017, it was announced that Target would be closing as part of a plan to close 12 stores nationwide. The store closed in February 2018.[11]

The mall itself, which closed in 2014, was demolished by 2018.[12]

On March 4, 2018, Carson Pirie Scott abruptly closed its Lincoln Mall store, leaving JCPenney the only remaining tenant.[13] In November 2019, demolition of the former Carson's building commenced.[14] On January 30, 2020, The City of Matteson approved a casino on the mall site, proposed by South Suburban Development LLC.[15]

On July 31, 2020, JCPenney put 21 stores up for sale (including the Lincoln Mall location) as part of their bankruptcy.[16]

Anchors

[edit]

Current

[edit]
  • JCPenney — Opened in 2006 outside the mall as an outparcel.

Former

[edit]
  • Carson's — Opened in 1973, closed in 2018, building was demolished
  • Montgomery Ward — Opened in 1973, closed in 1999
  • Wieboldt's — Opened in 1973, closed in 1987, replaced by Sears
  • JCPenney — Opened in 1973, closed in 2000
  • Sears — Opened in 1995, closed in 2012
  • Target — Opened in 2007 outside the mall, closed in 2017

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "History of Matteson, Illinois". Archived from the original on 2005-12-12. Retrieved 2008-01-29.
  2. ^ "TOWN TRIES TO HALT EXIT BY PENNEY". Chicago Tribune.
  3. ^ "Sears to leave Lincoln Mall". Chicago Sun-Times. 2012-05-15. Archived from the original on 2012-05-20. Retrieved 2012-05-26.
  4. ^ Shropshire, Corilyn; Grimm, Andy (2013-08-07). "Matteson sues to shut down Lincoln Mall". Chicago Tribune.
  5. ^ Tejeda, Gregory (12 November 2014). "Lincoln Mall to close after holidays". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  6. ^ "Shocking Photos Show Inside Abandoned Lincoln Mall".
  7. ^ "Lincoln Mall Demo and Decor". 4 July 2017.
  8. ^ Koeske, Zak. "Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall ordered". Daily Southtown. Retrieved 2017-03-18.
  9. ^ admin (2017-03-17). "Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall ordered". Reviews-and-news.com. Retrieved 2017-03-18.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ Nolan, Mike. "Demolition of Matteson's Lincoln Mall gets underway". Daily Southtown. Retrieved 2017-05-11.
  11. ^ "Target to close stores in Matteson, Romeoville in early February". Chicago Tribune.
  12. ^ "Officials Reveal What Will Replace Now-Demolished Lincoln Mall; The new project will be called Market Square Crossing", WMAQ-TV, December 17, 2018. Accessed September 29, 2023. "Nearly four years after it closed for good, the site that once held the now-demolished Lincoln Mall in Matteson is getting a 'major new redevelopment.' Village officials announced Monday that the 60-acre site southeast of U.S. 30 and Cicero Avenue will now be home to commercial businesses, residential condos and townhomes, recreational facilities, entertainment and pedestrian paths. The new project will be called Market Square Crossing."
  13. ^ "Carson's location in Matteson abruptly closes". 5 March 2018.
  14. ^ "Carson's in Matteson is being demolished, removing last signs of once-thriving Lincoln Mall". Chicago Tribune.
  15. ^ "Matteson casino group gets OK to make old Lincoln Mall site its new proposed location". 30 January 2020.
  16. ^ "JCPenney Phase I Surplus Stores For Sale" (PDF). JCPenney Portfolio. 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2023.

Lincoln Mall abandoned and Demolition Pictures https://www.flickr.com/photos/25165196@N08/albums/72157685915508996

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