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Ford City Mall closes ahead of Monday deadline under court order citing safety concerns
ABC7 Chicago • • business
Key Points:
- Ford City Mall on Chicago's South Side closed permanently ahead of a court-ordered deadline due to safety concerns, with doors locked as of Sunday before the official noon closure on June 22.
- The closure was prompted by the city's emergency motion citing a defective fire suppression system that had leaks for two years, posing significant fire and structural risks, including potential sinkholes.
- While the indoor mall with over 100 stores (now mostly closed) shut down, outdoor businesses such as AMC theater, Planet Fitness, and IHOP will continue operating.
- The mall, opened in 1965, faces an uncertain future with potential redevelopment ideas including warehouses, mixed housing, retail, and green space.
- Attempts to get comments from the mall's owner were unsuccessful as of the report.
