Merchandise Mart in Chicago, History and Little Known Facts.

The Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, a colossal monolith on the Chicago River, boasts a rich history as grand as scale and as vibrant as the city itself. From its Art Deco beginnings to its modern-day transformation as a tech hub, I delve into the whole story of this iconic Chicago landmark:

In the roaring 1920s, Chicago retail titan Marshall Field & Company envisioned a revolutionary concept: a single, centralized marketplace for wholesale goods. Enter James Simpson, the company's visionary President, who commissioned the construction of the 4.2 million square feet Merchandise Mart. 

The Merchandise Mart is under construction, as seen from the Lake Street Bridge in 1929. —Chicago Tribune historical photo.

Transforming the site of the historic Wells Street Station site, construction began in 1928; by 1930, the behemoth stood tall, dwarfing its surroundings. At the time, the Mart was the largest building in the world by floor space, a title it held for over a decade. Its imposing Art Deco facade, adorned with geometric patterns and stylized eagles, reflected the era's optimism and grandeur.

The view of the new Merchandise Mart was still under construction in 1929.
—Chicago Tribune historical photo.

The Mart, designed by Alfred P. Shaw of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, embraced the Art Deco aesthetic. Its sleek lines, geometric forms, and limestone-terracotta cladding exuded modernity and ambition. 

The Mart wasn't just a building; it was a self-contained city. It housed Field's wholesale showrooms, manufacturing facilities, and a plethora of amenities for tenants and visitors alike. Restaurants, banks, postal services, and even a telegraph office buzzed with activity, making the Mart a bustling hub of commerce.

An aerial view of the Merchandise Mart in 1930.
—Chicago Tribune historical photo.

The Mart's official opening in 1930 was a momentous occasion. It housed Field's wholesale showrooms, manufacturing facilities, restaurants, a bank, a post office, a telegraph office, and a plethora of amenities for tenants and visitors alike. It was a self-contained city within a city. However, the Great Depression soon cast a shadow, making it initially challenging to fill the vast space.

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The Merchandise Mart was once the largest building in the world by floor space, a title it held until the Pentagon's construction in 1943.

The Great Depression threw a wrench in the Mart's initial success. The wholesale market dwindled, forcing the Mart to diversify. Over the years, it transitioned from a purely wholesale center to a multi-purpose complex, welcoming office tenants and diverse businesses.

It housed manufacturing facilities for war materials during World War II (1939-1945). The legendary Kennedy family acquired the Merchandise Mart in 1945, ushering in a new ownership era. Under their guidance, the Mart continued to evolve, adapting to the changing times. 

The Merchandise Mart in 1949.

In the 1950s, it found new life as a center for design and architecture.

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The building's rooftop was used as a landing pad for helicopters during the early days of air travel by helicopter. In 1953, New York Airways became the first scheduled passenger helicopter air carrier in the United States. In the 1950s and 1960s, "helicopter airlines" operated in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, carrying people to and from the airport at high fares. 

Merry Christmas is written in lights on the Merchandise Mart on November 25, 1964. —Chicago Tribune historical photo.

A Top University History Professor Critiques this Article.

INTERESTING MERCHANDISE MART FACTS:

Federal, State, and Local Government Offices:

During World War II, the Merchandise Mart saw declining tenant interest in its original function. The building was converted to house various federal government offices to fill vacancies due to its vast space and central location. This lasted until the 1950s.

The Mart again welcomed several state and local government offices as tenants in 1990.

The CTA's presence in the Merchandise Mart:

The CTA moved its headquarters into the Merchandise Mart in 1942, occupying several floors. The CTA's offices in the Merchandise Mart were home to various departments, including administration, planning, and operations. The CTA relocated its headquarters to a new building at 567 West Lake Street, Chicago, as part of a larger effort to improve its efficiency and customer service.

The CTA sold its remaining office space in the Merchandise Mart in 2006.

The CTA Merchandise Mart 'L' Station.

The Merchandise Mart is still a central CTA transportation hub, with an 'L' station on the Red Line (the North-South line), the Brown Line (the Ravenswood line), and the Purple Line (the Evanston Express line) on weekdays during rush hour.

1970 Merchandise Mart CTA Station. The'L' sign says "Evanston - Wilmette."

The CTA buses that stop at the Merchandise Mart are:

Washington & State (Routes 126, 152, 156).

Michigan & Randolph (Routes 62, 128, 151, 155, 157).

Orleans & Merchandise Mart (Routes 60, 65).

The RTA buses that stop at the Merchandise Mart are:

Merchandise Mart (Routes 27, 36).

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The iconic "heads" (busts) on the roof of the Merchandise Mart building actually had two distinct chapters in the building's history. While neither group currently graces the building's rooftop today, their stories deserve to be told:

Chapter 1: The Native American Chiefs (1930-1961)

A Controversial Adornment: When the Merchandise Mart opened in 1930, its rooftop boasted 56 sculpted heads of Native American chiefs, designed by John Awre. 

Uncertain Names: Not all the chiefs had identified names. Some were assigned names based on tribal affiliations or geographical regions, while others remained anonymous. The identification process was complex and controversial, so some names may be inaccurate or disputed.

Stereotypical Representation: It's important to remember that the sculptures reflected the era's romanticized and inaccurate portrayals of Native American cultures. They did not represent individual historical figures and perpetuated harmful stereotypes.

Legend of the Piasa "Bird," an Ancient Indian pictograph

carved on a bluff in Alton, IL.

1. Apache: "ah-PAH-chee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
2. Arapaho: "A-ra-pa-ho," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
3. Arikara: "uh-rih-kuh-rah," An Indigenous Tribe.
4. Assiniboine: "uh-sin-uh-boin," An Indigenous Tribe.
5. Blackfoot: "Black-foo-t," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
6. Caddo: "KAH-doh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
7. Cayuga: "kay-YOO-ga," An Indigenous Tribe
8. Cheyenne: "shy-AN," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
9. Cherokee: "chEH-ruh-kEE," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
10. Chickasaw: "CHIK-ə-saw," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
11. Chinook: "Chok-NOOK," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
12. Chippewa: "chi-puh-waa," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
13. Choctaw: "Chauk taw," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
14. Comanche: "kuh-MAN-chee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
15. Cree: Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
16. Crow: The crow tribe's name is Apsáalooke "ahp-SAH-loo-keh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
17. Delaware: A Tribe - called initially the Lenape tribe, aka Munsee and Unami bands.
18. Flathead: A Chief - "Ahl-shah-taa-pee," named by Europeans for Chief (Flat Head).
19. Gros Ventre: "Groh Vahn-truh," ("big belly," French) Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
20. Haida: "Hay Da," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
21. Hopi: "HOH-pee," An Indigenous Tribe.
22. Huron: "Hoo-RON," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
23. Iroquois: "ear-ro-kwa" (French), Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
24. Kalapuya: "Cal-uh-poo-yuh," An Indigenous Tribe.
25. Kansas: "KAN-zəs," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
26. Kiowa: "Hy-oh-wa," An Indigenous Tribe.
27. Kootenay: "KOOT-nee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
28. Lenape: "lun-NAH-pay," An Indigenous Tribe - aka Delaware Tribe
29. Lummi: "LUH-mee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
30. Mandan: "mah-N'-DAN," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
31. Menominee: "Meh-NOH-meh-nee," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
32. Miami: Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
33. Micmac: "Meeg-em-ach," An Indigenous Tribe.
34. Modoc: "MO-dock," An Indigenous Tribe.
35. Mohawk: "Mo-hawk," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
36. Navajo: "na-va-ho," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
37. Nez Perce: "Nay Pers-say," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.[1]
38. Nuutka: "Nuu-chah-nulth," aka Nootka, An Indigenous Tribe. 
39. Ojibwe: "Oh-JIB-way," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
40. Osage: "OH-sage," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs. 
41. Ottawa: "Ah-dah-wa," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
42. Papago: "pap-uh-goh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
43. Pawnee: "PAWN-ee" Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
44. Penobscot: "peh-NOB-skot," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
45. Pomo: "po-MOH," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
46. Ponca: "Pohn-kuh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
47. Potawatomi: "Boh-da-wah-dmi," (Tribal Pronunciation), An Indigenous Tribe.
48. Pueblo: a group of tribes (i.e., The Illinois), Indigenous Tribes & Chiefs.
49. Quapaw: An Indigenous Tribe.
50. Sauk (Sac) & Meskwaki (Fox): "Mesk-wa-ki," Indigenous Tribes.
51. Salish: "Slah-LEESH," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
52. Seminole: "Sem-uh-NO-le," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
53. Seneca: "Sen-eh-kuh," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.
54. Shoshone: "shoh-SHO-nee," An Indigenous Tribe.
55. Sioux: "soo," (confederation of 7 nations; i.e., Illinois), Indigenous Tribes & Chiefs.
56. Ute: "Yoo-tey," Indigenous Tribe & Chiefs.

[1] The name "Nez Perce" ("pierced nose") is actually a misnomer: It comes from French fur traders who mistakenly applied it to the tribe based on a misunderstanding of their cultural practice of nose ornaments. The tribe prefers to be called Nimiipuu, which means "The People."

This reflected a popular Art Deco motif of the time but also carried problematic connotations of cultural appropriation and romanticized stereotypes. 

Shifting Tides: As social awareness grew in the mid-20th century, the depictions of the chiefs faced increasing criticism for their insensitivity. By 1961, the decision was made to remove them from the building.

What Happened to the "Indian Heads?" In 1961, the heads were deemed outdated and removed from the roof. 

Most were sadly destroyed, but a few found their way to different destinations:

• Two busts were found in the Campia family's home in Lake Forest and auctioned off in 2014.

• January 26, 2024, the exact location of the remaining heads is unknown.

The two auctioned busts might be in private collections, but their specific ownership is not publicly available.

So, while most of the Indian "heads" are unfortunately lost to history, a small piece of their legacy survives in private hands. 

A Top University Professor Critiques this Article

Chapter 2: The Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame

Standing tall as guardians of American commerce, eight colossal bronze busts grace the entrance of The Merchandise Mart, the world's largest wholesale buying center in Chicago. These larger-than-life figures immortalize some of the most influential figures in American retail history, their names and companies woven into the very fabric of consumer culture.

Commissioned in 1953 by Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr., the 44th U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, these four-times-life-size busts stand as a testament to the vision and dedication of the men who shaped the American retail landscape. Each bust, meticulously crafted in bronze, captures the essence of its subject, with its determined gazes fixed on the future of commerce.

From Frank Winfield Woolworth's 5 & Dime stores to Marshall Field's luxurious emporiums, these pioneers revolutionized how Americans shopped. Their innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to quality forever changed the face of retail, leaving an enduring legacy that inspires generations of entrepreneurs.

Marshall Field

1. Frank Winfield Woolworth: The founder of F.W. Woolworth Company.
2. Marshall Field: The founder of Marshall Field and Company.
3. Aaron Montgomery Ward: The founder of Montgomery Ward & Company.
4. Julius Rosenwald: Was a Sears, Roebuck, and Company President.
5. Robert Elkington Wood: Was a Sears, Roebuck, and Company President.
6. John Wanamaker: The father of modern advertising.
7. Edward Albert Filene: Preseident of William Feline & Sons. Filene's department stores.
8. George Huntington Hartford: He founded The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A&P)

A Top University History Professor Critiques this Article.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

The History of Chicago's Treasure Island Grocery Store Chain.

Treasure Island Foods was founded in 1963 by Christ Kamberos and his brothers. Christ Kamberos was born in Chicago to Greek immigrants. His father sold produce from a push cart, and this early exposure to the food business sparked an interest in Christ that never waned. 

He grew up to become a grocery innovator, traveling the world to bring unusual and organic produce to Chicagoans. His stores were known for their wide selection of specialty products, and Julia Child once referred to Treasure Island as "America's most European supermarket."

Treasure Island's first store at 1639 North Wells Street, Chicago

Treasure Island's first store was opened at 1639 North Wells Street in the Old Town Triangle, Chicago, in 1964. The chain quickly expanded to include over 20 stores in the Chicago area. The Wells Street store was one of the most popular locations, and it was known for its convenient location in the Old Town Triangle and its wide selection of specialty foods.

The Treasure Island chain filed for bankruptcy in 2018, closing all stores. The Wells Street store was sold to a developer in 2019.

Christ Kamberos died on October 27, 2009. He is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Illinois.

A timeline of the Treasure Island Grocery stores:

• 1963: The Treasure Island brand was founded by Christ Kamberos.
• 1964: The first store on Wells Street opens.
• 1980s-2010s: The Treasure Island chain expands to over 20 stores in the Chicago area.
• 2009: Christ Kamberos died.
• 2018: The Treasure Island chain files for bankruptcy, closing all its stores.
• 2019: The Wells Street store location was sold to a real estate developer.

Christ Kamberos (1926-2009)

Christ Kamberos (1926-2009), chief executive officer and President of Treasure Island Foods, offered selections from around the world. The store met approval in Chicagoland, a market with a diverse ethnic population that appreciated his mixture of exotic foods, fresh produce and flair. 

Mr. Kamberos won numerous awards from Fancy Food and Specialty Foods magazines for his innovative merchandising and creative food presentation. He was born on the West Side of Chicago in 1926, one of three brothers and three sisters of Greek immigrants. He served in the military during World War II. 

His business life began after the War. The Kamberos family opened the grocery chain Sure Save and sold the group of 10 stores to the National Food Supermarkets in 1961. In 1963, Mr. Kamberos and his brothers formed Treasure Island Foods.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

History of Shoppers Corner, at the northwest corner of State and Randolph Streets in Chicago.

Shoppers Corner, 150 North State Street, was located at the northwest corner of State and Randolph Streets in Chicago. It was a '5 & Dime' store that operated from 1938 to 1991. It was a popular destination for shoppers of all ages, offering various merchandise at affordable prices.

The name was intended to reflect the store's extensive selection of merchandise, which included everything from clothing, toiletries, and housewares to toys. It was known for its wide selection of unique and unusual items.

The store was just a half-block south of the Chicago Theatre, across the street from Walgreens, and kitty-corner to Marshall Field's department store.

In the 1940s, Shoppers Corner was a popular destination for shoppers looking for bargains on everyday items. The store also offered a variety of seasonal merchandise, such as Christmas decorations and Easter baskets.

In the 1950s, Shoppers Corner continued to be a popular destination for shoppers, but the store began to face increased competition from larger chain stores. To remain competitive, Shoppers Corner started to offer more unique selections of merchandise.

State Street looking north to Randolph Street. Circa 1950s.

The northwest corner of State and Randolph Streets, Chicago. Circa 1950s.

In the 1960s, Shoppers Corner focused on selling novelty items and souvenirs. The store also became a popular tourist destination, offering numerous Chicago postcards.

Shoppers Corner in the 1960s. Note the "King Kastle" Restaurant.

In the late 1970s, Shoppers Corner declined in popularity and sales. The store was facing increased competition from larger chain stores and needed help to keep up with the changing shopping habits of consumers.

Shoppers Corner closed in June 1991.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

World's Fair Columbian United States Silver 1892 and 1893 Half Dollar Coins.

The Columbian half dollar was the first commemorative coin issued by the United States. It was struck in 1892 and 1893 to raise funds for the World's Columbian Exposition and to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas in 1492. 

Columbus' portrait is on the obverse.

A depiction of the Santa Maria on the reverse.

It is the first American coin to depict a historical figure.

About 4 million half dollars were struck with the 1892 date. On January 1, 1893, the half-dollar year was changed. A total of 5,002,105 Columbian half dollars were struck.

A national campaign advertised in 100s of newspapers.

Approximately half the coins were released into circulation and used into the 1950s. Only about 400,000 uncirculated coins were sold as souvenirs for $1.00. Far less than anticipated. Proof-grade coins were premium prices.

Today (2023), the highest quality coin appraises around $10,000. The remaining coins were melted for other coin blanks. Circulated Columbian half dollars can be purchased online for less than $20.00.

The 1892 replica of the Santa María (initially the La Gallega)

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The Santa María was armed with several cannons and carried a complement of 40 men. Armed with 4 × 90 mm bombards and 50 mm culebrinas. The hull length was 62 feet and a 41 foot keel length with three masts. Christopher Columbus sailed the Santa María with the Santa Clara (The Girl) and the La Pinta (The Painted) on his first voyage to the Americas in 1492.

Copyright © 2023, Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Cut-Rate Toys at 2424 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, (1958-1991). My Story.

Marvin Hecht (1927-2019) opened Cut-Rate Toys at 2424 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, in 1958. He was an angry man who apparently didn't like children (his angry actions spoke volumes). He sat in his raised watch tower by the cashiers. 

I'm sure shoppers threw stuff at Hecht, which is why he wrapped his cage in chicken wire. Try yelling at adults to their faces and see what happens. Now I understand why he secured his little perch. Adults put up with Hecht's antics because the prices were low.

Hecht's philosophy regarding toys was "low price, high volume." He'd buy up odd lots at toy shows and pick up closeouts from Mattel, Milton Bradley, Hasbro and other toy makers. 

Marvin and Renee Hecht

“He would get on the microphones and say, ‘Get your children’s hands off the toys or get them out of the store, NOW!" his Daughter, Linda Karmin, said. “I mean, people were terrified of him.” Dad was a passionate musician who played classical piano concerts for charity.

Hecht habitually posted hand-written signs on the front door, naming and shaming children who had been caught stealing. The signs were quite blunt and always included the kid's name, address and telephone number of the shoplifter's parents.

You can see a note on the front door in this photo. Example: "Bobby Smith at 6512 North Washtenaw was caught stealing from this store. Call his parents at HO 5-0000 and ask them why they raised a child who steals." 

When I was there with my mom, I heard the owner yell at adults and kids over the loudspeaker. 

I went into Cut-Rate Toys by myself with the money I was gifted for my 10th birthday.  

I was looking to buy a Hot Wheels track set. I picked up a box to see all the sides and what was included. Suddenly, I heard the owner yell over the loudspeaker, "YOU... IN ISLE NUMBER FIVE, PUT THAT BOX DOWN NOW!!! DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING!" I was startled and embarrassed, and the box slipped out of my hands, hitting the floor and denting a corner of the box.

The owner came running out of his office, screaming, "NOW YOU'RE GOING TO BUY THAT!" I was furious. "If I'm not good enough to look at what I want to buy first," I said, "I just won't buy anything!" He grabbed me, but I was too quick and ran out of the store.

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At eight years old, I was taking the 155 Devon Bus to the Loyola 'L' station to take the subway downtown, by myself. I'd shop at Marshall Field & Company and usually went to Baer's Treasure Chest to play pinball and Skee-Ball and check out the Pro Magic Center on their second floor before heading home. In later years, I was lucky enought to meet Magician Marshall Brodien who worked part time at the Treasure Chest demonstrating complicated magic tricks for professionals. Brodien later opened the Magic Shop in Old Chicago shopping mall and amusement park in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

That was the last time I went to Cut-Rate Toys. I was so disgusted by the owner's behavior that I vowed never to give him my business again.

This behavior from a business owner would not be allowed today, as it would be considered harassment or defamation of a minor and perhaps result in a lawsuit.

In 1992, the store moved to 5409 West Devon Avenue in the Edgebrook neighborhood of the Forest Glen community in Chicago. The store closed in 2015. Marvin Hecht worked for 60 years in the toy business.

Copyright © 2023, Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Harlem Irving Plaza, 4104 North Harlem Avenue, Norridge, Illinois, opened in 1956─

Harlem Irving Plaza (The HIP) is a shopping mall located at 4104 North Harlem Avenue, Norridge, Illinois. It was built on the site of a former stockyard and opened in 1956 as a 337,000-square-foot strip mall featuring approximately 45 tenants. 

The new Wieboldt's store in the Harlem Irving Plaza shopping center in Norridge circa 1957. The store was air-conditioned.

Original anchor stores included Kroger, Walgreens, Wieboldt's, W.T. Grant, and Woolworth.

In the 1970s, the mall was enclosed, and a parking garage was added.

BJ (Bill Jackson) and Dirty Dragon at Harlem Irving Plaza, May 16, 1970.

These were some famous events at Harlem Irving Plaza:

• BJ (Bill Jackson) and Dirty Dragon at Harlem Irving Plaza, May 16, 1970.
• Bozo at Harlem Irving Plaza, September 9, 1970.
• Free Circus at Harlem Irving Plaza in the 1970s.
• BJ (Bill Jackson) and Dirty Dragon at Harlem Irving Plaza, October 1973.

In 1979, Madigan's was added to the roster of department stores. In 1989, Kohl's acquired and converted all of the stores in the MainStreet chain; Carson Pirie Scott opened in the former Wieboldt's the same year. A food court was added in 1996, and Best Buy opened in the former Madigan's. Best Buy relocated to the mall's parking lot in 2001; its original location was replaced with a second parking garage.

The mall underwent a thorough renovation in 2004, gaining a 175,000-square-foot Target in August of that year. In honor of the mall's 50th anniversary in 2006, Harlem Irving Plaza hosted a meet and greet with the original Mouseketeers (Mickey Mouse Club).

In recent years, the mall has faced some challenges, as many traditional department stores have closed their doors. However, the mall has been working to attract new tenants, including a number of popular restaurants. In 2020, the mall was purchased by a new owner, who has plans to invest in further renovations and attract even more new tenants.

Harlem Irving Plaza, 2022

Amusement Parks at the corner of North-West corner of Harlem Avenue and Irving Park Road, Norridge, Illinois:

Kiddie Park, 4200 North Harlem Avenue, Chicago-Norridge. (1938-1952)

KiddyTown Amusement Park, 4200 North Harlem Avenue, Norridge. (1953-1964)

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Alton Square Mall, Alton, Illinois, 1978─

Alton Square Mall opened in 1978 at 200 Alton Square Mall Drive, Alton, Illinois. The mall has undergone several changes but remains a popular shopping destination in the Alton area. 

The Famous-Barr anchor store, a division of May, opened on October 16, 1978, becoming the first portion of the mall to open. The remainder of the mall opened, including the JCPenney anchor store, on November 15, 1978. The mall was sold to May Centers, Inc., the mall development arm of May Department Stores, in 1979.

The mall was sold to Melvin Simon and Associates of Indianapolis in 1993. A third anchor structure, Sears, was added during a renovation in 1997. The Famous-Barr anchor store was converted to Macy's in  2006.

It currently has two anchors, JCPenney and Ross Dress for Less, as well as a variety of other stores and restaurants. In 2012, Sears closed its location at the mall. Macy's closed its place at the mall in 2017. Then in 2023, the mall will be sold to Hull Property Group.

In recent years, the mall has faced challenges, such as closing two of its anchor stores. However, the new owners are committed to revitalizing the mall and making it a more attractive destination for shoppers.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Brementowne Mall, Tinley Park, Illinois. (1973-1999)

Brementowne Mall, 159th Street and Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, Illinois, was a two-anchor shopping mall in Tinley Park, Illinois. It opened on November 15, 1973. The mall was named after the Bremen Township, settled by German immigrants in the 1800s.

Arial View of the Brementowne Mall, Tinley Park, Illinois

Brementowne Mall's two anchors were Gately's Peoples Store and Essaness Bremen 1&2 Theaters, which opened on January 29, 1971, with 1,023 seats.

Gately's was a southside department store with its main store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood. The mall's east end was anchored by Dominick's Finer Foods, Walgreen and the Essaness Bremen 1&2 Theaters, the first name of the movie theater. The Brementown Theaters expanded to three screens and showed first-run movies. The theaters were subdivided and became second-run theaters sometime in the eighties.

In addition to the two anchors, the mall had several specialty stores, including a bowling alley, a roller skating rink, and several restaurants. The mall was also home to several community events, such as concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations.

An outlot directly at the corner of 159th Street and Oak Park was a Golden Bear restaurant, later Brown's Chicken and Pasta. 

Gately's never remodeled, and its stock was severely dated. Gately's Peoples Store closed in 1987.

By the early nineties, the only stores that survived were ones that had outside access. Stores began to close and were not replaced.

The entire mall was remodeled into Menard's around 1994. A long corridor remained from the north parking lot running next to the former Dominick's space to provide access to the theaters and arcade. The Gately's building was sold to the Star chain of suburban newspapers and became their main office. The former Golden Bear restaurant, a banquet hall in later life, was demolished.

The theaters, the only indoor theaters in Tinley Park, remained open until 2003 when they were sold to Menard's for an expansion of their store.

The final store closed in 1999, and the mall was demolished in 2001. Menards closed the mall in 2003 and demolished it in 2004. The mall site is now occupied by a Menards home improvement superstore.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Algonquin Commons, Algonquin, Illinois. (2004─)

Algonquin Commons is an outdoor shopping mall in Algonquin, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago. It was built in 2004 and is the largest outdoor mall in Illinois. The mall has over 80 stores, including JCPenney, Barnes & Noble, and Best Buy. There are also several restaurants and a movie theater at the mall.

The history of Algonquin Commons can be traced back to the early 1990s when the village of Algonquin began to develop the area along Randall Road. In 1993, the first development phase was completed, which included the construction of a new library, a fire station, and several retail stores.

In 1999, the village approved plans for the construction of Algonquin Commons. The mall was built by Jeffrey R. Anderson, the same developer who built the Geneva Commons, which is located in Geneva, Illinois. In 2002, the village approved a development plan for the Algonquin Commons. Construction began the following year. 

The mall opened in 2004 and was an immediate success.

In 2013, the Algonquin Commons was foreclosed on by U.S. Bank after the previous owner, Inland Properties, defaulted on its loans. The mall was then purchased by McKinley, a real estate investment trust. McKinley has since invested millions of dollars in the mall, including a major renovation in 2017.

Algonquin Commons is also popular for events and festivals, such as the annual Algonquin Commons Summer Concert Series.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1800 North Clybourn Avenue Shopping Mall in Chicago, Illinois. (1988-2002)

BACKGROUND

The William D. Gibson company manufactured springs at this factory on Clybourn. Built-in 1908, the factory was expanded over the years. The main building does an interesting job of purposely not hiding its water towers. Even with two towers that ostensibly look like they were designed to conceal water towers (an emerging trend at the time), there is still a prominent water tower visible on the factory roof.

The postcard provides quite a view. Not only does it show the Gibson factory in detail, but it also shows the natural gas tanks that were notable landmarks of this Near North Side neighborhood for decades.

In 1959, Gibson closed shop and moved downstate, citing increasing crime in the neighborhood and high labor costs. Shortly after that, the factory was bought and used for manufacturing purposes by the Turtle Wax company until the 1980s.

1800 North Clybourn Avenue Shopping Mall

1800 North Clybourn Avenue was an enclosed shopping mall that opened in 1988 in the Clybourn Corridor in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. 

In 1986, the factory was purchased by a developer, Horwitz and Matthews, and became one of the most interesting industrial-to-retail conversions in Chicago history. 

The "Clybourn Corridor" of lofts and retail was just emerging, and the developer sought to create a unique retail environment. The center part of the building was demolished to make way for parking, with the two ends of the building restored and used for shops. The entire courtyard was intended to be covered by glass and was supposedly designed to "duplicate the look and feel of a 19th Century industrial village." Seemingly, some of the plans for the complex (such as the glass canopy) did not come to fruition or were later altered, but the site remains an interesting and unique case study in industrial reuse.

Architect Stanley Tigerman designed the mall, retaining the structure's wood beams and brickwork and created a three-level enclosed specialty shopping center with a unique industrial atmosphere.

Mayor Harold Washington attended the mall's grand opening. 

The mall opened with 40 stores. 1800 North Clybourn was home to various shops and restaurants, including Ann Taylor, The Limited, The Gap, Restoration Hardware, and The North Face. The mall also had a food court and a movie theater.

The mall struggled to attract tenants and only obtained a 50% occupancy at any time. By 2002, only half of the spaces were leased, and the mall closed.

The two towers can be seen on the right side of this photo.

1800 North Clybourn was a unique shopping mall ahead of its time. The mall's unconventional industrial design and location made it difficult to attract tenants, and it ultimately closed after only 14 years.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

900 North Michigan Shops, Formerly Atrium Avenue Mall, Chicago, Illinois.

The 900 North Michigan Shops [Mall], aka Atrium Avenue Mall, was designed by HKS, Inc. and developed by Urban Retail Properties in 1986 to be the luxurious sister to Water Tower Place at 835 North Michigan Avenue, one-half block to the south. It was the second vertical mall built along the Magnificent Mile. 

900 North Michigan Shops, aka The Bloomingdale's Building, was initially named Atrium Avenue Mall when Bloomingdale's, its anchor tenant, opened in 1988. 

900 North Michigan Shops, on the Magnificent Mile, in Chicago.

When entering on Michigan Avenue, you step into a sleek, luminescent entryway with a gorgeous canopy loaded with stunning digital art generated and curated by the Chicago creative studio Leviathan. 

Other posh tenants were Tiffany & Co., Henri Bendel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The Shops are on the first seven levels of the 67-story, mixed-use skyscraper. The mall's public areas are architecturally stunning. It's 450,000 square feet of highlife lifestyle retail space for more than 60 luxury retailers, like Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch. Henri Bendel closed shop in 1992,

The mall underwent a major renovation in 2016. Aster Hall, an upscale food court with over 20 quality vendors, opened in 2016. The Palm Restaurant, The Capital Grille, Small Cheval, Au Cheval, Beatrix, and Bloomingdale's with their popular Forty Carrots in-store restaurant.

Equinox Fitness Club, the Four Seasons Spa, and other healthy, natural, and holistic choices are everywhere in this mall. 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.