Lincolnwood exploring using eminent domain to take over beleaguered mall
The Village of Lincolnwood is trying to take over a beleaguered mall.
Village trustees told staff and the village attorney to start exploring whether they could and how to start using eminent domain to gain control of the Lincolnwood Town Center property at Touhy Avenue and McCormick Boulevard.
The village said the mall's vacancy rate has risen over time. They said the property needs to be redeveloped.
The village board approved a redevelopment plan for the mall in 2022.
Village officials said in a statement they are "exploring all options to help prepare the Lincolnwood Town Center for redevelopment, and eminent domain is just one of those options."
Lincolnwood Town Center opened in March 1990, and was anchored in its early days by a Carson Pirie Scott, a Madigan's, and a JCPenney. The second-story food court featured a Sbarro and a Fluky's hot dog stand.
Published reports noted that Vanna White of "Wheel of Fortune" fame came to the mall to sign autographs the day it opened. In its early years, the mall hosted a variety of celebrities and entertainment, from walk-around cartoon characters for throngs of exuberant kids to a visit from Dick Biondi for autographs.
But the mall has struggled in recent years, with numerous vacancies and crowds growing sparse.