La Grange village trustees approve plans to replace historic Jackson Square Antique Mall with condos

Village trustees in La Grange approved plans for a new condo building where the Jackson Square Antique Mall stands. 

The newly approved five-story multi-unit building was the topic of discussion during the village meeting, which garnered mixed reactions from renters inside the mall and residents.  

The meeting was packed on Monday night with residents who made their final plea to the board. Supporters said the building gives La Grange its unique charm. Some suggested re-purposing the building, while some homeowners are worried about what new condos would mean for their privacy.

"The north side of our building is not a solid brick wall as depicted in our renderings. It features 27 windows that look directly into our windows, bathrooms, and kitchens," said Caitlyn Fetta.

Other residents who support the plan say the condos will bring new people to the suburb. 

"The people behind this project are longtime residents of this community who have established a track record for adding value to the town. I would urge you to move forward with it," said Barbara Jarr.

Prior to the board's decision, renters and residents against the decision spoke highly about the mall, and its charm.

"This is 120-year-old Egyptian revival art deco by George Kingsley," said renter Mandy Levy. "The building itself is half the charm, right?"

Levy rents space inside the antique mall for her shop, Junkie Vintage, alongside 70 other vendors.

"How cool to be able to go inside this literal tomb of treasures and history of La Grange and spend a day antique shopping?" Levy said.

However, a local developer envisioned something new in place of the old — a five-story condo building with 39 units.

Therese O'Sullivan was sold on the plans and agreed to sell the building.

"I'm for it," she said. "You know, I'm the person that has been in here every day. The biggest thing is we're at the end of life with the elevator, and that investment to repurpose the elevator or redo it is over half a million dollars."

"Our La Grange village board will vote on the proposal to demolish the building and erect very ordinary condominiums," Levy said.

Levy doesn't hide her opposition — wearing a "Save Jackson Square" shirt. She was one of more than 2,000 people who've signed an online petition to save the building. 

Sean Galivan, who started the petition, grew up and still lives in La Grange. He has a passion for collecting 35-millimeter photography developed at the Jackson Square Antique Mall. 

"On the inside, it's just an overwhelming supply of treasures," he said. "It's important for a community to have a place in the community to interact, hold things in their hands, and look at things."

The charming building loved by many is still in desperate need of repairs, which is one of the reasons why it was sold.

"At what point is it too much?" O'Sullivan said. "If it was possible, I'd say, you know, of course, someone would repurpose it, but unfortunately, we never had anybody come in who said it made economical sense."

Levy doesn't want La Grange to lose the character that took years to build. 

"The demolishing of this 120-year-old Art Deco building will take La Grange off the map as anywhere interesting," she said.

The owner of the antique mall says she's looking to buy a new space for her business near La Grange. She said she has commitments from about half of her vendors to move with her.

The video above is from an earlier report.