Ford City Mall redevelopment proposal advances to Chicago City Council despite community opposition

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A proposal to demolish the former Ford City Mall and redevelop the site as a warehouse and distribution facility advanced Thursday, after receiving approval from the Chicago Plan Commission, though the project continues to face opposition from some community members.

The mall closed about two months ago, but plans to redevelop the property have been under discussion for more than a year.

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"The proposal before you today represents the next chapter in this history," said Liz Butler of Taft Law Firm during the commission meeting.

If approved, the project through Chicago-based Kurv Industrial would transform a site that served for more than 60 years as both a commercial center and community gathering place on Chicago's Southwest Side into a warehouse and distribution facility. Proponents say the development would add to the industrial character of the area near 76th Street and Cicero Avenue.

Opponents of the proposal gathered outside City Hall before the meeting to voice their concerns.

"We have pictures at the old fountains in the middle of Ford City and it's really disappointing to see that some of the few community amenities we have are being taken away from us," said Esau Chavez, who opposes the plan.

Developers sought to address those concerns during the meeting, highlighting recent additions to the proposed $200 million investment. The updated plans include a publicly accessible landscaped plaza, reconstruction of public roadways and sidewalks and a new CTA bus terminal.

Some community advocates said those additions do not adequately address concerns about public space.

"We want green space to be a thing in Chicago. And the fact that there is a lot of grey area and grey space, especially underneath, we feel that needs to be addressed," said Gabriel Medina of the Southside Flourish Movement.

The proposal was approved by the Plan Commission, although half of the aldermen serving on the commission abstained from voting.

Ald. Derrick Curtis, whose 18th Ward includes the site, said the decision was an emotional one but cited public safety concerns surrounding the vacant property.

"The No. 1 concern was the public safety aspect. If we don't get something in there soon, I'm afraid of what it may become. They already started with a lot of illegal activity. If we don't sell this property soon I'm afraid it will sit in the hands of the owner for much longer time," Curtis said.

The proposal now moves to the full City Council for consideration. If it is approved, developers said they expect to close on the property by the end of the year, with construction expected to take about two years.