The Lincolnwood Town Center mall will undergo complete redevelopment as the Village Board has approved the plan. The demolition is expected to begin in May. The master plan introduces new retail and commercial spaces to the site.
Lincolnwood Town Center to Transform Under Newly Approved Plan
On April 21, 2026, the Village Board approved a Pre-Development Agreement. It outlines the steps for Lincolnwood Town Center’s redevelopment. The agreement details collaboration between the Village and the property owner, including future approvals and design steps.
Although it does not ensure final approval or zoning changes, officials highlighted that the proposal could deliver long-term economic and fiscal benefits to the community if executed as planned.
The master plan shifts away from a traditional mall format toward a mixed-use commercial development. The proposal includes a major retail anchor store estimated between 150,000 and 175,000 square feet. It would also include a car dealership and other retail and commercial spaces.
According to a concept plan submitted in 2022, the redevelopment aims to modernize the site to meet changing market demands.
The existing property will be demolished as part of the site’s full redevelopment. Beginning in May, the former Harlem Furniture site, adjacent to McCormick Boulevard, will be torn down first. This will be followed by the mall’s central structure, then the Kohl’s site.
The approval notice cited that owners of surrounding properties will be given notice of each phase, as needed. The village is also working with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and other transit providers. The goal is to make sure construction does not disrupt service.
Journey of Mall from Bankruptcy to Rebranding
For more than 35 years, Lincolnwood Town Center has been a go-to indoor shopping and dining spot for many in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The mall once housed more than 90 retailers. Children’s play area and renowned dining options attracted shoppers.
Financial struggles are cited as a key factor in the mall’s decline. In 2021, its owner, Washington Prime Group, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by CBS News.
After the bankruptcy, the mall struggled with growing vacancies and closures. Occupancy rates kept falling in recent years. Local leaders and stakeholders began to consider new opportunities to revive the space.
An affiliate of Prairie Ridge Development purchased Lincolnwood Town Center in December 2025. XR Advisors now manages the property. However, according to the Village of Lincolnwood, by January 2026, the vacancy rate reached over 50%. This prompted a transformation for better utilization of space and fiscal benefits.
The details of the Lincolnwood Town Center site project might need further review and approvals. The plan reflects a shift from traditional mall models to more adaptive commercial activities.
