JCPenney Leases Retail Space In Burbank To Replace Ford City Store

BURBANK, IL—JCPenney is staying in the neighborhood after being forced to move out of the deteriorating Ford City Mall in June.

The retailer confirmed to Patch that it has leased space in Burbank, a mile south of the shuttered Ford City, where JCPenney was an anchor tenant for decades.

“JCPenney has a large and loyal customer base in the Chicago area, and we look forward to continuing to serve them,” a spokesperson said.

JCPenney has leased the Dave’s Furniture and Mattress Outlet retail space at at 8148 S. Cicero Ave., Burbank, which is currently undergoing liquidation. The new location is significantly smaller than its 180,000-square-foot space at Ford City, which plans to devote 39,398 square feet to its retail operation.

An additional 15,000 square feet on the second floor will be used for storage, for a total of approximately 55,000 square feet.

Adam Haleem, a managing broker for Frankfort-based Network Commercial Real Estate, represented the landlord in negotiating the lease. Haleem told Patch that JCPenney will be paying base rent on the 39,398-square-foot retail space.

“We’re excited to welcome JCPenney to Burbank,” Haleem told Patch. “A tremendous amount of work and preparation went into bringing this lease together, and we believe JCPenney will bring new energy to the property and give shoppers another reason to visit the area. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this project together and look forward to seeing the store open.

The space formerly housed Toys R Us and Big Lots, which closed when the chain declared bankruptcy in December 2024.

“I think this a goldmine location,” Haleem said. “It's just a mile south of the old store, with more traction from Oak Lawn, Burbank and Chicago.”

Iyad Ibrahim owns Dave’s as well as the land at 8148 S. Cicero Ave. Ibrahim also owns Galley Furniture directly across the street.

“Iyad is a tremendous business owner and landlord. The amount of work, time and dedication I’ve witnessed him put into his businesses and properties is incredible,” Haleem said. “He’s a straight shooter, someone who stands behind his word, and it has been a pleasure working with him throughout this process.”

JCPenney is reportedly doing some minor construction to prepare its new location. Although JCPenney has not yet confirmed an opening date at its new location, a source said the retailer would like to be open by Black Friday.

Dave’s Furniture and Mattress Outlet plans to vacate the premises by Oct. 3, according to Haleem. Dave’s is currently clearing out $5 million worth of merchandise by holding a liquidation sale with discounts of up to 80 percent. If you need a new mattress or recliner, head over there.