What's Next For Ford City? Community Group Plans Meeting To Discuss Mall's Future At OLPL

CHICAGO—JC Penney has been liquidated, and the doors have been chained shut. So what's next for the Ford City Mall property.

The SouthWest Action Network, an organization committed to building community power and advocacy for the needs of Southwest Side residents, is planning a community assembly to discuss the future of the Ford City property.

The community assembly will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 W/ 95th St.

A proposal to demolish the main building of Ford City and convert it into a logistics center was floated last year before Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th Ward). The final sale of the property was contingent upon getting approval from the Chicago City Council. A representative from the alderman’s office recently told Patch that the deal proposed last year by Kurv Industrial (formerly Bridge) is still very much on the table.

Since the City of Chicago condemned the property earlier this spring, residents and stakeholders want a say in future redevelopment.

“The assembly will bring together community members and stakeholders to discuss priorities, share concerns, and explore opportunities for investment and positive change in the Ford City area. This assembly reflects those ongoing efforts to ensure community voices are heard. We believe this conversation is important for the broader community and would appreciate your coverage,” SWAN said in a statement.

The meeting is open to all neighbors on the Southwest Side and surrounding suburbs.