The anchor-less mall officially closed in February 1999. During its long state of slumber, the deserted shopping hub has become a favorite destination of urban explorers. It has also been used as a setting for several feature films, music videos and television programs.
Photo from http://www.mitchglaser.com
The Montgomery Ward building was reconfigured as a police training
center in 2002. Over the decades, redevelopment plans for the remainder
of the abandoned inner city mall have come and gone. This rendering of a
revitalized HAWTHORNE PLAZA is from 2016. The mall was to be razed and
replaced by a mixed-use complex of retail, office, entertainment and
residential components. This plan was never carried out
Drawing from The Charles Company
