Dixie Square Mall

What might surprise you about the Dixie Square Mall, besides its current state, is that it was once a vibrant hub. Dixie Square Mall wasn’t always a decaying relic. This sprawling shopping center first opened its doors in 1966. It was a beacon of modern retail. Locals flocked to its 64 stores, anchored by big names like Montgomery Ward, J.C. Penney, and Woolworth. A wave of optimism swept through Harvey, Illinois. Dixie Square Mall symbolized a bright future. However, the mall’s lifespan was short-lived, shutting its doors only 12 years later in 1978. Economic hardship hit the city of Harvey hard. That contributed to Dixie Square Mall’s decline. Rising crime further deterred shoppers. The mall’s fate was sealed. It became an infamous example of a “dead mall,” left abandoned and vandalized. Yet, from these ashes rose a peculiar fame. Movie buffs might recognize Dixie Square Mall from a legendary scene in “The Blues Brothers.” In 1979, directors used the abandoned mall to film the iconic car chase sequence. That brought a wave of surreal fame to the otherwise forgotten Dixie Square Mall. While the mall is gone, demolished in 2012, its story remains a captivating blend of fleeting prosperity and curious afterlife.