Developer To Meet With Residents To Discuss Proposed Ford City Mall Re-Development

CHICAGO — A community meeting to hear the proposed plans for a modern logistics center to be built on the Ford City Mall property is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Road (75th Street and Pulaski), in the auditorium.

Ald. Derrick Curtis is hosting the meeting to get feedback from residents that will help inform the developer, Chicago-based Bridge Industrial, an industrial warehouse developer, as planning continues to move forward.

Residents learned about the pending sale of Ford City to Midwest RE Acquisitions LLC, the contract purchaser and an affiliate of Chicago-based Bridge Industrial, in the 18th Ward newsletter.

The contracted purchaser, Midwest RE Acquisitions LLC, an affiliate of Bridge wants to invest over $150 million into the beleaguered shopping mall along 7400-7600 S. Kostner Avenue/7602 S. Cicero Avenue.

Plans call for four industrial buildings totaling 913,000 square feet, with 923 parking spaces and 92 loading docks. The proposed development will incorporate LEED-certified building design that aligns with the city’s climate and sustainability goals.

The proposed industrial development requires zoning changes from B3-2 Community Shopping District to M2-2 light industrial district, and, eventually, Planned Industrial Development. The project requires approval from the Chicago Plan Commission before going to the Chicago City Council for a full vote.

Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th) said, if approved, it would put acres and acres of land back on the tax rolls.”

Residents will hear from the developer and other details, including traffic flow into the industrial campus and other plans to minimize the impact on the neighborhood.

The industrial complex, if approved, expects to bring 90 construction jobs to the area, and 400 to 500 permanent jobs upon completion. Bridge wants to start construction in Fall 2026 with a targeted completion date of Fall 2028.