Bradley, IL – The Village of Bradley is breathing new life into the long-struggling Northfield Square Mall with a $6.5 million acquisition.
Village trustees approved the purchase during Monday night’s meeting, giving Mayor Mike Watson the go-ahead to finalize the agreement. The deal includes the former Sears building, Carson’s women’s store, and the central spine of the mall, adding 43 acres to village property. However, the purchase excludes the Movies 10 complex, which was a late addition to the site over 20 years ago.
Northfield Square Mall opened on August 1, 1990, at the intersection of Illinois Route 50 and Larry Power Road, just north of the Interstate 57 interchange. Initially anchored by Sears, Carson Pirie Scott, Venture, and JCPenney, the mall began with promise but faced challenges early on. When it opened, 40% of its retail space was already vacant. Over the years, the departures of its anchors accelerated its decline. Sears closed in 2018 as part of nationwide closures, followed by Carson Pirie Scott, which shuttered both its locations in the mall later that year. JCPenney held on as the sole anchor until its closure in 2020, leaving the property without a major retail tenant.
Mayor Watson confirmed plans to redevelop the property, with potential ideas including a water park or other community-focused amenities.
The village hopes the project will create jobs, attract visitors, and restore vitality to what was once a regional shopping destination.
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