Chicago Centre mall closes forever—what’s next for its empty space?

A once-thriving mall is now a ghostly shell. Locals clash over whether to build homes, courts, or even a casino on the vacant land.

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2026 January 25 . 10:12 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old book with a map of the city of San Francisco, California, with various... — The image shows an old book with a map of the city of San Francisco, California, with various buildings and text written on it. The book appears to be a plan of the area, with the buildings and streets clearly visible. The text on the book likely provides further information about the city, such as the names of the streets, parks, and other landmarks.

Chicago Centre mall closes forever—what’s next for its empty space?

The Chicago Centre mall will shut its doors for good on Monday. The closure follows years of falling visitor numbers and the departure of major retailers. Now, locals and officials are debating what should replace it.

The mall’s decline began long before the final announcement. Once a bustling shopping hub, it lost key tenants and struggled to attract customers. With no clear revival in sight, the owners confirmed its permanent closure.

Residents have mixed ideas about the site’s future. A recent poll showed 30% favour housing, while 40% prefer an entertainment venue. Suggestions have ranged from a new San Diego State University campus to pickleball courts. Some have even proposed a casino, though city officials have shown no interest in the idea.

Casinos in California face strict controls, as tribal operators hold exclusive rights to gaming expansion. Even if a proposal gained traction, San Diego’s approval process is famously tough. Past attempts to repurpose Alcatraz Island as a gaming site failed due to lack of support. Similarly, Sphere Entertainment—which runs the Las Vegas Sphere—has explored expansion but hasn’t mentioned San Diego as a potential location. Cities have often resisted such projects over concerns about noise and lighting.

The mall’s closure leaves a large empty space in the city centre. Without official backing for a casino or other major projects, the site’s next chapter remains uncertain. For now, the debate continues over how best to use the land.