The Dixie Square Mall opened in the south Chicago suburb of Harvey back in 1966 and at the time, it featured all of the “modern” comforts of a beautiful shopping center. When looking at pictures from it’s grand opening, it is hard to believe that this could happen, but instead of becoming a mainstay of the community, the mall closed in 1978 and became better known for it’s appearance in the classic movie The Blues Brothers. Yes, it is the mall that Jake and Elwood drove through during the mall chase scene.
It sat vacant for over 30 years and had many small fires set in it over that period. On a hot July evening back in 2009, a larger fire was set in what used to be the mall’s center foyer. It spread across the wooden eaves of the old J.C. Penney store which is the larger structure you see in the images. There wasn’t much drama at this one and most of the work was done by Harvey’s tower ladder.
There were some interesting long lead-outs as hydrants were quite a distance away. With temperatures in the mid-90’s and no exposure issues, companies took their time accessing these hydrants to supply the tower and a few hand lines with water. It has since been torn down.
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo
Eric Haak photo