Ford City Plaza

Reimagining Ford City for the Next Generation

For decades, Ford City Mall has served as a gathering place for residents of Ashburn, Scottsdale, West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, and surrounding communities. Families shopped here, teenagers spent weekends here, workers found jobs here, and visitors to Midway Airport passed through the area.

Today, Ford City faces uncertainty. Rather than allowing this important community asset to decline or be transformed into a massive warehouse complex, I believe we have an opportunity to create something greater:

Ford City Plaza: a vibrant mixed-use community destination that creates jobs, supports local businesses, attracts investment, expands green space, and serves residents across the Southwest Side.

Community Plaza

At the heart of the project would be a large public plaza featuring:

  • Community events

  • Farmers markets

  • Cultural festivals

  • Holiday celebrations

  • Outdoor concerts

  • Public art installations

  • Family-friendly activities

The plaza would serve as a true town center for the Southwest Side.

Local Business Marketplace

Too many local entrepreneurs struggle to find affordable commercial space.

Ford City Plaza would include:

  • Small business storefronts

  • Minority-owned businesses

  • Worker cooperatives

  • Start-up retail opportunities

  • Pop-up vendor spaces

  • Community business incubators

Rather than relying exclusively on national chains, the development would help local businesses grow and remain in the community.

Dining and Food Hall District

A Southwest Side food district could showcase the diversity of our neighborhoods.

Potential features include:

  • Local restaurants

  • Food hall concepts

  • Latino-owned businesses

  • Black-owned businesses

  • Family-owned establishments

  • International cuisine

  • Outdoor dining spaces

This would create a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Green Space and Public Recreation

One of the most common concerns I hear from residents is the lack of quality public gathering spaces.

Ford City Plaza would include:

  • Landscaped parks

  • Walking paths

  • Community gardens

  • Native vegetation

  • Outdoor seating areas

  • Shade structures

  • Recreational areas for families

Entertainment and Family Activities

The development should provide opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

Potential attractions include:

  • Movie theater improvements

  • Family entertainment centers

  • Bowling facilities

  • Gaming and esports spaces

  • Community event halls

  • Performance venues

  • Youth activity centers

This would give families more opportunities to spend time together without leaving the Southwest Side.

Economic Benefits

Ford City Plaza would help:

  • Create Jobs

Construction jobs, retail jobs, hospitality jobs, healthcare jobs, maintenance positions, and small business opportunities.

  • Support Existing Businesses

Current Ford City tenants would benefit from increased foot traffic and renewed investment.

  • Strengthen Property Values

Successful mixed-use developments create positive economic activity that supports surrounding neighborhoods.

  • Increase Tax Revenue

Additional commercial activity helps generate revenue that can be reinvested into public services and infrastructure.

  • Attract Regional Visitors

With Midway Airport nearby, Ford City Plaza can become a destination for visitors and travelers.