Dixie Square

An abandoned shopping mall in Harvey, IL. Opening in 1966, it would close in 1978-79 due to a sudden rise in crime in the city of Harvey.

Originally made famous when it was trashed by police cars in The Blues Brothers, it has since become very well known and popular over the internet due to the fact that it has stood abandoned more than twice the amount of time it was open. Many websites, a book, and planned documentary about the mall are in existence; as well as thousands of pictures and several videos on YouTube.

It is one of the Chicago area's most popular urban exploration spots.

Many plans arose to demolish or convert the building for other uses; however the closest any of these plans came to be was the demolition of Mongomery Ward and a small on-site power plant in 2006 (after a major fiasco involving illegal and accidental demolition of Wards, and asbestos removal). Demolition stopped abruptly once funds ran out, and about 80% of the mall still stands. The developer who purchased the land was later arrested for harassing the hired demolition company; supposedly armed.

"It's as dead as Dixie Square in here"

Dixie Square by jonrev September 20, 2009

dixie square mall 

Famous shopping mall in Harvey, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago. This mall opened in 1966, and closed in 1978. It remaind abandoned and decaying away from 1979 to at least 2006, when demolition began.

This mall was made famous when it was used in the Blues Brothers movie in 1979.

The story of why the mall has been standing for so long and why the demolition of 2006 may be on hold is a sordid tale that includes government corruption, crime, environmental law and a host of other interesting information.

This mall is featured on Deadmalls.com and dixiesquare.com.

Many urban exploreres have visited and photograped the Dixie Square Mall in the last 25 years.

dixie square mall by Matt287 May 8, 2006

Dixie Square Mall

a now demolished abandoned shopping mall which was used in the blues brothers movie and was a popular spot for urban explorers

"yo bro let's go to dixie square mall"
"nah man that place is dangerous"

Dixie Square Mall by disguysostrange January 12, 2026