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A proposal is in place to demolish the 100+ year old Jackson Storage building (home of Jackson Square Antique Mall) for the sake of erecting condominiums.

Originally built in 1902 with significant updates in 1924, the building has sat in its current form in LaGrange for over a century. Designed by George Kingsley (known for his work on the Reebie Storage building, a Chicago and National Historic Landmark), its unique Art Deco, Egyptian Revival features have made it a noteworthy example of historic architectural craftsmanship. Acting as a storage facility for the quickly growing LaGrange area, it is said to have been built to resemble a bank. That way its customers could be sure their belongings were safe. Located on Burlington Avenue parallel to the BNSF railway, the building has been the unofficial welcome sign of LaGrange to train commuters traveling west for over a century. In many way, it is synonymous with the image of our village.

Once these buildings are gone, they’re gone for good. They cannot be replaced. Considering the fact our historic homes and buildings are a hallmark of our village’s appeal, we urge the board to decline this proposal.

In addition to hoping to preserve the historic beauty of LaGrange, we consider the antique mall itself to be a staple of the community. 70+ vendors conduct their business through Jackson Square. Countless members of the community (from LT students to retirees) and beyond visit the mall on a regular basis either to shop it’s endless collection of antiques or simply enjoy their evening browsing. To lose the antique mall would be to lose yet another local attraction that undoubtedly benefits the community and the surrounding businesses.

For residents commuting home from Chicago, you see Jackson Square and know you’re home.

(the following is an edit made at 12:38 AM 10/16/25 to include additional relevant information)

After attending the meeting at LaGrange Village Hall on 10/14 and hearing the testimonies of other residents, it has become all the more apparent what a disaster this proposed development would be. 

We’re already talking about trading a beautifully crafted, iconic, and historic building for an absolute eye sore of a structure that seemingly makes no effort to fit the aesthetics and architectural themes of the neighborhood. We’re already talking about trading a local business that enriches the cultural landscape of our village and is available to all, for an upscale condominium to be utilized by few. But this proposal also displays a gross disregard of the neighbors in the immediate proximity of the site.

Residents expressed legitimate privacy concerns due to the proposed development featuring balconies that overlook their homes and yards, effectively turning them into stages. 

Others voiced their displeasure with the idea of a 5-story structure sitting directly next to their single family homes, and how this may impact their property values as well as their sunlight, views, ambience, etc.

The proposed development also includes outdoor pickle ball courts (I know, it’s just embarrassing at this point). An amenity usually confined to a public park or rec center, now in short proximity to homes and bedroom windows. One can only imagine how frustrating it’d be to have to sit through the constant popping of a pickle ball match while trying to enjoy the peace, quiet, and privacy of your home (the sort of thing people move to LaGrange for).

Although the developers have agreed to revise the proposal to address the concerns of the neighbors, we’ll have to wait until they go before the board to gauge the sincerity of these efforts. Regardless, if this proposal succeeds, not only would it be to the detriment of our villages historical charm and integrity. But for many it could also include a forfeiting of the very lifestyle they moved to LaGrange to pursue.