The La Grange Village Board has given the green light to a contentious development project that could drastically change the landscape of the downtown area. This decision came after a vote on Monday night, sparking a mix of emotions among community members.

For years, Jackson Square Antique Mall has been a beloved fixture in the community, drawing shoppers eager to discover unique antiques and collectibles. This historic building, over a century old, houses 70 vendors, making it a cherished destination for residents and small business owners alike.

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Among those vendors is Mandy Levy, who has run her business, Junkie Vintage, from a stall in the mall for the past four years.

“Operating my little business here has been the thrill of my life,” Levy expressed, reflecting on her time at the mall.

However, the future of Levy’s business, along with others, is now uncertain. Last year, the property was sold to a developer with plans to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a new 39-unit condominium complex, signaling the end of an era for this treasured local establishment.

Supporters of the building say its art deco architecture helps to give downtown La Grange character.

An online petition titled Save Jackson Square has collected thousands of signatures, urging village leaders to preserve the structure. But the board approved the developer’s plan at a Monday night meeting.

“We are jumping at an opportunity to tear it down when it should be repurposed, reused recycled,” Levy said.

Therese O’Sullivan, who owned the property and sold it to the developer. She says she tried to do just that, but upgrading the 100-plus-year-old building would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“We wholeheartedly did explore different options with the building,” O’Sullivan said.

And O’Sullivan says zoning code restrictions should prevent a condo from moving into the existing footprint.

The developer’s plans also won a recommendation from the La Grange Plan Commission.

“It’s tough though to see it happen, but i think it’ll be great. It’s a good use for the building,” O’Sullivan said.

O’Sullivan in the process of finding another space to house the antique mall.