Sears was built between 1st and 2nd Streets at South Grand Ave. in 1950-51 to replace the downtown location at 621-23 E. Adams. The store operated at that location until April of 1977 when Sears became one of the first anchor stores at the new White Oaks Mall. In the early 1980’s, the building was renovated and became the home for the Illinois Department of Public Aid. Then in the late 1990’s the Department of Human Services was split off from DPA and began sharing the space. Now, the building is exclusively DHS offices.
I lived across the street on 1st from 1966 to 1970 in an old Victorian house last lived in by two old maid sisters. We had lived in the country for several years before and so desired to move into the city and when we saw Sears right across the street, well we knew we had arrived! The old house was torn down after we moved and replaced with I believe a blueprint company…
Giuseppe | Dec 12, 2007 | Reply
Right inside the parking lot entrance in the lobby on the south side of the building was a snack shop that had the BEST hot dogs I’ve ever enjoyed - the buns were steamed and cost 25 cents - I think you could get cheese on it for an extra 10 cents. A small paper cup of soda was 15 cents. Just inside this lobby was one of the biggest candy counters I’ve ever seen in a department store.
Craig | Dec 12, 2007 | Reply
OMG Craig you are right! Wow what a candy counter it was! I remember just wishing I could be locked in there over night and of course the toy dept was just right there too! Sears was the first place that I ever sat on Santa’s lap and took candy from a stranger! LoL! But Mom it was Santa… LoL
Giuseppe | Dec 12, 2007 | Reply
Was a frequent visitor to this sears before it moved to the mall. I remember the several years the building was vacant then had the opportunity to work there when it was state offices. Glad it wasnt torn down.
Anybody comes up with pics of the sears downtown I’d love to see them. Same goes for the Penneys downtown also.
Jay | Jan 20, 2008 | Reply