Harlem Irving Plaza

Mall Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 9pm
Sunday: 11am - 6pm

Mall Walking Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 6am (Call to confirm due to COVID-19)

Floors: 1

View Mall Map


1950's
It was the greatest economic boom in America's history and the dawn of the space age. Eisenhower was president, Elvis was king, and Betty Crocker ruled the kitchen. Blue jeans emerged as the symbol of casual American style, and poodle skirts were the trend for rock'n'roll dance moves.

One of Chicagoland's first shopping centers was built to serve the retail needs of the growing community - and so the HIP was born.

1954 Land that was once a livestock farm was purchased in order to build one of the first shopping centers in Chicagoland.

1956 Harlem Irving Plaza opened as a 45-store open-air strip mall. The new mall featured stores such as Wieboldt's, Kroger's, Fannie May, WT Grant, Woolworth and Lerner.

1957 The HIP became the 89th charter member of the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers).

1960's
It was the decade of peace, love and rebellion in politics, art and fashion. JFK was elected to the presidency, and college students adopted flower power as their creed. The Beatles touched down in the USA and Beatlemania swept the nation. Neil Armstrong made a giant leap for mankind by being the first man to walk on the moon. Everything was groovy at the HIP!

1964 The HIP initiated Safety Town in cooperation with the Village of Norridge Police and Crossing Guards, Norwood Park Fire Department and Ridgewood High School. This long-running program was designed to teach first-graders the basics of personal safety.

1960-'69 Harlem Irving Plaza kept pace with the styles of the sixties, from pillbox hats, shifts and narrow-lapel suits to bell-bottoms, mini-skirts and fringed vests. The HIP had it all.

1970's
Disco and environmentalism took center stage in the 70's. Nixon presided over the nation, and Hank Aaron rose to baseball fame by breaking Babe Ruth's home-run record. In a decade marked by platform shoes and jogging suits, pet rocks and heavy metal rock, Archie Bunker and Annie Hall, Harlem Irving Plaza expanded to meet the community's growing retail needs.

1976 Harlem Irving Plaza added 46,000 square feet of retail store space.

1977 Escalators, upper level parking and 28,000 additional square feet of retail space was added.

1979 Madigan's arrived, and another 60,000 square feet was added to the south end of the HIP, with upper level parking and a new marquee.

1980's
Excitement marked the eighties, from the advent of MTV to the pop-culture question, 'Who shot JR?' With Ronald Reagan in the White House, businesses boomed and an electronic revolution hit its stride. Sony Walkman tape players were all the rage and IBM introduced the personal computer. Yuppies made power dressing a fashion statement, and big shoulders, designer labels and running shoes further shaped 80's style. Harlem Irving Plaza kept pace with the decade, with a new look and two new department stores.

1987 Main Street (now Kohl's) opened at the north end of Harlem Irving Plaza. Additional upper level parking was added.

1988 The HIP got a face-lift and a brand new Carson Pirie Scott.

1990's
The final decade of the century was marked by technological breakthroughs and Y2K predictions. Cloning was discovered, the Hubble Telescope was launched, and home video games became a multi-billion dollar industry. With Bill Clinton as president, the Cold War ended, Communism collapsed and Germany reunited. It was a decade of cell phones, the Internet and reality TV. Rap music, grunge and electronica emerged, and fashions became more relaxed. From fleece wear to cell phones, from Lycra to lace, the HIP continued to offer shoppers all the latest styles.

1993 The southeast section of Harlem Irving Plaza was reconfigured, and six new stores were added.

1996 A new Food Court was constructed at the HIP, with 7,500 sq. ft. of space, seating for 350, faux skylights and updated décor.

2000's
At the turn of the new century, communication and globalization are rapidly expanding. Technology continues to boom, with a major increase in Internet and cell phone usage, digital cameras, music downloads, LCD's, DVD's and DVR's. Robotics have emerged in medicine, and hybrid vehicles have become more prevalent on America's roads. The iPod is the hottest accessory, and poker the latest craze. As styles change and fashions evolve with each new decade, the HIP is always on the scene with the latest apparel, accessories, electronics, home furnishings and more.

2001 Best Buy relocated to the exterior of the Center with a 45,000 square foot store.

2002 Harlem Irving Plaza launched the redevelopment of the Center's south end, with a multi-level Target store as the cornerstone of the project.

2004 The HIP's multi-million dollar renovation was completed, including major interior and exterior upgrades. The new multi-level Target opened in August.

2006 Harlem Irving Plaza turns 50!