Lincoln Mall in Matteson likely looked like a typical busy early-1990s suburban enclosed mall, and in 1993 it had just had a renovation that included a new glass elevator. The mall was still operating as a major regional shopping center at that point, with its main anchors and a large mix of specialty stores still in place.

What it probably looked like

  • Two-level enclosed mall layout, which was the standard setup for Lincoln Mall during its active years.
  • A renovated interior feel in 1993, especially around the elevator and common areas, because the mall had undergone a 1993 upgrade.
  • A still-populated retail environment, since the mall was described as having been strong for much of its early life and still functioning as a destination in the 1990s.

1993 context

By 1993, Lincoln Mall was still well before the later decline that came after major anchor losses and long-term deterioration. Wieboldt’s had already closed in 1987, but Sears did not move into that space until 1995, so that anchor spot would likely still have been empty in 1993. That means the mall may have looked active overall, but with at least one noticeable vacant anchor area.

Best image of it

If you picture Lincoln Mall in 1993, think of a bright but aging early-’90s mall: polished floors, storefronts with bold signage, an upgraded elevator, and crowds moving through a big enclosed corridor under skylights or standard mall lighting. It was probably still very much a place people went to shop, hang out, and spend time, rather than the hollowed-out shell it became later.

Bottom line

So, in 1993 Lincoln Mall likely looked like a fairly lively suburban mall with a fresh renovation touch, not the abandoned or heavily damaged place people remember from its final years.