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The same year, a court-ordered receiver was appointed to force the location to pay taxes and fines, as well as make necessary repairs.
The mall's tenants did not generate enough in rent to pay for the improvements or repairs, according to an attorney for the owner.
Source: The Chicago Tribune
The mall reportedly failed to make these changes, which included creating new exits to comply with fire codes and replacing electrical and air conditioning systems.
In November 2014, Cook County judge ordered the closure of the mall following the holiday shopping season.
At the time, the mall's owner owed $10 million in unpaid fines and taxes, according to local officials.
The trip was part of Lawless's project, Autopsy of America, which is intended to document abandoned and forgotten sites across the US.
Photos — including these — from the project will be included in Lawless's book, "Autopsy of America: The Death of a Nation," which will be released in early 2017.
In October, The Chicago Tribune reported that a real estate developer was formulating a redevelopment plan for the site.
Source: The Chicago Tribune
Developers have said the space will likely be transformed into a combination of residential and retail spaces.
Proposed uses include apartments and town homes, mixed with restaurants, offices, and perhaps even a water park.
Source: The Chicago Tribune