The Fashion Outlets of Chicago is no longer charging for parking, following objections from community members and local officials.
The 530,000-square-foot shopping center implemented the pay-to-park policy in February in an effort to prioritize parking availability for shoppers and discourage overnight, event and airport parking.
Parking was free for the first hour, then $13 for 1-3 hours, $20 for 3-12 hours and $50 for 12-24 hours.
But after months of complaints from shoppers, businesses and the Rosemont mayor, the mall announced Monday that it would be reversing that policy.
In a statement, mall owner Macerich said, "Beginning Wednesday, the first three hours of parking are free for all guests, no purchase required."
Macerich said the decision comes after it listening "to feedback from the community and our retailers" and that this stays on track with "our original goal of making it easier for shoppers and diners to visit our stores and restaurants while still discouraging long-term parking from non-shoppers."
