Parking at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont just got a lot more expensive. The mall’s seven-level garage, long a mostly free perk, is now running on a paid system that keeps the first hour free but quickly climbs into double digits for longer visits, with validation reserved for higher spenders.
Macerich Calls It A New Program
Macerich, the real estate company that owns the outlet center, confirmed the change in a statement to NBC Chicago. The company said it is "introducing a new paid parking program" and is shifting day-to-day garage operations to Metropolis, a third-party parking operator. According to the statement, the goal is to "ensure convenient access for our guests while maintaining a positive overall experience."
What Changed And How Much It Costs
The center’s parking information lists a free first hour, then a steep jump. Daily rates are posted as $13 for 1 to 3 hours, $20 for 3 to 12 hours, and $50 for 12 to 24 hours. The same page notes that shoppers who spend at least $100 in a single day can get validation that covers up to three hours of parking.
Drivers are directed to register a phone number and license plate so the system can bill them automatically. "Just drive out when you're ready, and we'll automatically charge your account," the mall’s website explains, with more specifics available on the Fashion Outlets of Chicago site.
How Payment Works And Who Parks Free
The mall is steering visitors toward signing up ahead of time through Metropolis. Shoppers are instructed to enter a phone number, license plate, and payment method so the system can recognize their car and process charges without tickets or pay stations at exit.
The parking page outlines a three-step enrollment and links directly to Metropolis through the Fashion Outlets of Chicago site. Under the new setup, only the first hour remains free for all drivers, with additional time covered for those who hit the $100 validation threshold.
Shoppers React As Word Spreads
There is no clear public start date for the new system, but NBC Chicago notes that Google Reviews began flagging the change earlier this month. Mall representatives have replied to some of those reviews, acknowledging the transition to paid parking and reiterating that the program is meant to prioritize spaces for shoppers while keeping the process relatively simple.
Not everyone is thrilled. A February customer review on a local listing described new gates and ticket machines popping up and warned that "they are going to start charging for parking," according to the listing on Yahoo Local.
Part Of A Bigger Trend
The Rosemont move is not happening in a vacuum. Other suburban shopping centers have been experimenting with paid or premium parking options. Oakbrook Center, for example, recently rolled out a limited number of paid "preferred" spaces that start at about $3 for the first hour, while keeping the majority of its parking free for customers, as covered by WGN.
What Shoppers Can Do Now
If you are planning a trip to the outlets, it is worth checking the mall’s parking information before you go and deciding whether to register your plate and payment details in advance so you are not surprised at the exit.
Those looking to avoid garage fees altogether might consider public transportation. Options such as the Blue Line and the Rosemont entertainment shuttle remain available for visitors who want to spend a longer day at the center without adding a parking bill to their shopping tab.
