While many projects are at a standstill, the redevelopment of the Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills is in full swing. The $250 million makeover for the Hawthorn Mall is located at Townline Road (Route 60) and Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21). Several other ongoing projects in Vernon Hills show that there is hope ahead according to the Daily Herald.
There are many developments, buildings and projects underway or in the planning stages with construction pending in Vernon Hills. There is a pending review of plans for 900,000 square feet of light industrial buildings; final stages of work on three restaurants; near completion of a furniture store and proposals for two new retail stores.
"I don't want to leave everyone with the impression the future is bleak. Although it certainly doesn't look very good today, there is reason for optimism. The Hawthorn Mall is not dead. On the contrary, for a project of this size and complexity, it is actually moving ahead at light speed."
Village Manager | Mark Fleischhauer
Mall owner, Centennial, has a demolition permit and will be installing construction fencing and equipment near the vacant former Carson's anchor store. Demolition is expected to begin June 1st. The work will take about three months and is expected to be followed by a teardown of the former vacant Sears store.
Carson's will be replaced by a new 70,000 square foot retail store.
Last summer, Centennial revealed its plans to village leaders for transforming the aging shopping center inside and out. The mall was originally built in the 1970s and is the village's 1.3 million square foot retail centerpiece. The village has requested help in recapturing some of its investment by creating a special financing district.
Negotiations are underway but a redevelopment agreement will require public review and input.
Per Retail & Restaurant Facility Business, when Sears and Carson's vacated their long term spaces at Hawthorn Mall, Centennial saw the change as an opportunity to redefine the center and expand its trade area. In 2018, a partnership controlled by Centennial purchased both sites in anticipation of the coming development.
The former Sears and Carson's spaces will be replaced with new restaurants and retail shops, multi-family units, and a unique regional grocer. The project will be pedestrian-friendly with a park centerpiece that will create an indoor/outdoor gathering plan for events and activities year round.
See DataBid Blog titled: $200 Million Hawthorn Mall Transformation
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Hawthorn Mall Redevelopment - Vernon Hills (0029040219)
