By Jenna Velelekos, Marketing Manager, Hawthorn Mall
If you’ve been to Hawthorn Mall lately, you’ve probably noticed the barricades that promise “Something BIG is coming” – and you’re wondering just what that means. For some time now, there have been whispers about a possible redevelopment, and of course questions about what the mall will do with the empty Sears and Carson’s stores. Well, it’s finally time for the big reveal: Hawthorn Mall is going to undergo a major redevelopment.
This redevelopment isn’t the typical new floors and lighting kind of facelift that shopping centers often get – it’s so much more. In fact, the investment that Centennial, Hawthorn’s owner and developer, is making into this redevelopment will be the largest investment in the center since its grand opening almost a half century ago. That makes it really exciting – and really BIG.
The property will be significantly transformed. The conceptual plan presented to the city this month features new retail and dining options, a regional grocer, an outdoor gathering space, and the potential for quality multi-family housing. These are all things that shoppers have been asking Hawthorn Mall to add, and I am so pleased to be able to share that the center’s management team has heard those requests and has responded in a meaningful way.
As part of the redevelopment, we’ll be adding a bevy of new in-demand fashion retailers, boutique fitness operators, and state-of-the-art service providers. Many of the stores and restaurants to be added will be first-to-Vernon Hills locations. We can’t say who they are just yet … but rest assured that we’ll announce each new tenant as negotiations are completed, so there’s a lot to look forward to in the months to come.
What’s Coming & When?
A redevelopment of this magnitude will be completed in phases. As we work through the entitlement process with the city and finalize our plans, we will share more information. In the meantime, we welcome any ideas and suggestions from our neighbors and shoppers.
The changes underway should make it clear that Hawthorn Mall wants to be that special, comfortable “third place” where the residents of Vernon Hills and its surrounding communities get together to spend time with one another between home and work. These changes are about transforming this community icon into a dominant destination where we can provide deeper, more satisfying experiences that, of course, include shopping, but also include so much more. You’ll see the center partnering in very meaningful ways with local community groups, and as it works to become a true community hub, the changes at Hawthorn will create beautiful and inviting common areas where we can all enjoy spending more time together.
To learn more, visit the Hawthorn Mall website at www.shophawthornmall.com or follow the center on Facebook and Instagram. As the plans progress, Hawthorn Mall will also open a transformation suite to showcase the redevelopment plans and progress; the transformation suite will be open to the public and will serve as an information hub for shoppers as well as current and prospective tenants.