The Hawthorn mall in Illinois, US is being redeveloped into a premier mixed-use property with new retail, entertainment, restaurants and luxury multi-family housing units.
The redevelopment will include the renovation of the mall’s former Sears and Carson’s sites to create a mixed-use development that includes gourmet grocery and outdoor space for social gathering.
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The project is being developed by the mall owner, Centennial, a real estate investment company whose portfolio includes multiple shopping and mixed-use centres. The former Sears and Carson’s sites were purchased by a partnership controlled by Centennial in 2018, while the project was announced in March 2019.
The Hawthorn mall redevelopment represents the largest capital investment in the property.
Location
Hawthorn mall is located at 122 Hawthorn Center in the Vernon Hills village, north of Chicago.
The mall is situated at the intersection of the IL-21 and IL-60 thoroughfares of Lake County in the state of Illinois, US.
It is accessible by bus via the routes 272, 593 and 574 with the Pace bus stop on the main level. The shopping centre welcomes more than six million visitors every year.
Hawthorn mall redevelopment details
The redevelopment of the Hawthorn mall is being carried out in four phases, with the first phase involving the construction of three out-lot buildings and upgrading the Ring Road on the mall’s east end.
The second phase will include refurbishment of the mall’s Center Court, while phase three will include the redevelopment of the former Carson site. The last phase will see demolition and redevelopment of the vacant Sears site.
The redevelopment of Hawthorn mall involves the creation of an urban setting in the region with pedestrian-friendly options and outdoor and indoor spaces for events and gatherings.
It will result in improved shopping, dining and entertainment experience with quality residences, creating a major regional destination. It will feature a functional design with a diverse range of tenants.
The Hawthorn Mall Center Park was opened in November 2019 as the first part of the redevelopment project.
The new 15,190ft² Center Park includes a lawn, seating nooks and game zones. It combines the 60 & 21 Cafe and Wine Bar with a plush landscape featuring large LED-lit trees. The landscape also offers lawn games, water features and cosy seating areas.
The redevelopment will also include replacement of the mall’s ceiling by a state-of-the-art lamella-style ceiling and new lighting features. The upper and lower levels of the mall will be connected by two tree-like sculptures. The second level will be extended by the creation of two contemporary lounges above the north and south edges of the park.
Hawthorn Mall background
Hawthorn Mall is an enclosed, two-story, regional shopping centre opened in 1973.
The mall is spread across 1.3 million ft² and includes 120 speciality retailers. Major retailers at the shopping destination include H&M, Macy’s, JCPenney, Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, Pandora, Vans and Swarovski.
It houses Lake County’s only Maggiano’s Little Italy along with an AMC movie theatre, The Claim Company restaurant, and 40,000ft² of Dave & Buster’s. F&B options also include Panda Express, Subway, Taco Bell and Aunti Anne’s.
The mall underwent a $50m redevelopment project in 2015, which introduced 110,000ft² of new retail and entertainment options.
The mall offers family parking options for expectant mothers and families with small children. Volta charging stations are available to allow visitors to recharge their electric vehicles.
Other amenities include play spaces for kids, children-friendly dining options, family lounge, strollers for children and free wireless internet service.
Contractors involved
Graycor Construction is the general contractor for the project, while Stantec is providing architecture, engineering and design services.
The mall is operated by Mallfinder Network.
