Centennial, a fully integrated real estate investment firm with a national portfolio of shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, announced a transformative redevelopment plan for Hawthorn Mall, a super-regional shopping center that has been the preferred retail and dining destination in Vernon Hills, Illinois, since 1973.
Since it opened, Hawthorn Mall has operated as an enclosed structure without the outdoor shopping and entertainment elements incorporated into today’s more modern and vibrant lifestyle centers. Through a significant redevelopment of the center’s former Sears and Carson’s sites, the development of additional outparcels and updates to the existing mall building, Centennial will create a mixed-use destination featuring additional retail and dining options, luxury multifamily housing, a regional gourmet grocer and an outdoor gathering space that will transform the mall into a destination development offering a unique-to-market experience that serves the wants and needs of Vernon Hills and the surrounding communities.
“The redevelopment will be both comprehensive and transformative, altering the entire landscape of the center and offering local residents a live-work-play environment that rivals the most vibrant mixed-use destinations in the nation,” said Steven Levin, Centennial’s CEO. “When completed, the design will create an urban sensation in a suburban setting with compelling architectural elements that the residents of Vernon Hills will be proud to have in their village. With this redevelopment, Centennial is making a significant investment in the community as well as the center. This project will be the largest capital investment in the center since its grand opening almost a half century ago.”
When Sears and Carson’s vacated their long-term spaces at Hawthorn Mall, Centennial recognized 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 redevelopment.
“Centennial will be replacing the former Sears and Carson’s spaces to create a dynamic shopping and entertainment experience filled with new restaurants and retail shops, best-in-class multi-family units, and a unique regional grocer,” said Oliver Robinson, Centennial’s executive vice president, development and construction. “The project will be pedestrian-friendly with an incredible park centerpiece that creates an indoor/outdoor gathering place for year-round events and activities.”
