First look at redeveloped Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills

Centennial, a Dallas-based real estate investment firm with a national portfolio of shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, has revealed plans for a transformative redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall. The super-regional shopping center in Vernon Hills, Illinois will evolve from a traditional mall into a retail, dining, entertainment and residential mixed-use property.

Since it opened in 1973, 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 Hawthorn 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.