Vernon Hills approves second phase of Hawthorn Mall plan

The Hawthorn Mall is adding on to its pricey makeover.

Vernon Hills village officials have greenlit plans for the second phase of the ongoing $252 million renovation.

Mall owner Centennial Real Estate has been working on expanding the grand plaza, adding new retail and restaurant space and 255 luxury apartments, the Daily Herald reported.

Phase one of the project, dubbed Hawthorn Row, was approved in December 2020 and includes 313 luxury apartments across four mixed-use buildings. The first building for the Domaine apartments will begin accepting tenant applications in early 2023.

The old Carson’s building, along with most of the food court area and two-story walkway connecting the two, were demolished rather than repurposed. Developers suggest a ground-up build better fits the vision. A four-story residential building with retail and restaurants on the ground floor will fill that space.

The mall’s Center Court, which opened in 2019, will remain intact with the new plan, and it will have an added exterior wall that overlooks a 3-acre outdoor plaza, which will serve as a gathering space with room for events and other activities.

Centennial said the new plaza will act as a central point that connects phases one and two to the retail space.

Village officials approved the plans with the slightly relocated residential building. Village staff will prepare ordinances for the approvals that authorize the changes.

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