As suburbia undergoes a transformation, Barrington, part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, embarks on an era of redevelopment with Phase Two of the Hawthorn 2.0 project. With the trend of converting traditional shopping malls into mixed-use communities on the rise, Hawthorn Mall's revitalization positions it as a potential model for modern suburban development.
Revitalization Efforts and Plans
Hawthorn Mall, once marked by a decline typical of many American malls due to the rise of e-commerce, is entering a new chapter. Plans for Phase Two, which the Vernon Hills Village Board recently approved, outline the addition of 290 apartments, alongside 37,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space. The construction is anticipated to begin by late spring or early summer next year, with an expected completion date in 2028.
Community-Centric Approach
Phase Two provides a responsive and innovative approach to mall redevelopment, presenting an interesting case in understanding how malls might adapt to the changing retail landscape. Justin Pelej, Executive Vice President of Development at Focus Development, emphasizes the inherent value of malls situated at prime community intersections. "That’s where the best retail is. That’s where the best restaurants are. That’s where the community events are," Pelej states, underscoring the community-centric potential of the development.
Affordable Housing Initiative
Hawthorn's Phase Two will not simply be adding residential units; it will transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use community. With 20% of the apartment units reserved for families earning up to 60% of the area's median income, the redevelopment aims to provide more affordable housing options amid Barrington’s dynamic economic environment.
Scholarly Perspectives on Redevelopment
Jim Schrager, a clinical professor at the Chicago Booth School of Business, finds the integration of residential space into mall properties to be an appealing trend akin to creating a "walking neighborhood." He explains, "This is a way for people who want to build a mall, want to have a new downtown, to find another creative way to do it with residential housing attached.” Schrager envisions these developments as opportunities to foster small-town atmospheres that retain essential urban amenities without massive "mega stores."
Concerns and Considerations
Nonetheless, the mall transformation does leave room for debate. Schrager voices concern regarding traditional small-town downtowns, which may suffer as more communities pivot towards mall-centric developments. "A lot of downtowns are failing, kind of because of malls," observes Schrager, alluding to declining retail activity in conventional downtown areas due to such trends.
Call for Comprehensive Urban Planning
Emily Talen, a professor of urbanism at the University of Chicago, furthers this sentiment by urging for more comprehensive urban planning. While she appreciates the inclusion of housing, Talen advocates for mall redevelopments that include essential community infrastructure—grocery stores, schools, and libraries—to truly emulate a "walkable neighborhood."
Local Optimism and Economic Impact
Local officials are optimistic about Hawthorn's transformation. Earlier assessments by Thom Koch Jr., now president of Vernon Hills, praised the project for bringing the 1970s-era mall "into the 21st century." Additionally, the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, and Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce expect Hawthorn 2.0 to become a regional destination, reflecting confidence in its potential to invigorate the local economy.
Phase One Achievements
Phase One of Hawthorn 2.0 has already reshaped the landscape; a new apartment complex, Domaine, now stands where the mall's Sears building once was. This initial phase serves as a testament to the vision and potential effectiveness of such redevelopment efforts in breathing new life into aging suburban areas.
In conclusion, Barrington and its surrounding communities are evolving, and Hawthorn 2.0 stands at the forefront of this transformation. As stakeholders balance modernization with preserving traditional small-town virtues, all eyes are on how these developments will redefine suburban living in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
