The site that was once home to Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee is set for transformation. The West Dundee Village Board received proposals for new housing, retail, entertainment, and civic spaces. Tim Scott, the village’s economic development director, collaborated with Houseal Lavigne Associates, an urban planning firm from Chicago, to present development options.
Concepts for Development
Two main proposals have been put forward: an ‘urban village’ and a ‘mixed-use boulevard.’ The urban village plans for 778 residential units, complemented by 320,000 square feet of retail space and 35,000 square feet of civic space. This concept would provide 200 retail jobs and 1,830 parking spaces. Estimated costs are projected at $283 million, with buildings not exceeding five floors.
The mixed-use boulevard offers more housing, with 1,326 residential units. It includes 400,000 square feet allocated for retail and 35,000 square feet for civic use. This plan would afford 1,350 parking spaces. The cost is pegged at approximately $449 million, maintaining the same maximum height of five floors.
Development Strategies
The village aims to attract developers by having ready plans. Housing will align with existing residential areas, while retail areas will connect to nearby businesses like the Cinemark theater and Jewel-Osco store. Discussions with planners stress integrating features like retention ponds. The development could expand near Carpentersville, especially the part where Kohl’s was a major tenant.
Village Manager Joe Cavallaro confirmed the village’s contract with Houseal Lavigne, signed for $124,970, to assist in this process. The mall, initially built in the 1980s, closed in 2024 after parts were purchased by the village and by Carpentersville.
Future Development and Public Engagement
A microsite with presentations and updates will be created. Additionally, Houseal Lavigne is developing a virtual app to help users visualize potential developments. Village President Chris Nelson emphasizes this initial proposal phase, including public forums and engagement sessions. He acknowledges the redevelopment will likely span over a decade.
Next Steps
The village needs to prepare documents detailing the vision, expectations, and timelines for development. Essential elements include public infrastructure changes, such as water main, sewer line reconfigurations, and a new public safety center. Cavallaro clarifies that the safety center will occupy only four of the 100 acres available for development. Further plans will focus on roadway layouts to adapt existing infrastructure.
As the redevelopment journey begins, West Dundee and its partners aim to craft a cohesive and functional urban space, with strategic planning guiding the way forward.
Leave a Reply