Hawthorn Mall, a longstanding retail landmark in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is undergoing one of the most transformative chapters in its history. Through the ambitious Hawthorn 2.0 redevelopment initiative, the traditional enclosed shopping center is being reimagined as an integrated, mixed-use destination that aims to revitalize not only its physical space but its role in the broader community.
Hawthorn Mall: A Brief History
Since opening in 1973, Hawthorn Mall has been a central shopping and social hub for the northern suburbs of Chicago. Initially anchored by major retailers like Marshall Field’s, Sears, and Lord & Taylor, the mall enjoyed decades as a regional magnet for shoppers and entertainment seekers. Over the years, the center added JCPenney, Barnes & Noble, AMC Theatres, and other notable tenants, reflecting broader retail trends and shifting consumer expectations. However, by the mid-2010s, nationwide changes in retail, the closure of legacy department stores, and evolving shopping habits made it clear that the mall would need to adapt or face decline.
The Vision Behind Hawthorn 2.0
Launched as a direct response to these challenges, the Hawthorn 2.0 redevelopment project is an ambitious, multi-phase plan led by Centennial Real Estate in partnership with Focus Development and the Village of Vernon Hills. The goal is to transform the mall from a conventional retail complex into a vibrant “main street” environment, blending residential, retail, dining, and greenspace experiences similar to a modern downtown.
With the first phase already visible to the public, much of the former Sears site has been replaced by Domaine, a mixed-use apartment complex with over 300 residential units above retail and dining options. This initial effort created Hawthorn Row, a throughfare reminiscent of an urban neighborhood, complete with street-level shops and a lively pedestrian environment.
What’s Next: Phase Two and the New Community Centerpiece
Building on the momentum of the first phase, Phase Two of the Hawthorn 2.0 initiative received official approval in September 2025. This next stage will introduce nearly 290 additional apartment units—20% of which will be reserved for households earning up to 60% of the area’s median income—bringing new opportunities for diverse residents to call Vernon Hills home. Two four-story buildings, linked by an elevated bridge, will anchor this expansion, while an additional 37,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space is planned for ground-level occupancy.
A notable part of the revised site plan is the preservation of more of the original mall than initially proposed. Only 5,600 square feet—mainly the former Barnes & Noble—will be demolished, as opposed to earlier plans that would have removed as much as one-third of the retail space. The east and south facades of the mall will be entirely renovated, introducing new storefronts that open onto landscaped public plazas designed to encourage gathering and outdoor activity.
Hawthorn 2.0 also includes several new public plazas and redesigns for public accessibility, making the complex feel less like an enclosed retail campus and more like a true town center. Entrances for new shops and restaurants will increasingly face outward, blending indoor and outdoor experiences and supporting a seamless, inviting pedestrian flow.
Economic and Community Impact
The magnitude of Hawthorn 2.0’s redevelopment—estimated at over $250 million—goes well beyond a facelift for the mall. The mixed-use conversion is designed to fulfill several economic and civic objectives:
- Attract new residents by offering luxury apartments within walking distance of shops, dining, and entertainment.
- Retain and modernize legacy tenants while making room for innovative retail and culinary concepts.
- Create job opportunities for both the construction and ongoing commercial phases.
- Sustain Vernon Hills’ reputation as a destination for shopping, dining, and communal events.
The direction aligns Hawthorn Mall with national trends in repositioning aging malls as mixed-use lifestyle centers, supporting economic vibrancy while offering a live-work-play model appealing to today’s multifaceted consumers and residents.
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Looking Ahead: Timelines and Transformation
With village board approval finalizing the latest plans in late 2025, construction for Phase Two is slated to begin by mid-2026, with completion targeted for 2028. During this period, visitors and residents can expect a dynamic construction environment but also the gradual emergence of new community spaces and enhanced retail offerings.
Already, Hawthorn Mall’s transition from a traditional regional shopping destination to an integrated lifestyle district has become an example for other suburban malls confronting similar challenges. The results in Vernon Hills illustrate how thoughtful design, public-private partnership, and a commitment to mixed-use placemaking can ensure enduring relevance for suburban commercial centers.
Building Toward the Future
Hawthorn 2.0 has positioned the mall at the forefront of redevelopment trends transforming shopping centers into multi-dimensional community hubs. Bringing together housing, retail, green space, and cultural vitality, the project not only ensures the long-term success of Hawthorn Mall but reinforces its place as a key feature of Vernon Hills’ identity.