Hawthorn expansion to be discussed

The proposed $40 million to $50 million expansion and remodeling of the Westfield Hawthorn shopping center, routes 21 and 60, in Vernon Hills will be the topic of a joint meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 17. The village board and the village’s planning and zoning commission will meet in a work session to review site and architectural designs for a 12-screen movie theater and other parts of the mall, a comprehensive signage plan and other aspects of the proposal, including a new entrance between Sears and JCPenney to house new restaurants beneath the movie theater. Three other mall entrances will be upgraded and adjacent spaces filled with restaurants and other uses, according to the proposal. Westfield is seeking $7.5 million in sales and entertainment tax rebates. The session is designed to provide guidance but no final decisions will be made. The meeting is at the village hall, 290 Evergreen Drive.