Whole Foods looks to open in Vernon Hills

Lake Forest's loss could bring an upscale grocery store to Vernon Hills.

Whole Foods Market had been considered the main retail attraction at Amberley Woods, a mixed use development at the southeast corner of Route 60 and Saunders Road, but the company pulled the plug in favor of an unnamed spot in commercially dense Vernon Hills.

"They had been upfront that they were continuing to look at multiple locations," said Catherine Czerniak, the city's director of community development.

The plan for the roughly 40-acre site approved by Lake Forest officials included 10-acres for nonresidential use. A 45,873-square-foot Whole Foods store was envisioned as the anchor tenant, Czerniak said. Last week, the company opted to pursue another location.

"When they made that decision, we were notified. They felt Vernon Hills best met their standard profile or criteria," she said.

The Lake Forest site, which is across the street from the Conway Park office complex, also was approved for two condo buildings with 45 units each and about two dozen single-family homes. One condo building is complete and a few of the homes are occupied.

A spokeswoman for Whole Foods couldn't be reached for comment. Vernon Hills Village Manager John Kalmar said the company is well-known to local officials.

"I've had contact with them off and on for probably 10 years," he said. Whole Foods liked the demographics of Vernon Hills but was building in Chicago or closer in suburbs, he added.

Whole Foods has 402 stores in the U.S., including 23 in Chicago and in suburbs such as Naperville, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Willowbrook and Hinsdale.

The company opened a store May 27 in Elmhurst, which it identified as the fifth of seven to be opened in Illinois this year.

Kalmar said no plans or proposals have been submitted by Whole Foods for review. If it happens, it would likely be for a new store not in an existing building, he added.

"We don't have the (existing) space. My understanding is, typically, they haven't done a lot of remodels in the suburbs. It's always been new space," he said.

The limited available vacant space in Vernon Hills is primarily along Milwaukee Avenue.

When announcing its loss June 5, Lake Forest officials said Whole Foods was pursuing a location in Vernon Hills near several major retail centers. One of the most prominent vacant sites is at the northeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Route 60. The Westfield Hawthorn, Rivertree Court and Hawthorn Hills Fashion Center shopping centers occupy the other three corners.

A retail analysis and market strategy by Melaniphy & Melaniphy Inc., commissioned by the village in 2009, identified the site as an "excellent retail location." It recommended mixed use development to include a hotel.

In March, Pine Tree Commercial Realty LLC was identified as the new developer of Amberley Woods in Lake Forest. Any change in the anchor space other than Whole Foods or a similar type grocery store will require an amendment to the special use permit.

Czerniak said there is "no single right use" for the property, which is considered an important entrance to the community.