Raising the retail shopping bar in Naperville
With an environmentally friendly design, bike paths and park-like open space, the new Springbrook Prairie Pavilion retail center is aiming to bring a whole new caliber of shopping to Naperville.
Opening this summer, the 270,000-square-foot center at 75th Street and Fort Hill Drive just east of Route 59 will include Road Runner Sports, Whole Foods Market and Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar along with other shops, banks and a spa.
"We saw the opportunity to create a new slate of retail in Naperville and to do something special and do something unique and to raise the bar of retail development within the community," said Robert Bond, president of Bond Companies of Chicago.
Bond Companies is developing the center along with MDC Properties of Hinsdale.
Construction on the project began in June 2007 and developers are pursuing LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The retail center will have native plantings, permeable pavers that control water run-off, best management practices in terms of its water system, reflective roofs that help control energy costs and more.
In addition to retail, the center also will have a park-like open space in the center, which Bond hopes will keep cars from speeding through the parking lot and also provide an area for concerts, farmers markets and other events.
Its bike paths and sidewalks will lead to the nearby Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, offering alternate modes of transportation to the center.
Besides, some shoppers might just be leaving with new shoes they want to try out.
California-based Road Runner Sports will be the first store to open its doors later this week. The shop offers a wide variety of running shoes, apparel and other gear.
The new location also will include the store's Shoe Dog system, which uses a treadmill and computer analysis to help customers find the best-fitting running shoes.
"We offer the expertise and feel of small mom-and-pop store but have the selection of bigger stores," said Tara Sterger, senior retail marketing manager. "It's knowledge and passion for running that makes us a place to come to."
She said the store also plans to get involved with local running clubs and high school running programs.
Springbrook Prairie Pavilion also will be the home of the latest Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, one of the top 10 fastest-growing restaurant chains in America. Opening June 20, the sports-themed restaurant is best known for the 14 signature sauces available on its chicken wings.
People looking for more natural and organic food options can take advantage of the new Whole Foods Market, which opens its 50,000-square-foot store July 16.
Kate Klotz, a spokeswoman for Whole Foods, said it will be tailored to the needs of Naperville shoppers.
"Every Whole Foods Market is different, and one reason it takes so long to open a store is we do extensive research in the community to find out what's going to be most successful," she said.
Klotz said the store will include products from its private brand, 365, which keeps costs low for its customers. It also will focus on "grab and go" items to make mealtime easier for families.
Like Road Runner, Whole Foods plans to get involved in the community. Shoppers who reuse their own bags can receive 10 cents per bag, which they have the option of donating back to the store to give to a local nonprofit group. Once a quarter, the store also will donate 5 percent of a day's sales to an area charity.
Other businesses opening later this year in the Springbrook Prairie Pavilion include Loehmann's, Cost Plus World Market, Nordstrom Rack, Bank of America, Chase Bank, Home Goods, Relax the Back and Charles Ifergan salon.