Vernon Hills' former Tweeter store to get face lift

One of Vernon Hills' retail vacancies will get a face lift as part of a plan to be considered today by the village board.

At 8,000 square feet, the former Tweeter store at 700 E. Townline Road near Westfield Hawthorn shopping center is small, but became noticeable when it closed more than six months ago.

Circle H Vernon Hills, LLC, which owns the property, plans to renovate and divide the building into two spaces, double the size of the parking lot and improve the landscaping.

Representatives will present the idea to the village board during its work session, which follows the regular meeting at 7 p.m. at village hall, 290 Evergreen Drive.

According to information provided to the board, Verizon Wireless would be one tenant, and the other space is being marketed to several restaurant chains.

Building changes would add another entrance to the front of the structure, and garage doors at the rear would be closed up with brick. Staff has questioned the need to expand the lot to the extent proposed, but agrees with the plan overall.

"It's a good start for the building; the property has been pretty tired," said Assistant Village Manager John Kalmar. "They're going to make it more marketable."

Circuit City, Linens 'n Things, Wickes Furniture and EXPO Design Center are notable vacancies that remain in Vernon Hills, which generates more than $1 billion per year in sales and is known for its shopping centers.