Editorial: New proposal could renew hopes for upgrading mall property

The demise of Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles has been well documented.

A once-promising mall on the city's east side, Charlestowne never recovered from a slow but steady loss of tenants.

When the mall's owner - Krausz Companies Inc. - closed the interior of the mall for good in December 2017, only two anchor stores and a movie theater remained.

While we know the story of what happened to Charlestowne, we were left wondering what comes next for the property.

Krausz initially talked about redeveloping the site and even renamed it The Quad. However, nothing happened for years.

Then came the announcement this month that a developer has submitted plans to redevelop the property.

City officials said S.R. Jacobson Development Corp. and Lormax Stern Development Co. LLC are planning to purchase the property from Krausz.

Concept plans show a multiuse development that would require demolishing much of the mall structure.

But two remaining anchors - Von Maur and Classic Cinemas Charlestowne 18 - would stay where they are.

A Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant and a Starbucks/Verizon building would remain along Main Street.

Roughly 40,000 square feet of new commercial development also would be added along Main. In addition, there would be a spot for a proposed 135-room hotel.

Plans also include a residential component.

The developer wants to construct 324 garden apartments in three-story buildings on the east end of the property and approximately 208 townhouses on the north end.

Residents in those buildings would share a centrally located community center with a pool and other amenities.

The project is expected to be reviewed by the plan commission and the city council's planning and development committee in October.

Time will tell if this proposal is what St. Charles officials want for the city's eastern gateway.

But for those of us who have fond memories of what Charlestowne used to be, it's a relief to see that something is finally happening.

For whatever reason, the mall's owner was not able to follow through on its promise of a major facelift. Hopefully, a new developer with a new plan can make a difference and breathe new life into that property.

Because right now, Charlestowne is a reminder of what's been lost. A beautiful city like St. Charles deserves better than that.