Westfield Old Orchard’s planned redevelopment includes apartments, retail, event spaces
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is partnering with Focus to bring new residences, eateries, wellness facilities, and outdoor amenities to the North Shore’s top lifestyle destination.
Focus is the co-developer for the first phase of the transformation of Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie.
Anticipated to break ground in 2025 and slated to open in early 2027, the first phase will include construction of about 400 luxury apartment homes and street-level retail.
There also will be a park and event space designed as the center’s focal point, where local events, concerts, farmers markets and festivals can take place.
When complete, the new residences, eateries, wellness facilities, and outdoor amenities will create a North Shore destination unlike anything else in the Chicago area.
“We look forward to working with Focus, a premier developer in Chicagoland, to further enhance one of the most desirable destinations on the North Shore,” said Geoff Mason, executive vice president of U.S. development, design & operating management for URW.
“Focus’ local market knowledge, commitment to sustainability and DE&I initiatives, and shared vision for the future of Old Orchard make them an ideal partner to help curate what will be the preeminent mixed-use destination for residents, workers, and the wider community. Together, we’ll create what will become the residential, commercial, and cultural heart of Skokie.”
Sustainability will be central to the development. Innovative, sustainable building strategies that incorporate renewable energy, natural materials, biophilic design, and biodiversity will be introduced.
“We are thrilled to be partnered with URW on the transformation of Old Orchard,” said Tim Anderson, CEO and founder of Focus. “As a Chicago-based company, many of our team members, myself included, have a long history at Old Orchard and personally understand the vital role it plays in the community. We share in a vision with URW for a more sustainable and dynamic future for the Old Orchard center. Through thoughtful design and careful consideration of the needs of the community, we plan to create an authentic live, work, play experience for the community of Skokie.”
The multi-faceted vision for Westfield Old Orchard took shape in 2018 when URW acquired the former Lord & Taylor space.
The transformed space soon will be home to artisan-crafted, sustainably sourced home furnishings brand Arhaus, high-tech mini golf and social experience Puttshack, and top fashion brand ZARA.
Old Orchard also is modernizing the existing shopping center with dramatic enhancements to the common areas, as well as opening a slate of new restaurants, health and wellness amenities, and retailers — Bloomies, Bloomingdale’s curated shopping concept, local dining favorites Bar Siena and Hampton Social, and top luxury and fashion brands Louis Vuitton, Alo Yoga, and Vuori.
JLL, a global commercial real estate and investment management company, assisted URW in selecting Focus as co-developer of Westfield Old Orchard. More detailed plans for the development will be unveiled later this year.