The Biz Week That Was: More townhouses near Hawthorn mall, auto dealer seeking expansion, and federal energy conservation grants

Rental townhouses proposed as another aspect of Hawthorn 2.0 redevelopment

A new residential element is being proposed as part of the ongoing transformation of the Hawthorn mall property in Vernon Hills. Concept plans by Dallas-based mall owner Centennial Real Estate with project partners Focus Development and BSB Design call for 48 rental townhouses to be built in what is now a parking lot north of The Domaine luxury apartment complex and AMC Theatres, west of Perry’s Steakhouse and south of Ring Drive.

Motor Werks expansion debate moves to Barrington Village Board

A proposed expansion of the Barrington Motor Werks campus made its way before the village board Monday, as did neighbors complaining about the project. Motor Werks owner Mario Murgado wants to add a two-story, 110,000-square-foot, two-story building at the corner of Dundee Road and Grove Avenue for a Porsche dealership.

How Argonne, Fermilab will use federal energy conservation grants

Argonne, a research powerhouse in DuPage County, plans to make the 1980s-era building more energy efficient and reduce its carbon footprint with the help of federal dollars. The U.S. Department of Energy last month announced nearly $150 million in funding for dozens of energy conservation and clean energy projects at federal facilities, including Argonne and Fermilab.

With opening of Macy’s, Randhurst hoping for retail ‘rebirth’

Six years ago, Carson Pirie Scott left Randhurst Village, leaving a huge retail void at the Mount Prospect shopping center. On Saturday, shoppers once again enjoyed browsing department store shelves, racks and displays filled with clothing, perfume, shoes, handbags and more, as Macy’s celebrated its grand opening at Randhurst. The opening is part of a mounting comeback for the onetime anchor space at the shopping center.

‘We’re helping the community out’: Algonquin consignment store celebrates 20 years

Best Friend’s Consignment, at 3955 W. Algonquin Road, just west of Randall Road in Algonquin, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a store party last weekend, including food catered by China Bistro, raffles and sales. Throughout the store’s lifetime, owner Marianne Evans has seen the ups and downs of the resale industry while building a community along the way.

MT Barrels in Schaumburg closes again after 2018 reprieve

After bouncing back from a total shutdown in September 2018, MT Barrels Sports Bar & Entertainment in Schaumburg recently ended its extended life as a weekends-only venue. Owners posted the announcement on Facebook late last month.