Revised townhouse plan pitched as part of Hawthorn mall campus redevelopment

Vernon Hills officials will consider a revised plan for townhouses as part the ongoing redevelopment of the Hawthorn mall property.

Dallas-based mall owner Centennial Real Estate with Focus Development and BSB Design are proposing 46 townhouses in a parking area north of The Domaine luxury apartments and west of Perry’s Steakhouse.

The initial concept for 48 units received unofficial approval to proceed when initially presented in late 2024. It since has undergone a detailed staff review and been revised following a public hearing by the advisory planning and zoning commission.

As proposed, the rental townhouses would be three-bedroom, two-bath units with garages opening toward a rear motor court. The larger space would be an alternative close to shopping and restaurants, developers say.

The Domaine, comprising 311-units in two, 4-story buildings on the east side of the mall was completed and fully leased in 2024. The second phase of redevelopment on the mall property includes 282 apartments scheduled to start this year and be completed by 2028.

Developers say there is demand for larger units from people who are downsizing from owner-occupied homes and prefer a style similar to a single-family home.

The townhouses are designed to complement the materials, colors and themes of The Domaine, according to village material. As planned, they would be managed by the same property manager as The Domaine and residents would have access to amenities there.

Campus parking impacts, configuration of one of the buildings, and pedestrian connectivity were among the questions raised by the advisory committee. The public hearing was continued to allow the issues to be addressed and the proposal was recommended for approval 4-2 with conditions.

Originally, construction of a new parking lot was suggested when the area west of Perry’s became unavailable. However, that requirement could be waived depending the success of new way-finding signage and designated employee/valet parking.

Also, re-working the western building resolved a hazardous traffic condition and visual character issue related to the garage doors opening onto the main drive aisle exiting the theater lot, said Andrew Jennings, community development director.

Conditions also call for measures to address relief from building codes as well as shared access and maintenance, for example, if ownership of individual townhouses is allowed.

Revised plans will be presented Tuesday to the village board for feedback and used to prepare an ordinance for an official vote at a future meeting.