Daily Herald opinion: Bloomingdale taking bold steps to redevelop former mall site

The pace of transformation at the former Stratford Square Mall site in Bloomingdale into a new mixed-use development has been impressive.

Just two years ago, Stratford stood as a deserted eyesore at the southeast corner of Gary Avenue and Schick Road. By that point, the village had acquired the mall and was pursuing redevelopment of the sprawling site.

Officials moved quickly to demolish the mall. A massive project is now underway to turn the property into The Grove at Bloomingdale.

The Grove will be a pedestrian-friendly entertainment center featuring a mix of dining, shopping and residential offerings. There will also be public gathering spaces, including a scenic lake with water features and a central event lawn that converts into a seasonal ice rink.

On Saturday, several pieces of earth-moving equipment were visibly active at the site. Construction of the development’s first tenant, the Bloomingdale Yard, also appears to be on track. The 100,000-square-foot indoor sports and family recreation complex is expected to open in the first half of 2027.

Meanwhile, Bloomingdale last month announced the first five restaurants that will anchor The Grove.

In a story published Sept. 9, staff writer Rick West reported that new GIA MIA and Hacienda Real locations will be joined by a yet-to-be-named contemporary Greek restaurant and two imports from Boston — Game On! and Loretta’s Last Call.

Game On! is a sports entertainment experience. Loretta’s Last Call is a country music venue and bar featuring live music, line dancing and Southern-inspired cuisine.

Bloomingdale Village President Franco Coladipietro told West that all five restaurants are expected to open by the fourth quarter of 2027. He added that he believes they will provide a solid base for the development.

Next will come the construction of residential apartments, townhouses, and a building with spaces for retail and fast-casual eateries.

Coladipietro told West that the redevelopment of the former mall property is “really, really exciting” for the village.

“To see the transformation of this site is unbelievable,” Coladipietro said. “I mean, two, three years ago, the community had a million square feet of vacant space and underutilized land that used to be an economic engine.”

Bloomingdale officials initially tried for several years to work with the mall’s former owner to reinvigorate it. When those efforts were unsuccessful, they took the lead on redeveloping the property.

And it’s a good thing they did.

Instead of having a dead mall, Bloomingdale has a site brimming with potential. It could someday become the town center that the village lacks.

“We have this opportunity to create something special there,” Coladipietro said.

So far, the village has taken bold steps to redevelop the former mall property. We look forward to seeing it all come together.