Grayslake mall in holding pattern
Sluggish economic conditions are cited for a delay in the redevelopment of the Lake County fairgrounds property in Grayslake.
Village board trustees granted approval to construction of the planned 807,000-square-foot mall one year ago this week. The mall would feature major retailers and a pedestrian friendly "lifestyle center," with smaller shops and eateries on the old fairgrounds site at routes 45 and 120.
Even with the Lake County Fair committed to open at its new facility in Grayslake in 2009, Mayor Timothy Perry said the mall's developers have indicated construction won't begin soon. This year's fair concluded July 31.
"It's no surprise," Perry said Monday. "With the soft retail economy, it's not happening this year."
Tentatively dubbed The Fairgrounds at Grayslake, the plaza would have architecture reflecting the village's 113-year history with old-fashioned lampposts, cupolas and dormers. Excited residents visited village hall to review preliminary plans last year.
Perry said he doesn't expect the 112 acres at routes 45 and 120 to become a problem if the site isn't redeveloped for a while.
"Of course, the property is going to be maintained properly," Perry said. "It's not going to be an eyesore or anything."
Cleveland-based Developers Diversified Realty Corp. and SKW Capital Management of Deerfield are combining on the planned fairgrounds redevelopment. Developers Diversified's portfolio includes Deer Park Town Center on Rand Road.
Grayslake village Trustee Jeff Werfel said he's confident the developers are only encountering a minor bump in the road.
"They consider (the fairgrounds) one of their premium properties - one of a handful of great properties," Werfel said.
Plans still call for the Lake County Fair to operate next year from its new facility near Peterson and Midlothian roads, just east of Route 83.
Meanwhile, another major retail proposal has yet to gain traction in Lindenhurst. San Diego-based OliverMcMillan intends to construct the upscale Village Green on more than 200 acres along Route 45 north of Grand Avenue.
Original plans called for Village Green to open in spring 2009. Lindenhurst's advisory plan commission is expected to discuss Village Green's proposed landscaping and receive a project update Wednesday night.