Lego pro bringing 'first-of-its-kind' business to Woodfield
A new business described as "a first-of-its-kind experiential concept" blending a museum, high-tech interactive adventure and retail store is coming to Woodfield Mall in May, officials announced Tuesday.
Blocks to Bricks, the brainchild of Arlington Heights native Adam Reed Tucker, will highlight nearly 150 years of construction toys, with more than 6,000 rare and unique artifacts, including an original Lincoln Log set created by the son of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The business will operate out of a 13,000-square-foot space on the middle-level mezzanine, overlooking the mall's Grand Court. It will include 13 walk-through zones, tracing the evolution of creative materials from stone through wood, metal, paper and plastic.
The largest section is dedicated to Legos and will feature oversized creations by Tucker and other Lego artists, a black-light room, and a display of every Lego piece and minifigure ever made.
"If Willy Wonka made toys instead of candy, I expect this is what his factory would have looked like," Tucker said in an announcement of the new mall tenant. "I wanted to create an environment in which visitors of all ages could embrace their personal passion for design and creativity. For some, Blocks to Bricks will be a stroll down memory lane; for others, the inspiration to become the builders of tomorrow."
Tucker is one of only 16 Lego Certified Professionals in the world, and his Brick by Brick exhibit had an extended two-year stay at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Visitors to Blocks to Bricks also will be able to watch Lego artisans at work in their model shop or meet with Tucker behind the vaulted door of his private, on-site design studio.
The retail store will offer items not available anywhere else in the area, including brand-exclusive and one-of-a-kind pieces, vintage sets and limited editions, officials said. Patrons will be able to make Lego creations and take them home at a per-ounce price.
"We're delighted Adam and his team chose Woodfield Mall as the site for this exciting undertaking," mall General Manager Kurt Webb said in a news release.
Mall officials also announced Tuesday that ASHA SalonSpa is moving from its current location on Martingale Road in Schaumburg to a 7,952-square-foot space in the lower level Sears wing, underneath the dining pavilion scheduled to open this summer. The salon will have its own exterior entrance.