Developers behind the $252 million transformation of Hawthorn Mall are seeking Vernon Hills’ approval for additional apartments and retail, underscoring both the strength of the local market and the broader push for walkable, mixed-use communities in Lake County.
Focus Development, working alongside mall owner Centennial Real Estate, is proposing changes to Phase Two of the project at 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. The new plan increases the number of apartments from 255 to 290, reconfigures retail, and adds a direct connection to the busy intersection of Route 21 (Milwaukee Avenue) and Townline Road (Route 60). The updated design will deliver two main buildings joined by a pedestrian bridge, with up to 37,300 square feet of retail.
Instead of one large three-acre central plaza, developers plan to create several “activity nodes” at key entry points, offering more intimate gathering areas that still promote community interaction. Andrew Jennings, community development director for Vernon Hills, said the modifications are expected to “improve connectivity and usability for residents and visitors.”
Vernon Hills: A Magnet for Mixed-Use Redevelopment
The push for more apartments reflects Vernon Hills’ reputation as one of the most desirable suburban markets in Lake County. With strong schools, excellent highway access, and a robust retail corridor anchored by Hawthorn Mall, Vernon Hills has attracted both families and professionals seeking a blend of convenience and lifestyle.
For developers, the demand for residential within walkable retail environments has only grown. The addition of nearly 600 apartments across both phases of the Hawthorn redevelopment signals confidence that people want to live directly where they shop and dine. By situating housing alongside restaurants such as Yard House and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, residents gain an urban-style experience in a suburban setting.
This trend isn’t limited to Vernon Hills. Across south Lake County, from Lincolnshire to Buffalo Grove, developers are leaning into commercial real estate conversion strategies that blend housing with commercial uses. Former single-use retail parcels are being reimagined as vibrant mixed-use centers, drawing interest from both institutional investors and residents who prefer walkable destinations over isolated strip centers.
A Broader Shift in Commercial Real Estate
For decades, Hawthorn Mall was a traditional, car-centric shopping hub. Its transformation into a live-work-play community illustrates how commercial real estate is adapting to consumer preferences. The emphasis on adding apartments not only provides a built-in customer base for retailers but also stabilizes the asset against the volatility of retail cycles.
Commercial real estate brokers active in Vernon Hills point out that residential-over-retail developments typically achieve stronger long-term rent growth. They create built-in demand for storefronts, reduce retail vacancy, and allow landlords to command premium apartment rents by offering amenities just steps away.
Looking Ahead
Phase One of the redevelopment, The Domaine at Hawthorn Row, already set the tone with 311 apartments across four mixed-use buildings. Now, with Phase Two pushing residential totals higher, Vernon Hills is cementing its place as a leader in suburban redevelopment.
As Hawthorn Mall reshapes, the project stands as a case study in how suburban communities can adapt aging assets to meet modern preferences. For Vernon Hills and its neighbors in south Lake County, the momentum signals continued desirability, not just as a place to shop, but as a place to live, gather, and invest.