CoStar: Owner of mall near Chicago plans to add 288 apartments
19 September 2025
Second residential phase gets approved at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, Illinois
Ryan Ori | CoStar
Developers have won zoning approval for a second residential phase of construction at a mall north of Chicago, clearing the way to add 288 apartments as part of a national trend.
A development team that includes Chicago-based Focus this week announced it is moving toward kicking off the new phase in the Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, Illinois, after the village board voted to support the project.
Similar plans have played out across the country in recent years as mall owners look to replace unwanted space such as former department stores and boost foot traffic with new residents and attractions such as restaurants and bars.
The Hawthorn Mall is owned by Dallas-based Centennial. The other partners in the project are Atlanta-based Atlantic Residential and San Antonio-based Affinius Capital.
Centennial, Focus and Atlantic also are partners on a similar project at the Fox Valley Mall in west suburban Aurora, one of several large malls in the Chicago area that have added or are planning to add apartments.
The plan in Vernon Hills was revised from a previous version unveiled in 2023 as construction of a 311-unit multifamily development phase at the mall neared completion.
“We are thrilled to have the support of the Village of Vernon Hills in our continued efforts at Hawthorn,” Focus CEO Tim Anderson said. “Our thoughtful design aims to further enhance the experience for tenants, visitors and community members alike. This expanded investment in the community reflects confidence in our shared goals and is built on the success of the first phase of development delivered in 2024.”
Under the revised plan, the developers will create 288 units, up from a previous 250, in a pair of four-story structures. The plan includes 58 units with below-market, affordable rents as well as 37,290 square feet of new ground-floor retail and two new public plazas.
Residential amenities will include a pool deck, fitness and yoga facility, lounge and game room, coworking spaces and small parks.