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Chicago suburb is taking a bold approach to revitalize a long-abandoned mall. The village of Bloomingdale plans to transform the former Stratford Square Mall into a vibrant mixed-use development called The Grove. Renderings of the project, unveiled by village president Franco Coladipietro, envision a 275-acre site with apartments, retail space, lakeside restaurants, and public amenities like illuminated fountains and an oval-shaped lawn for concerts.

    The redevelopment plan retains the Kohl's store, one of the few remaining businesses at the mall. The village has invested $17 million to purchase the property and will spend another $4.7 million on demolition costs, with work expected to begin next month. Coladipietro believes it was necessary to take control of the site to prevent its decline from continuing.

    The conceptual plan incorporates the mall's original columns into a series of fountains, preserving a piece of history while embracing modern design. "We're not in the business of purchasing property," Coladipietro said, "but if we didn't do anything, five years from now, it would be in the exact same position." The village aims to create a new hub for community activity and memories, replacing the nostalgia of the old mall with fresh experiences.