The Christmas lights at Wilmette’s Plaza del Lago shopping center are going up again this year as plans are moving ahead to restore the outdoor shopping mall “to its former glory,” the new owner of the mall said.
“We are incredibly excited about immersing ourselves in the community and providing an incredible experience for our guests in the many years to come,” said Arielle Weston a representative for WS Development, the Massachusetts-based real estate developer that bought the 100,000 square foot shopping center in the in 2022.
“Our goal is to reinvigorate the center, restoring it to its former glory,” Weston added. “The subtle exterior building improvements we’re undertaking were absolutely designed with the existing architecture in mind. Our leasing strategy is always to bring best in class local brands and beloved nationals to provide the best experience possible for our guests.”
The company is working with the village as it moves forward on it plans. Wilmette’s Appearance Review Commission approved a WSD request to raise the roof of the iconic 40 foot high tower in the mall 27 inches during a Dec. 4 meeting, said Village Manager Michael Braiman.
He said the village is confident that WSD can follow through on its plan to attract “high end retailers” to the mall.
“Their track record across the country is incredibly impressive,” said Braiman. “We’re excited that they’re investing in our community. We’re looking forward to seeing what they roll out and the opportunities to revitalize Plaza del Lago.”
He called the plaza a “gem” in the community, acknowledging its importance to residents.
Plaza del Lago opened in the 1500 block of Sheridan Road in the 1920s. It features Spanish-style architecture, an ornate 40 foot tower and is home to a Jewel-Osco supermarket and other retail outlets. Although the mall’s Spanish style architecture has made it a sentimental favorite among residents it does not have any historical landmark protection.
“It’s a private property owner and as long as what they’re going to do meets the zoning in term of uses and types of stores, we can’t stop something from proceeding and we don’t necessarily want to. That’s not our role,” Braiman explained. “What we can do is make sure we remove any barriers that may be in place, that we help to facilitate whatever WS Development needs to move this project forward on their timeline.”
He said the village anticipates receiving permit requests from WDS for interior remodeling work by the end of the year and after that permits for the parking lot, landscaping and other site work. The bulk of construction will likely take in 2024 with new stores opening in Spring 2025, said Braiman.
“Looking at their portfolio and what they’ve accomplished across the country — this is what WS Development does,” he added. “They are in the field of outdoor shopping malls and shopping centers and restoring older such venues and revitalizing them. I’m excited. I’m bullish on what they’re going to do and I hope the community is too once we all fully understand that vision.”
Brian L. Cox is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
