Rendering of Sawmill Station, Morton Grove, IL

MORTON GROVE, IL—Oak Brook-based Kensington Development Partners and IM Properties have received unanimous approval from the Plan Commission of the Village of Morton Grove, one of several recent and significant milestones in the developers' plans for a redevelopment of the retail center formerly known as Prairie View Plaza.

In addition to the Plan Commission approval last week, Kensington Development and IM Properties revealed a roster of new tenants, plans for a multifamily component and a new name for the 26-acre property, Sawmill Station, located at the southeast quadrant of Dempster Street and Waukegan Road.

To demonstrate the potential that is being realized for the 26-acre site, John Schoditsch, principal, Kensington Development Partners, says the joint venture is in varying stages of lease negotiations with Flix Brewhouse theater and brewery, Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Kohl's Department Store, LA Fitness Signature Club, a grocery store and other tenants.

Combined, these tenants would take a significant portion of the projected 240,000 square feet in newly developed retail space.

“We are excited by the fast progress being made and the collaboration that has existed in bringing Morton Grove the lifestyle center and gathering place it has envisioned,” Schoditsch says. “The fast progress speaks to the common vision and aggressiveness of the team along with the retail market's appetite for a well-conceived project like Sawmill Station.”

In addition to the previously mentioned tenants, the redevelopment will include more retail spaces as well as the future development of a 240-unit multifamily project overlooking the forest preserve on the eastern portion of the property. Together these spaces will create a modern shopping, dining and entertainment location for Morton Grove and surrounding area residents.

The new name and identity for the center, Sawmill Station, pays tribute to area's historic Miller's Mill, the first water-powered saw mill that was erected by John Miller in 1841.

The developers also have received permits necessary for the various demolition elements that have taken place and/or are in progress. Earlier this year the former Dominicks space and others were torn down to pave the way for future vertical construction.

Specific development timelines have not yet been announced, but Kensington Development, IM Partners and the Village of Morton Grove are working collaboratively with an eye toward retailer openings in 2020.

Last September, Kensington Development Partners and IM Properties acquired the 26-acre, 310,000-square-foot Prairie View Plaza. The property's location features strong demographics. The population is 149,524 within three miles and 391,867 within five miles. Average household income is $97,860 and $107,902 within three and five miles, respectively. Traffic counts along Dempster Street are 44,500 vehicles per day (VPD); along Waukegan Road the VPD count is 25,600.

Instant Insights /

Redevelopment of Prairie View Retail Center Greenlighted in Morton Grove, IL

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