CHICAGO—The retail group of Englewood Construction recently completed an interior build-out for Chicago Cruise Lines and has also begun work on two new projects, including an American Girl Store in Orlando, FL.
“As consumers gain confidence and the economy continues to improve, we have seen a willingness for retailers to take on ground-up developments and substantial expansions,” said William Di Santo, president of Lemont, IL-based Englewood. “There is a lot of pent-up demand in the market and healthy retailers are finding this is the right time to embark on new projects.”
Englewood will build American Girl, a retailer of children's dolls and accessories, a new 15,000-square-foot store by expanding the 1.8-million-square-foot Florida Mall, the largest mall in Central Florida. The architect for the project is Morristown, NJ-based Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
“The partnership between American Girl and Englewood continues to flourish as we expand the brand to new markets,” said Di Santo. “Working with a client across multiple projects and markets helps build trust and familiarity. This is our ninth development with American Girl and we always find that the process seems to improve with each new development.”
In the Chicago area, Englewood has begun work on a new store for Goodwill in the southwest suburbs and completed an interior build-out for Chicago Line Cruises in the redevelopment of the former River East Art Center in downtown Chicago.
Goodwill will get a 17,000-square-foot store at Airport Rd. and Weber Rd. in suburban Romeoville. Goodwill offers donated clothing and inexpensive household items.
“There is an interesting dichotomy that we are seeing in the retail market in regards to new development today,” said Di Santo. “Luxury retailers, such as American Girl, and discount retailers like Goodwill have an established niche that remains strong. We think the high-end and discount retailers will continue to thrive in the coming years.”
Englewood is partnering with Milwaukee-based Berengaria Development for the project. Wheaton, IL-based Webster, McGrath & Ahlberg, Ltd. is the architect.
At the former River East Arts Center in downtown Chicago, Englewood is conducting a build-out and renovation for Chicago Line Cruises. Located at 505 E. Illinois St., the 109-year-old center is undergoing a massive renovation of interior space. “This building is located in the heart of one of Chicago's great tourist locations and this project will help revitalize it for decades to come,” said Di Santo.
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