Outlet Mall Development Clears First Hurdle

Pending some tweaks and upgrades to its plans, an outlet mall development seems primed to come to New Lenox.

Spring Creek Outlets would be the main component of a mixed-used development proposed by Center Creek Development, LLC. The development, which had , could also include hotels, senior housing and restaurants.

Besides some smaller concerns regarding architecture and landscaping, the developers got the recommended approval from the village's Plan Commission on Tuesday night.

"This will be a destination development," Commission Chairman Mark Muehlnickel said. "This is a strong project for the village and an asset for the surrounding area."

The mall would be north of the Silver Cross Hospital replacement campus, across from Route 6 and near Interstate-355. That makes it a desired spot for new businesses that will benefit from increased traffic through the area.

"We've had a significant amount of interest from hotels, from restaurants," developer Jeff Middlebrook said. "There's real synergystic opportunities (for people visiting or working at the hospital)."

The mall would be built in three phases, with construction possibly starting this fall and the first phase opening in fall 2012. Besides the mall, there are 14 lots planned that would include fast food and sit-down restaurants, as well as two hotels: a select service hotel and an extended stay.

Middlebrook said he's committed to working with the community and the area to provide the best service. That includes maintaing the nearby wetlands and using a bridge so not to harm them, as well as possibly providing a shuttle service to and from the hospital.

Village Planner Jeff Smith said the Village Board could discuss the plans at its May 16 meeting if the developers address other concerns, including the size of signs, enhanced buffers along Route 6, plans to incorporate a bike trail and a set construction schedule.