Village Board Asks About Outlet Mall Parking, Marketing Plans

Although New Lenox trustees seem excited about an outlet mall development that could come to New Lenox, officials got a chance Monday, June 6 to ask about a couple issues, including parking and the mall's title.

The board heard a first read of two ordinances that would rezone the area between Interstate 355 and Gougar Road for commercial development from its current agricultural use recognition. The outlet mall would be at the northwest corner across from Silver Cross Hospital's replacement campus.

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

A bike/pedestrian path crossing through the outlet mall, higher end restaurants, and a bank were among the proposals covered at Monday's special meeting. 

Part of the land will be zoned for multi-family residential units. According to developer Jeff Middlebrook, interested parties include age-restricted housing, age-up housing and a nursing home.

A few trustees voiced concern over parking being too small for SUVs or pick-ups, but Middlebrook's answer about the position of the park spaces included concerns from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Tollway.

"It all stems to a development off of Farnsworth Road in Rosemont," he said. "They have people parking on the tollway all the time, and the Illinois Tollway would rather have people park at the center than in the off ramps."

Why an Outlet Mall?

According to Middlebrook, outlet malls are the only sector of the retail economy that is growing.

"Since 2008, outlet malls have seen 20 percent increases in sales," he said. "Other ventures are seeing 30 to 40 percent decreases. These businesses are ready to go tomorrow."

Middlebrook, who previously worked with the firm that developed the Walmart area, added that had they waited to put that in another three or four months, it may have fallen through.

He estimates that they could break ground as early as fall, but realistically sees Spring 2012 and early 2013 as a grand opening date.

Mayor Tim Baldermann is excited about the potential revenue the new retail center will bring in through sales tax.

"They are excited, and we are excited about it," Baldermann said. "We're talking about a multi-million dollar deal and we ultimately have to do what is best for the people and tax payers of New Lenox.

"We're confident that we will meet the deadlines," he continued. "These deals will impact the community for decades, and we have to make sure we pay attention at the ground level."

"Spring Creek Outlets of Chicago"

Trustee Nancy Dye asked about the development's title including "Chicago" but not New Lenox, and Middlebrook's answer was to the point: marketing.

"Outlet's tenants do not market, outlets do," he said. "They want to have a regional, national, or even internationally recognized name associated with the project. They may not know where New Lenox is, and it's a lot easier to say Chicago."

Middlebrook noted Chicago Premium Outlets did the same thing in Aurora and is the principal owner of Gurnee Mills.