The property once occupied by Spring Hill Mall is set for potential transformation into a hub featuring new homes, retail, entertainment, and civic uses. Plans were recently presented to the West Dundee Village Board by Tim Scott, the village’s director of economic development. The presentation included input from Houseal Lavigne Associates, a Chicago-based urban planning and design firm.
Proposed Development Concepts
Two distinct concepts were introduced for the development of the site:
- Urban Village: Envisioned to have 778 residential units, this plan includes 320,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, 35,000 square feet of civic space, and 200 retail jobs. It also features 1,830 parking spaces, a maximum building height of five floors, and an estimated cost of $283 million.
- Mixed-Use Boulevard: This alternative proposes 1,326 residential units, 400,000 square feet of retail, and similarly sized civic space. It suggests 1,350 parking spaces with the same height limits and a higher estimated buildout cost of $449 million.
Data-driven modeling supports these visions to attract developers interested in pursuing specific projects. Sujan Shrestha from Houseal Lavigne emphasized aligning residential and retail development with existing structures, like the Cinemark movie theater and Jewel-Osco store.
Development Steps and Planning
The land near Carpentersville could extend naturally to adjacent areas, including the former Kohl’s location. An online microsite providing updates on this project is forthcoming. Houseal Lavigne is also creating a virtual application, allowing users to explore the planned developments.
“This is just the beginning of future development,” said Village President Chris Nelson, indicating upcoming public forums and discussions. Redevelopment completion might span over a decade.
The village contracted Houseal Lavigne for $124,970 in 2025 to aid mall site redevelopment. The mall, constructed in the 1980s, closed in March 2024 following its purchase by the village and Carpentersville. West Dundee spent approximately $6 million demolishing the site and managing associated costs.
Next Steps and Infrastructure Considerations
Future tasks include preparing essential documents aligning with village visions and expectations. The development process involves evaluating individual project proposals and progressing the design of a public safety center. Contrary to some beliefs, the public safety center will occupy only four of the 100 acres available for development.
Finalizing utility and roadway plans is crucial for adapting existing infrastructure, including water and sewer lines, to the new development’s layout and vision, according to Village Manager Joe Cavallaro.