A New Community Hub Rises from the Ashes of Stratford Square Mall
The village of Bloomingdale is embarking on a $78 million project to transform the old Stratford Square Mall into a vibrant mixed-use district called The Grove.
A Community Revitalization Project
The Grove aims to revive the community spirit that the mall once had. The project will feature:
- Restaurants
- Entertainment options
- Housing
- A man-made lake
- An event lawn
Inspired by Successful Redevelopments
The Grove is part of a larger trend in the Chicago area, where old malls are being redeveloped into new community spaces. Bloomingdale drew inspiration from:
- Niles' Golf Mill Shopping Center
- Aurora's Fox Valley Mall
- Successful projects in other states
First Tenant Announced: Bloomingdale Yard
The first tenant announced for The Grove is Bloomingdale Yard, an indoor sports and family recreation center. This was a top request from residents during public engagement in 2022.
Features of Bloomingdale Yard:
- Sports leagues
- Training facilities
- Child care services
Timeline:
- Expected to break ground this spring
- Scheduled to open in 2027
- Attracting an estimated 260,000 annual visitors
Future Plans and Development
The village is in talks with other potential tenants and hopes to make more announcements in the spring. The Grove is envisioned as the village's entertainment district, featuring:
- Green spaces
- Event areas for concerts and farmers markets
Construction Timeline:
- Utility infrastructure has already begun
- The rest of the project is set to start late spring or early summer
Partnerships and Goals
The Grove is being developed in partnership with several companies, including:
- Segovia Partners
- Gravity Architecture & Design
The goal is to create a space that complements the community and brings people together again.
