Developer pitching lifestyle mall for Yorkville

Download Countryside Center Site Plan

November 17, 2007
By Rowena Vergara Staff Writer

YORKVILLE -- A development company that was expected to bring big-box stores to the former Countryside Center now hopes upscale women's retailers, restaurants and walkable shops will revive the once-popular shopping spot.

Tri-Land Properties Inc. presented a concept plan to Yorkville Plan Commission members this week that calls for clothing boutiques, office space, a possible bookstore and a food store, all in an outdoor shopping center format. It would be located at Routes 34 and 47, where Countryside Center stood from 1972 to 2006.

Tri-Land President Richard Dube said his company is in talks with national retailers like Barnes and Noble, Borders and natural food store Trader Joe's, but no tenants are confirmed.

Similar to other outdoor suburban malls like Geneva Commons or Wheaton Town Square, Countryside Center will include water fountains, resting places and street lamps. A water fountain or structure surrounded by a traffic circle will serve as the shopping center's gateway.

This is the second proposal from Tri-Land since it acquired the ailing mall in April 2005 and contracted with the city to redevelop it. The success of a shopping center one mile west called Kendall Marketplace is what stalled Tri-Land's plans to bring big-box stores because both projects aimed to attract major anchor retailers.

Kendall Marketplace, now home to Kohl's, will soon welcome Home Depot and Target.

Plan Commission members raved about Tri-Land's new plans, and some believe the project would have changed the direction of development in Yorkville had it been introduced six years ago.

"It will contrast to what's going on further west, and it will give residents a choice," said Plan Commission member Tom Lindblom.

In all, the project's concept plan includes 121,000 square feet of retail, 41,100 square feet of office space, 15,300 square feet of restaurant space and, if possible, a 96,700-square-foot four-story hotel with 107 suites.

Dube cautioned members that securing a hotel could be the most difficult part of the project.

"The city of Yorkville doesn't quite meet the criteria for office space to bring a hotel," he said.

rvergara@scn1.com