Golf Mill Mall getting a face lift

The Village of Niles approved plans for the redevelopment of Golf Mill Mall.

The big picture : The North suburb is hoping the renovation will attract new shops, restaurants and stores to the dilapidated space.

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What they're saying: "The Golf Mill Town Center redevelopment project is a catalyst for a renaissance of the mall, the surrounding businesses and our village," Niles Mayor George D. Alpogianis said in a statement.

Driving the news: The village board unanimously approved the Sterling Organization's $440 million plan for the 80-acre parcel, which will be supported with funding generated through a tax increment financing district.

• It is the largest redevelopment project in the village's history.

The proposed Golf Mill Town Center. Rendering courtesy of Sterling Organization

By the numbers: The initial plan calls for 70% retail and entertainment space and 30% luxury housing. Future phases of the plan could bring in office buildings, a pedestrian walkway, an outdoor park and even a hotel.

Rendering of the proposed Golf Mill Town Center redevelopment. Courtesy of Sterling Organization

Context: When it opened in 1960, Golf Mill was an open-air mall that was one of the premier spots for North Shore and North suburban shoppers with its distinctive office tower and anchor stores like Sears, JCPenney, and Lord & Taylor.

Yes, but: Over the years, the mall's footprint has shrunk due to vacancies, and like many nearby malls, it's struggling to stay open.

The closed Sears at the Golf Mill Mall in January 2024. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

What's next: The project will take several years to complete. Construction is slated to begin in 2025 and will start with the demolition of vacant buildings. There will be limited access to the still-operating stores.