journey fox valley mall

Fox Valley Mall: A Timeless Shopping Experience in Aurora, IL

Discovering fox valley mall: a jewel in aurora’s crown, unveiling the mall’s beginnings, architectural splendor and initial allure, anchoring the retail experience, fox valley mall’s evolving landscape, the passage of ownership and identity, how many questions would you like, a timeline of structural and retail evolution, responding to retail’s dynamic environment, retail diversity at fox valley mall, anchoring aurora with big names, a melting pot of stores and experiences, the evolution of retail mix, the early years (1975-1996), the westfield era (2002-2015), centennial real estate ownership (2015-present), a trip down memory lane: closed or demolished anchors, fox valley mall: a future-forward transformation, the journey towards modernization, the addition of residential spaces, cultivating a community-centric experience, the community and economic tapestry of fox valley mall, a catalyst for local development, a hub for employment and economic activity, adapting to economic trends and community needs, reflecting on fox valley mall’s journey and future, the evolution of a shopping landmark, a center of community and commerce, looking ahead with optimism.

Fox Valley Mall , a prominent shopping destination in Aurora, Illinois , presents a fascinating tale of evolution and resilience.

Opened in 1975, it was developed by Metropolitan Structures, Inc. and Westbrook Venture, marking a significant moment in Aurora’s retail history.

From its early days, the mall was a modern shopping haven designed to cater to the community’s diverse needs.

Its unique blend of stores, entertainment options, and architectural marvels quickly became the city’s commercial and social life centerpiece.

Right from the start, Fox Valley Mall was not just about shopping; it was an experience.

Its architectural design was a marvel, featuring two levels of retail space with a partial basement, home to around 150 stores and services.

The mall was adorned with amenities like an animated water fountain and a distinctive children’s play area, including a Luckey Climber, enhancing the shopping experience with wonder and excitement.

Anchors play a crucial role in the life of a mall, and Fox Valley Mall was no exception.

From its inception, major department stores like Sears, JCPenney, and Marshall Fields (later Macy’s) became key attractions, drawing in crowds and contributing to the mall’s reputation as a premier shopping destination.

These anchor stores have been more than just retail spaces; they’ve been landmarks within the community, representing stability and continuity amidst the ever-changing retail landscape.

Fox Valley Mall , since its inception, has witnessed a dynamic journey in terms of ownership and identity. Originally a brainchild of Metropolitan Structures, Inc., the mall became a part of the Westfield Group’s portfolio in the early 2000s.

This acquisition marked a new era, with the mall being renamed “Westfield Shoppingtown Fox Valley.”

However, this name was short-lived, as by 2005, “Shoppingtown” was dropped, simplifying it to Westfield Fox Valley.

These changes in ownership and name reflected the retail industry’s evolving nature and the mall’s adaptability to these changes.

Throughout the years, Fox Valley Mall has adapted its structure and retail offerings to keep pace with the changing demands of shoppers.

Notably, in 2015, a significant shift occurred when Westfield Group sold an 80% interest in the mall to Centennial Real Estate, signaling a new phase in its history.

This change coincided with a broader trend in the retail sector, where traditional malls were reimagining themselves to stay relevant in an increasingly digital and experience-driven market.

Fox Valley Mall has continuously updated its tenant mix and internal structure in response to the evolving retail landscape.

The mall’s ability to adapt has been key to its endurance, particularly in an era where many traditional malls face challenges.

This adaptability is about surviving and thriving by staying ahead of trends, redefining the shopping experience, and meeting the modern consumer’s expectations.

Standing tall in Aurora, Illinois , Fox Valley Mall has always been anchored by big names in the retail industry.

JCPenney and Macy’s have been the mainstays, offering a wide range of products from fashion to home goods.

These anchors have not just been stores; they have been the cornerstones of the mall, drawing shoppers from all over the region and contributing significantly to the mall’s appeal and success.

Apart from its anchor stores, Fox Valley Mall boasts an impressive roster of various retailers and dining options.

Stores like H&M and Forever 21 cater to fashion-forward shoppers, while Round One Entertainment offers a blend of gaming, bowling, and karaoke for family fun.

Fox Valley Mall is a beacon of diversity, offering more than mere shopping. It’s a melting pot where a kaleidoscope of tastes and interests unite, fostering a lively and welcoming environment.

Over the years, Fox Valley Mall has continually evolved its retail mix to keep up with changing consumer trends.

The introduction of newer, trendier brands alongside traditional favorites shows the mall’s commitment to offering a diverse, contemporary shopping experience.

This adaptability in its retail offerings reflects the mall’s understanding of the importance of evolving with the times and the tastes of its patrons.

• Opened in 1975, with Sears and Marshall Field’s as the first anchor tenants.
• JCPenney, Lord & Taylor, and over 150 other shops and services soon followed.
• In 1996, Lord & Taylor closed its doors, and Carson Pirie Scott (also known as Carson’s) acquired the space.
• Westfield Group acquired the mall in 2002 and renamed it “Westfield Shoppingtown Fox Valley.”
• Dropped “Shoppingtown” from the name in June 2005.
• Removed gardens and plants throughout the mall.
• Signs and logos changed to Westfield’s standard mall branding.
• Centennial Real Estate purchased 80% interest in the mall in 2015
• Signs bearing the “Westfield” name were replaced by those displaying “Fox Valley Mall.”
• Opened in 1975
• Converted to Macy’s in 2006
• Closed in 2018
• Building was demolished
• Closed in 1996
• Converted to Carson’s
• Opened in 1997

Fox Valley Mall has embarked on a significant transformation journey, aligning itself with the new era of retail.

This shift is not merely about refurbishing the physical space but about reimagining the mall’s role in the community.

Introducing immersive art installations and innovative placemaking strategies, like the iconic Center Park, exemplifies this new direction.

These enhancements are part of a larger vision to make the mall a more engaging and personal space for the community.

A major aspect of this transformation is the addition of residential spaces within the mall’s premises. The plan includes luxurious apartments and a senior living center.

Construction began in early 2023, with completion anticipated by late 2024.

This multi-faceted development, comprising studio, one, and two-bedroom units, and a senior living center offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, signifies a shift towards a mixed-use space beyond traditional shopping.

The mall’s redevelopment plans aim to create a vibrant, intergenerational, live-work-play community.

With amenities like a private courtyard, swimming pool, and fitness room for the apartments and features like a cocktail lounge and gourmet dining venues in the senior living center, Fox Valley Mall is evolving into a hub of community life.

This approach reflects a forward-thinking strategy, blending retail, residential, and recreational elements to meet the diverse needs of Aurora’s residents.

Fox Valley Mall, throughout its existence, has played a pivotal role in shaping Aurora, Illinois’s economic and social fabric.

The mall’s presence has spurred local development, attracting shoppers and creating a bustling commercial hub.

This has increased business opportunities, enhanced property values, and a more vibrant community.

The influence of Fox Valley Mall radiates outward, significantly boosting growth and well-being in the neighboring communities.

The mall’s diverse stores, services, and entertainment options have made it a significant regional employer.

From retail jobs to roles in hospitality and management, Fox Valley Mall has been instrumental in creating a wide spectrum of employment opportunities.

This has supported local families and contributed to Aurora’s overall economic health. The employment opportunities created by the mall exemplify its role as a cornerstone of the local economy.

In recent years, Fox Valley Mall has adapted to changing economic trends and community needs.

The planned residential developments, including luxury apartments and a senior living center, represent a shift towards a more integrated approach to community building.

By transforming into a mixed-use space, the mall is poised to become an even more significant contributor to the local economy, meeting the evolving needs of Aurora’s residents and fostering a sense of community.

Concluding our journey through Fox Valley Mall reveals its essence as a retail space and a dynamic, evolving entity that has continuously reshaped itself over the years.

Starting as a traditional shopping center in 1975, it has transformed into a modern, mixed-use space that resonates with the community’s changing needs.

The mall’s ability to evolve, from its architectural design to its tenant mix, reflects a keen understanding of the retail landscape and consumer preferences.

Fox Valley Mall is a testament to the enduring appeal of physical retail spaces in an increasingly digital world. Its journey from a simple shopping destination to a community-centric hub highlights the importance of malls in fostering social connections and supporting local economies. The integration of residential spaces and the focus on creating a multi-faceted experience for visitors point towards a future where malls are not just for shopping but for living, working, and enjoying leisure time.

As Fox Valley Mall steps into the future, it carries a legacy of adaptation and resilience. The challenges of the retail industry are many, but the mall’s proactive approach to embracing change, diversifying its offerings, and focusing on community engagement positions it well to navigate these challenges. With its eyes set on the horizon, Fox Valley Mall is poised to remain a beloved and vital part of Aurora, Illinois, continuing to serve and evolve with its community.

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Fox Valley Mall Unveils Plans for a Second Luxury Apartment Community and a Senior Living Center

Shopping Center to Add Over 500 Additional Units as Transformative Redevelopment Continues

AURORA, Ill. – September 21, 2022 – Fox Valley Mall, a three-story shopping center serving generations of Aurora/Naperville-area visitors ( www.shopfoxvalleymall.com ), has received approval for a 300+-unit luxury apartment community as well as a 200+-unit senior living center as the transformative redevelopment of the shopping center continues. Fox Valley expects to break ground on both the luxury apartment community and the senior living center in early 2023, with each expected to open in late 2024. Earlier this year, the center also announced the addition of a new green space expected to open this month.

“Centennial is well known for its creativity and its vision for the future of retail real estate,” says Whitney Livingston, President and COO for Centennial, the shopping center’s owner. “The changes we are implementing at Fox Valley will create tremendous value for the center, the residents in the surrounding Aurora and Naperville communities, and for those people who choose to call Fox Valley their home. Together with our investors and team of talented employees and partners, we are transforming Fox Valley into a live-work-play destination that will be unrivaled in its market.”

“Fox Valley is undergoing an incredible redevelopment, changing how people interact with the shopping center in dramatic and imaginative ways. We began this journey with amazing works of art , a series of immersive placemaking strategies such as the center’s iconic Center Park , and enhanced loyalty programs like MyPerks,” says Scott Samson, Senior General Manager for the shopping center. “Today, as we unveil plans for our new luxury apartments and senior living center, we take the next step in transforming Fox Valley into a dynamic, very personal experience that embodies the very wants and needs our community has asked us to deliver, and we’re just getting started with so much more to come.”

he new apartments will be the second luxury apartment community addition to Fox Valley and will offer an elevated experience for tenants. The four-story, 323-unit building will include a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom units and will offer multiple amenity spaces, outdoor gathering areas, and access to neighborhood amenities. Partners Focus and Atlantic Residential will lead the multifamily redevelopment efforts. This is the second phase of luxury apartments added to Fox Valley as part of the redevelopment of the mall. Learn more about the first phase, Lumen at Fox Valley.

Luxury Apartments

• Four-story building with 323 luxury apartments.
• Dwellings include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units ranging in size from 550 square feet to 1,500 square feet.
• Each unit will have a balcony or patio.
• The development will have an entertainment area and fitness room.
• A private courtyard in the center of the building will include a swimming pool with pavilions and grills.
• The development will wrap around a multi-story parking garage with direct access to the building.
• A linear park with a gaming area, seating and dog park will be located on the west side of the development; a triangular park will be located on the east side of the complex.
• The development itself will be located on the north side of the shopping center adjacent to the newly constructed retail plaza.
• Construction on the new luxury apartments will begin in early 2023 with completion scheduled for late 2024.

In addition to the luxury apartments, the second phase of the Fox Valley redevelopment will also include a senior living center. This new five-story building will offer independent living, assisted living and memory care services across 211 units. Together with Integrated Development, Centennial is eager to further meet the needs of the community by creating an exceptional intergenerational live, work and play community for mall-goers and residents.

Senior Living Center

• Five-story building with 211 units of independent living, assisted living and memory care.
• Together with the luxury apartment community, this senior living project will seamlessly complement the lively retail and dining scene under development at the shopping center.
• The facility will include a cocktail lounge, multiple gourmet dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and extraordinary outdoor amenities, including al fresco dining and casual patio areas, a dog park, pickleball courts, and a splash pad.
• The community will offer concierge living services with a la carte pricing, including activities and social clubs, weekly housekeeping, dry cleaning, transportation, therapy services, and an on-site health and wellness program.
• The senior living center will be located on the northeast side of the shopping center.
• Tentatively named “Sophia,” construction on the new senior living center will begin in early 2023 with completion and opening scheduled for late 2024.

Fox Yard Community Green Space

• The shopping center will soon open a brand-new 1-acre open-air green space to be used as a community gathering place and activated with events and entertainment for Fox Valley Mall shoppers as well as the residents of the apartments and the Sophia senior living center to enjoy.
• This space will include a beautifully landscaped grassy area with a half-mile-long walking trail, a dog park where well-mannered furry friends can socialize, casual picnic-style seating, and a large stage for events.
• While a schedule of events has not yet been formalized, Fox Valley Mall envisions the Fox Yard green space as a place for community-focused outdoor activities such as food truck festivals, farmer’s markets, an outdoor beer garden, outdoor movie nights or comedy shows, school dance recitals or concerts, live art events, fitness instruction, children’s music and theater classes, and pop-up boutiques.
• The communities of Aurora and Naperville will be invited to use the space to gather for celebrations, children’s birthday parties, workout sessions and other family-and-friend-style get togethers.
• The new green space will be located on the east side of the mall, near the newly constructed “Lumen Fox Valley” luxury apartments.
• Construction on the new Fox Yard green space is concluding now with an expected opening date of September 26, 2022.

Check back here for new updates on the redevelopment of Fox Valley Mall, or reach out today to discuss project of your own.

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