Latest news with #WSDevelopment
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Plaza del Lago on Chicago's North Shore gets luxury revamp
A North Shore mall is getting a major facelift with new stores slated to open soon. Why it matters: Plaza del Lago in Wilmette is upping its retail game with new luxury brands and local favorites, which could likely lure shoppers from Old Orchard, another North Shore open-air mall where major renovations have been underway in recent years. Driving the news: Mall owner WS Development announced it's adding 13 new stores, and at least one Chicago spot making its suburban debut — Streeterville boutique and cafe Space 519 is slated to open there next month. Flashback: Plaza del Lago was originally built in the 1920s off Sheridan Road and retains its original Spanish-style architecture, with its red stucco roof and white stucco exterior. It's one of the oldest open-air shopping centers in the U.S. The Teatro del Lago was a major draw in those early days, described as "a grand movie palace that brought a touch of Hollywood to the North Shore." State of play: As construction is underway, Plaza del Lago is operational with stores such as Big City Optical, Starbucks and Stretch Lab. A Jewel now sits where the theater was. Fun fact: Plaza del Lago sits on a strip of land once known as "No Man's Land" before it was incorporated into Wilmette — a hot spot for suburbanites looking for a drink and a good time. "No Man's Land became an enclave of uninhibited capitalism amid suburbanites who were an untapped customer base thirsting for a discreet night out. Along the rest of the North Shore, going to a movie on Sunday was considered shameful. Even after Prohibition was repealed in 1933, booze was banned by local ordinances," the Tribune reported. Zoom out: Open-air malls are a hot ticket, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year, as more flexible work-from-home schedules make it easier for shoppers to run to the market, pick up a coffee, buy a new dress and go to yoga all in one place.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hermès to Open Store at Plaza del Lago in Wilmette, Ill. in 2026
Hermès will be opening a store at Plaza del Lago in Wilmette, Ill. next year. The French luxury brand has signed a lease with WS Development for a two-story, 8,000-square-foot boutique, marking Hermès' second store in Illinois. Hermès has a store on East Oak Street in Chicago. More from WWD Hermès Creates Immersive Mystery Game in Downtown Manhattan Fritz Hansen's New Creative Director Ushers in Modern Era, Welcomes Michael Anastassiades to Lineup Shoppers Are Investing in Luxury Handbags Over Stock An Hermès spokesman confirmed the new lease, but declined further comment. Plaza del Lago is a historic luxury retail destination undergoing a revival that will introduce new local and national retailers and amenities. Built in the 1920s, it is one of the oldest outdoor shopping centers in the country. Its scenic lakefront location features Spanish-style architecture that blends with the surrounding neighborhood. 'We could not be more thrilled to officially announce Hermès as our first new retail partner within the reinvigorated Plaza del Lago,' said Samantha David, president of WS Development. 'This marks not just the arrival of an iconic luxury house, but the beginning of a new era for this iconic destination. Plaza del Lago was at one time the heart of the community and it is our commitment to return it to that noble calling. Hermès shares our deep appreciation for community, quality and tradition which makes them the perfect partner for this journey of restoration and revitalization. We are honored to bring them to the North Shore of Chicago.' The Hermès boutique is slated to open in 2026. In 2021, Hermès opened a 5,000-square-foot boutique at the Somerset Collection mall in Troy, Mich. Best of WWD Kate Middleton's Looks at Trooping the Colour Through the Years [PHOTOS] Young Brooke Shields' Style Evolution, Archive Photos: From Runway Modeling & Red Carpets to Meeting Princess Diana The Most Memorable French Open Tennis Outfits With Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka & More [PHOTOS]
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
As Hyde Park Village evolves, Forbici Italian restaurant is fighting to stay
A popular Italian restaurant in South Tampa is trying to reach a resolution with its landlord to avoid being booted from its building. WS Development, the landlord behind Hyde Park Village, filed an eviction against the owners of Forbici Modern Italian in April. The restaurant has occupied the space at 1633 W Snow Ave. since 2019. In the complaint, the landlord claims that Forbici has added more seats to the dining area than is allowed under its lease. The landlord is demanding that Forbici vacate the building and pay more than $800,000 in damages. In court filings, Forbici's owners argued that Hyde Park Village approved of and encouraged the expanded seating. They claim that the landlord 'believes that the lease is below market rate and/or that it may otherwise economically benefit from terminating the lease.' Jeff Gigante is the owner of Next Level Brands, the hospitality group behind Forbici. He said he couldn't comment on the arguments made in the lawsuit, but that he is working with WS Development to amend the lease and keep Forbici in Hyde Park Village. This may involve reducing the number of seats. 'I think we've found a happy compromise to move forward, resolve all the issues at hand,' he said. WS Development declined to comment. Hyde Park Village is in the midst of transition. In the past few years the upscale south Tampa shopping and dining destination said goodbye to tenants like The Wine Exchange – which had been in business for more than 30 years – and Goody Goody – a century-old burger joint that was revived by owner Richard Gonzmart. For Goody Goody, it was Gonzmart's choice to close the business. But WS Development did not give wine exchange the option to renew its lease. 'Part of what makes Hyde Park Village so special is that it is ever evolving and we're excited to bring forth the next chapter of what the community has been asking of us,' Alexandra Clark, the chief operating officer of WS Development told the Tampa Bay Times at the time of the Wine Exchange's closure. Recent additions to Hyde Park Village including Palihouse – a boutique hotel; Home – a members-only social lounge; and Jekyll – a speakeasy hidden behind a bagel shop, are attracting a new kind of customer. Last year, WS Development filed plans with the city of Tampa to overhaul the block that was previously occupied by Pottery Barn and the women's boutique Kittenish. Those businesses have since closed. It is unclear what will replace them. Gigante said WS Development is 'very selective' when it comes to choosing tenants for Hyde Park Village. He said his company underwent extensive negotiations to secure a spot for Forbici. 'Hyde Park is a very hot entity and anyone would want to go there,' he said. 'That's why we want to maintain Forbici.'
