From Stratford Square to The Grove: A New Vision for Bloomingdale’s Former Mall Site

Posted by Jeffrey Pernito

The former Stratford Square Mall — once a bustling retail center in Bloomingdale — is now the site of one of the most ambitious suburban redevelopment projects in the Chicago area. After years of decline and eventual closure, the 1980s-era mall has been fully demolished to make way for “The Grove at Bloomingdale,” a modern mixed-use development that reflects evolving community needs and economic trends.

Why the Mall Needed to Change

Stratford Square was a regional destination during its heyday, drawing shoppers from across the northwest suburbs. However, like many enclosed malls nationwide, it saw a decades-long downturn marked by anchor store closures over the past decade, including Sears, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, and Carson Pirie Scott. Village leaders eventually stepped in to acquire the property — spending over $17 million to bring the interior mall and anchor pads under municipal ownership — and decided a new vision was needed.

Village President Franco Coladipietro explained that while the space holds many fond memories for residents, the traditional mall format no longer worked economically or socially for the community. The village’s intervention prevented further stagnation and opened the door for transformative redevelopment.

What The Grove Will Include

The Grove is designed as an open-air, walkable, mixed-use destination — a sharp departure from the enclosed mall model. Key components of the redevelopment include:

1. Bloomingdale Yard — First Official Tenant

The first confirmed tenant at The Grove is Bloomingdale Yard, a roughly 100,000-square-foot indoor sports and recreation facility. Modeled after similar venues in Naperville and Milwaukee, Bloomingdale Yard will offer:

Indoor sports fields
Youth and adult programming
Childcare services
Recreational leagues and events

It’s slated to open in 2027 and is expected to anchor year-round activity at the site.

2. Restaurants, Dining, and Retail

Well-known regional restaurant groups have expressed interest in opening locations at The Grove, helping to cultivate a lively dining and entertainment scene. Retail and commercial opportunities are being positioned around pedestrian pathways and gathering spaces.

3. Residential Development

As part of the first phase of development, a 280-unit luxury apartment complex is being planned, adding a residential component that will bring more daily life and economic activity to the site.

4. Public Spaces and Outdoor Amenities

Design renderings show features that will make The Grove a true community gathering place:

A central man-made lake that doubles as stormwater detention
Spacious lawns for concerts, seasonal markets, and festivals
Walkable paths and landscaping connecting destinations
Parking thoughtfully redesigned near the core activity areas

These elements aim to foster year-round use — from summer outdoor events to winter ice skating — giving the development a dynamic, experience-focused identity.

Financing and Project Timeline

To support infrastructure and public space improvements, the village plans to sell $52 million in bonds. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue generated by the development will help repay the costs over time. This approach allows the community to invest in long-term public benefits while encouraging private investment in commercial and residential components.

Village officials estimate that the full build-out of The Grove will take approximately five to eight years, reflecting the phased nature of large-scale mixed-use developments.

What This Means for Bloomingdale

The Grove’s shift from a traditional retail center to a mixed-use, community-centric destination mirrors broader trends in suburban development. Towns are increasingly moving away from single-purpose malls and toward vibrant, multifunctional spaces that offer economic resilience and enhanced quality of life.

For Bloomingdale, The Grove promises:

New housing options in a desirable location
Jobs and economic growth through retail, dining, and entertainment
Public gathering places that support community events
A refreshed identity that aligns with current lifestyle preferences

Looking Ahead

As construction begins on public spaces and early tenants prepare to open, The Grove is poised to become more than a redevelopment project — it’s the cornerstone of a reimagined Bloomingdale experience. With thoughtful planning, diverse uses, and community-focused design, this transformation could serve as a model for suburban redevelopment in the Chicago area and beyond.

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