Warm Welcome to Charlestowne Mall Reboot

The reception during its first official public review was warm but is not yet complete, as the St. Charles Plan Commission on Tuesday agreed to continue its public hearing on the Charlestowne Mall reboot until later this month.

The presentation by David Pyle, executive vice president of The Krausz Companies, generally was well-received by both the commissioners and some of the St. Charles residents who turned out for the public hearing on the $70 million project.

The company’s concept plan drew many questions from plan commissioners, but each spoke in praise of the project, even as they sought a fuller understanding of the project — and voiced some concerns about various aspects, from ensuring the renovation includes features that make the mall pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly.

The Krausz Companies are among SC Main 3800 LLC, the contract purchases of the property, and the public hearing is the first step in amending the planned-unit development  ordinance for Charlestowne Mall.

As presented to the plan commission, The Krausz Companies intend to tear down the former Sears store, which is unoccupied, as a part of an overall restructuring of the mall, which will make the “fortress-style” mall smaller, although several outlots would be developed into commercial  locations for banks, restaurants and other retail uses closer to Route 64.

The developer also plans a major earth-moving endeavor as part of the renovation to improve the mall’ visibility from the south and southwest, and exterior renovations to the mall itself to make it more eye-catching and attractive to passers-by.

The building will remain an enclosed mall, under the concept plan presented Tuesday, but the food court would be moved to the front of the mall on the second level, and would feature outdoor dining opportunities, Pyle said.

There remains some work, however, before the public hearing can be completed, which is why the Plan Commission agreed to continue the hearing into its next meeting, which is scheduled at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013 in the City Council Chambers of the St. Charles Municipal Center, 2 E. Main St.

Related:

• Sept. 10, 2013: $70 Million Renovation Proposed for Charlestowne Mall