For decades, Stratford Square Mall was one of the premier shopping destinations in Chicago's western suburbs. Families spent weekends browsing department stores, grabbing a bite to eat in the food court, and meeting friends for an afternoon out.

Today, much of that familiar landscape is changing.

After years of declining foot traffic and vacant storefronts, the former Stratford Square Mall property is being transformed into The Grove, a modern mixed-use development designed to better reflect how people live, shop, work, and gather today.

Here's what the redevelopment means for Bloomingdale and why it's part of a much larger trend reshaping communities across the Chicago suburbs.

A Look Back at Stratford Square Mall

When Stratford Square Mall opened in 1981, it quickly became a regional shopping destination for residents throughout DuPage County and beyond.

Located near the intersection of Gary Avenue and Schick Road, the mall attracted shoppers from communities including:

• Bloomingdale

• Carol Stream

• Glendale Heights

• Hanover Park

• Roselle

• Bartlett

At its peak, Stratford Square featured nationally recognized department stores, dozens of specialty retailers, restaurants, and seasonal events that brought thousands of visitors through its doors each week.

Like many enclosed malls across the country, however, changing shopping habits gradually led to declining occupancy and reduced customer traffic.

Why Enclosed Malls Have Struggled

The story of Stratford Square isn't unique.

Across the United States, many traditional shopping malls have faced similar challenges over the past two decades.

Several factors have contributed to this shift:

Growth of Online Shopping

Consumers increasingly shop online for everything from clothing to electronics, reducing the need for large indoor malls.

Changing Consumer Preferences

Today's shoppers often prefer open-air lifestyle centers that combine restaurants, entertainment, green space, and retail in one walkable environment.

Department Store Closures

Many longtime anchor stores have downsized or closed entirely, leaving large vacant spaces that are difficult to repurpose.

Demand for Mixed-Use Communities

People are looking for destinations where they can shop, dine, relax, and even live—all within the same development.

These trends have prompted communities across the country to rethink how large retail properties can better serve residents.

What Is The Grove?

The Grove is the new vision for the former Stratford Square property.

Rather than recreating a traditional shopping mall, developers are planning a modern mixed-use destination designed to become a community gathering place.

While development will occur over multiple phases, the overall concept includes:

• New restaurants

• Retail spaces

• Entertainment venues

• Attractive public gathering areas

• Landscaped green space

• Improved walkability

• Opportunities for future residential and commercial development

The goal is to create an active destination that serves residents throughout the week—not just shoppers visiting on weekends.

Why This Redevelopment Matters

Projects like The Grove extend far beyond replacing old buildings.

They can influence the future of an entire community.

Economic Investment

Redevelopment brings new private investment that can stimulate additional growth in surrounding areas.

Job Creation

Construction, retail, restaurants, hospitality, and service businesses all create employment opportunities for local residents.

Modern Amenities

Communities benefit from updated public spaces, dining options, entertainment, and gathering places that reflect today's lifestyles.

Increased Community Appeal

A revitalized destination can make a community more attractive to families, professionals, and businesses considering relocation.

A Growing Trend Across the Chicago Suburbs

Stratford Square isn't the only former mall being reimagined.

Across the region, suburban communities are transforming aging retail properties into vibrant mixed-use destinations.

Recent examples include:

• The redevelopment of the former Spring Hill Mall property in West Dundee

• Ongoing changes at Yorktown Center in Lombard

• Redevelopment efforts at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills

Rather than relying solely on traditional retail, these projects focus on creating places where people can live, work, dine, shop, and connect.

It's a strategy that reflects how suburban lifestyles continue to evolve.

What This Could Mean for Bloomingdale

For Bloomingdale residents, The Grove represents more than just new construction.

It has the potential to:

• Increase local investment

• Attract new businesses

• Expand dining and entertainment options

• Strengthen nearby commercial corridors

• Create a destination that serves future generations

While redevelopment takes time, projects of this scale often become catalysts for additional improvements throughout the surrounding community.

FAQ

Is Stratford Square Mall still open?

Much of the former mall has been demolished or is being redeveloped as part of The Grove project.

What is replacing Stratford Square Mall?

The property is being transformed into a mixed-use development featuring retail, restaurants, entertainment, green space, and future development opportunities.

Will there still be shopping?

Yes. Retail remains an important part of the redevelopment, although the experience will be very different from the traditional enclosed mall.

Why are malls being redeveloped?

Changing shopping habits, online retail growth, and demand for mixed-use communities have encouraged many cities to rethink aging mall properties.

How could The Grove benefit Bloomingdale?

The project is expected to attract new investment, create jobs, improve amenities, and strengthen Bloomingdale's position as a desirable suburban community.

Final Thoughts

The transformation of Stratford Square Mall marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Bloomingdale.

While many longtime residents have fond memories of the mall, The Grove represents an opportunity to create a destination designed for how people live today.

With new restaurants, entertainment, public gathering spaces, and future development opportunities, the project has the potential to become one of the western suburbs' most exciting redevelopment efforts.

As construction continues, The Grove will be a project worth watching—not just for Bloomingdale residents, but for anyone interested in the future of the Chicago suburbs.