Live mural event planned at Illinois Mall

Since acquiring Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, Ill., from Westfield in 2015, Centennial Real Estate has pledged to do all in its power to return the property to its former glory.  One idea is to paint a new picture for Hawthorn with a series of murals.

The Hawthorn Mall has commissioned popular Chicago-based artist Anthony Lewellen to beautify the exterior of the former Sears building that was vacated in 2018.

Lewellen, known for his simple, bold palette and emotionally complex characters, will paint a series of four murals -- totaling 4,224 feet -- on-site at Hawthorn Mall.

The center, located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, has invited the community to come watch him as he works between May 5 and May 19 (weather permitting). For more information and scheduling details, visit shophawthornmall.com.

Sales dropped off at the mall by $50 million since Centennial purchased it in 2015, the Daily Herald reported. However, it recently announced plans to turn the center into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development that include additional retail and dining options, luxury multi-family housing, a regional gourmet grocer and an outdoor gathering space to the property.

Steven Levin, CEO of Dallas-based Centennial Real Estate told the Herald that the redevelopment will result in "one of the most dominant and exciting properties and destinations and gathering places for the next 30 years."
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