A green space in front of the Apple store was added in 2017 at Hilldale and has become a popular addition to the shopping center. More green space is included in the latest redevelopment plan for Hilldale.
On the center’s south side, University Bookstore expanded, Sundance 608 Cinema was built and Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Flat Top Grill and Ace Hardware were added. On the north side, Metcalfe’s Market expanded, a 150,000-square-foot Target with parking was added in 2011, and a Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar opened in 2007. But in 2009, Freed ran into financial difficulties and ultimately the shopping center was purchased by Massachusetts-based WS Development at a 2012 sheriff’s auction for $52 million.
In 2015, WS completed a $15 million, 53,000-square-foot redevelopment between Macy’s and Metcalfe’s Market that created an open-air corridor on the shopping center’s north end. The company followed that up in 2017 with an outdoor plaza between Macy’s and the movie theater, a project that created a new space for a revamped University Book Store, Apple store and an L.L. Bean store.
The former BMO Harris Bank building and an adjacent parking lot will be redeveloped by WS Development in an effort to expand Hilldale with more retail, restaurants and entertainment options.
The newest proposal is being made possible after WS in 2018 purchased the bank property at 401 N. Segoe Road for $7.3 million. The property is adjacent to a parking lot already owned by WS and backs up to Vernon Boulevard.
The big picture
“Our goal has always been to make Hilldale a community destination,” said Nanci Horn, Hilldale’s general manager. “These additions make it even more inviting for our customers to spend an entire day here, shopping, eating, relaxing and spending time with friends and family. But we are also listening to the needs and wants of our growing community and trying to meet those as best we can.”
