From being named Google’s eCity of the State of Illinois, to the long-awaited completion of Oakbrook Center, and several new business and retail developments, 2013 was a great year for Oak Brook, Illinois. The Greater Oak Brook Economic Development Partnership recently provided the following highlights.
General Growth Properties, Inc. completed a two-year renovation of Oakbrook Center in November 2013. Improvements include new walkways, signs, landscaping enhancements, redesigned common areas and outdoor seating, and the addition of new retailers, restaurants and amenities. A new all-weather vortex fountain that combines a water display with lighting effects, glowing fire totems and a glass pavilion with a warming fireplace and café seating in the summer months add to the new look and feel of the shopping center. Oakbrook Center will now also feature a “Village Green,” which is an open lawn area that will be used for special events. Other new amenities include Wi-Fi and same day delivery for shoppers.
During the two-year renovation, Oakbrook Center continued to add new retailers. Some of the stores and restaurants that debuted or relocated during the redesign project include Aritzia, BOSS Hugo Boss, Brighton Collectibles, Clarks, Forever 21, Guess, Henri Bendel, kate spade new york, lululemon athletica, Madewell, Old Town Pour House, PBteen, Peek, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Tommy Bahama and West Elm. Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus also completed extensive interior improvements.
Next year, Oakbrook Center will welcome new tenants that include the Container Store, Le Méridien hotel, Zara and PIRCH.
Le Méridien, a hotel brand that originated in Paris, France and was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., will open its first Chicagoland hotel in Oak Brook. Le Méridien has close to 100 properties in more than 40 countries in its portfolio. The Oak Brook property will debut its $20 million transformation in April 2014. Indoor spaces and the exterior of the building have been redesigned and the hotel will offer 172 guestrooms and suites, 2 spa suites, a fitness center, event space of 3,500 square feet and a roof top terrace with spectacular views. A 9th floor full service restaurant and a signature bar will add to the amenities of the hotel and the area. In addition, the uniquely Le Meridien Hub™ experience will offer a social gathering place with curated artwork instead of a hotel lobby. Accomplished hotelier, Simon A. Fricker, was appointed General Manager and brings global expertise to Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook.
Oak Brook wins Google’s Illinois 2013 eCity award
Google named Oak Brook as the 2013 eCity for the State of Illinois. The annual award is given to the strongest online business community in each state and is a recognition of Oak Brook’s state-of-the-art technology but, more significantly, of local companies’ innovation and utilization of the web to conduct business. This award essentially acknowledged that Oak Brook is a leader in the digital economy and one of the “digital capitals” of the United States. “Oak Brook’s growth and innovation in e-commerce is an example that other cities across the state can strive to replicate,” said Scott Levitan, Director of Small Business Engagement at Google. “Google is proud to recognize this growing entrepreneurial spirit and the role it plays in creating jobs and sustaining local economies.” “The Village of Oak Brook was excited to learn that Google is recognizing what many businesses already know, that Oak Brook is a great place to work, live, play and do business,” said Village President Gopal G. Lalmalani.Oakbrook Center Renovation Completed
General Growth Properties, Inc. completed a two-year renovation of Oakbrook Center in November 2013. Improvements include new walkways, signs, landscaping enhancements, redesigned common areas and outdoor seating, and the addition of new retailers, restaurants and amenities. A new all-weather vortex fountain that combines a water display with lighting effects, glowing fire totems and a glass pavilion with a warming fireplace and café seating in the summer months add to the new look and feel of the shopping center. Oakbrook Center will now also feature a “Village Green,” which is an open lawn area that will be used for special events. Other new amenities include Wi-Fi and same day delivery for shoppers.
During the two-year renovation, Oakbrook Center continued to add new retailers. Some of the stores and restaurants that debuted or relocated during the redesign project include Aritzia, BOSS Hugo Boss, Brighton Collectibles, Clarks, Forever 21, Guess, Henri Bendel, kate spade new york, lululemon athletica, Madewell, Old Town Pour House, PBteen, Peek, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Tommy Bahama and West Elm. Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus also completed extensive interior improvements.
Next year, Oakbrook Center will welcome new tenants that include the Container Store, Le Méridien hotel, Zara and PIRCH.
New Le Méridien Hotel
Le Méridien, a hotel brand that originated in Paris, France and was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., will open its first Chicagoland hotel in Oak Brook. Le Méridien has close to 100 properties in more than 40 countries in its portfolio. The Oak Brook property will debut its $20 million transformation in April 2014. Indoor spaces and the exterior of the building have been redesigned and the hotel will offer 172 guestrooms and suites, 2 spa suites, a fitness center, event space of 3,500 square feet and a roof top terrace with spectacular views. A 9th floor full service restaurant and a signature bar will add to the amenities of the hotel and the area. In addition, the uniquely Le Meridien Hub™ experience will offer a social gathering place with curated artwork instead of a hotel lobby. Accomplished hotelier, Simon A. Fricker, was appointed General Manager and brings global expertise to Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook.