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Gurnee Mills reports capital upgrades, strong leasing and new retailers
Summary
Randy Matowski reported capital improvements at Gurnee Mills, low vacancy rates and incoming retailers including Round 1, Hobby Lobby, Boot Barn and Primark; he also listed events and community programming for 2024 and 2025.
Randy Matowski, representing Gurnee Mills, briefed the Village of Gurnee board on Feb. 24 about capital projects completed in 2024 and planned work for 2025, tenant turnover and community events held at the center.
Matowski listed completed projects including CCTV upgrades (bringing more than 100 camera views), concrete and central‑plant chiller work, parking‑lot light-node controls, and soft‑seating and hardwood-floor restorations. He said 2025 work will include additional parking-lot paving, chiller upgrades, EMS upgrades, bollard replacements and further interior flooring restoration.
Matowski said leasing demand is strong: Simon Property Group converted former underperforming anchors into multiple new tenants and, by year‑end 2024, mall vacancies numbered “on one hand.” He identified new or incoming retailers and concepts: Round 1 (entertainment/arcade/bowling), Hobby Lobby, Boot Barn (under construction in the former Bed Bath & Beyond), Primark (longer buildout) and Reclectic (in former Saks OFF 5th). He credited pop-up activations and community events — including a First Responders Expo and Boo Bash — with keeping the center engaged with residents.
Matowski closed by listing 2025 events, including an annual “Rods for Remembrance” event scheduled for May 18, 2025. Board members thanked mall leadership for community engagement.
